A city still full of surprises
It has been 17 years since I visited London, so I was long overdue for a trip to refamiliarise myself with the cosmopolitan English capital. A short 75-minute flight from Dublin and I am figuring out the tubes on the Underground, finding my way into Central London. As I sit on the tube, flashes of […]
A warm Donegal welcome
The minute I take the exit off the busy M50 motorway and onto the road to Donegal, my shoulders relax and my body immediately slows down. I visit Donegal as much as I can and if my tweens will come along. When they were younger, I went to Donegal several times a year and would […]
Family fun in the hills of Benidorm
We are so spoiled for holiday destinations from Ireland to Spain – the only hard choice is narrowing down which costa you want to visit. Among my favourites is the reliable Costa Blanca – home to Spanish culture, family-friendly hotels, great food and a guaranteed 300 days of sunshine. Some of the most popular resorts […]
Spain’s Hidden Costa
We have all heard of the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada…now there’s another one to add to the list: Costa Tropical. A short flight to Malaga takes you to the busy resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos, and Marbella, but a short detour will take you to an authentic Spanish town called Salobreña in the […]
Home of natural wonders
Growing up in the 1980s, one of my favourite forms of escapism was movies. I spent countless hours glued to the television, completely absorbed in Hollywood blockbusters and iconic TV shows, imagining a life far removed from my reality. In my head, I was being swept off my feet by someone who looked like actor […]
Caribbean State of Mind
For me, travel has always been about escape and the further away, the better. I like that feeling of landing into a completely different culture, where everything from the food to the pace of life feels slightly unfamiliar. It started in my early twenties when I went backpacking in Thailand, not entirely sure where I […]
A True Taste of the Heart of Ireland
The geographical centre of Ireland is generally considered to be near the village of Kilbeggan in County Westmeath and whether you’re a local or a visitor, you need to put it on your ‘must-visit’ list. Particularly to visit the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Ireland, dating as far back as 1757 – Kilbeggan Distillery. If […]
Tenerife fun with a local touch
Dozens of flights depart from Ireland every week for the Canary Island of Tenerife. What is it about this volcanic outcrop that keeps Irish travellers coming back? Because of its location, off the northwest coast of Africa, the climate offers warm waters and plenty of sunshine. Surely there is nothing much to do except visit […]
20 Years On The Runway
Marking 20 years is no small feat in an ever-changing industry and the Carlton Hotel Group is going from strength to strength – while also embracing a more sustainable, greener approach. Michael Kearney is the Irish businessman and Chairman/CEO of the Carlton Hotel Group, who is behind its success. At a recent 20th-year celebration at […]
A Bite of The World – Discover Culture through Cuisine on a River Cruise
Food for many travellers is the gateway to culture and on a river cruise, every meal is a chance to step deeper into the story of the places visited. For me, the best way to get to know a place has always been through its food. A dish tells you as much about a country […]
Birth of a new Star
Princess Cruises began in 1965, founded by Stanley McDonald. It commenced with just one small ship – the Princess Patricia – offering cruises along the Mexican Riviera. From those early days, the brand has grown into one of the most recognised names in cruising, thanks to its starring role in the classic TV series The […]
Magical family trip Yule never forget
When I reflect on Christmas, my mind immediately thinks of the North Pole – carpets of snow, twinkling lights, Santa’s workshop busy with working elves and that unmistakable feeling of pure magic. It’s the kind of wonder we are all meant to feel, no matter our age. If you love Christmas, whether as a wide-eyed […]