First Time Cruising with MSC
MSC Magnifica
We were waiting to embark the rather impressive MSC Magnifica in Venice. Beside us a young couple fussed over their baby, a group of retired Germans chatted happily, a couple in their 40’s were being ignored by their two teenagers and a gaggle of thirty-something women laughed uncontrollably at an ‘inside’ joke. Read more 
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Let’s face it, the summer came and went in those two weeks in April. Or was it March? No matter, it has been and gone and left us all damp, uncertain and pining for sunshine. I spotted a gap of five days in my calendar and decided if I didn’t get away then it would be August before I could escape and to be honest the thought of two months without sunshine was more than I could bear. Read more
Activity Breaks in Westport, Co. Mayo
Croagh Patrick, Westport. Photo Credit: Destinationwestport
My first view of Croagh Patrick was on a winter’s day. A storm had raged on the west coast for three days and finally, it blew itself out. We had approached Westport from Louisberg and were not prepared for our first glimpse of Clew Bay.
Walking Ancient Paths Along The Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago
There’s something incredibly satisfying about rising early each morning, consulting your map and walking into the unknown. I guess it’s like life; we have plans, like destinations, but ultimately we’re unsure what will happen along the way. Sometimes we veer off our chosen path and find ourselves lost, or we discover the path is more beautiful than the one we’d set out for ourselves. Read more
Fitzpatrick Hotel, Grand Central, NYC
Fitzpatrick hotel, NYC
Ask anyone, anywhere and they will tell you the Irish give the best welcome.
When you arrive to one of the busiest cities in the world, with temperatures way below zero, it helps to step into a warm hotel and hear “Welcome to Fitzpatrick’s. How was your flight? You must be tired, we’ll get you sorted straight away.” Read more
New York – The City That Won’t Let You Sleep
New York City
“I want to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep” sang the lovely Frank Sinatra, and boy was he right. For those living in New York, it is still the city where anything is possible, where you can become ‘King of the hill, top of the heap’ no matter who you are or where you come from. Read more
Romantic Breaks in Europe
I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. It feels more like a commercial ploy to fill the space between Christmas and Easter than a day for people to demonstrate their love for one another. I prefer little gestures throughout the year; bars of my favourite chocolate delivered to my couch, spontaneous weekend lunches, home-cooked dinners and flowers, simply because.
A Retreat in the Garden of Ireland – Powerscourt Hotel
Wicklow Mountains
I love Wicklow, but I’m biased, I was born and raised here and recently bought a house in the heart of the county. We now live overlooking mountains and a lush green valley. Our back garden leads into a forest laden with wildlife – red squirrels, hedgehogs, Red Kites and deer. There is a reason Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland and I’m proud to call it home. So to visit a hotel in Wicklow, was a real pleasure! Read more
Orlando: Things to See and Do
One thing I can guarantee you, you won’t get everything done in one trip to Orlando. So, with this in mind, my advice to you is to prioritise. Pick the top 5 things you want to see and do and then plan your days around them. After that, if you have spare time, you can hit your reserve list. Orlando means something different to everyone, depending on your tastes and age, but here is what I managed to take in on my visit and what I most enjoyed. Read more
Theme Parks, Everglades and Family Fun in Orlando
Orlando. This is the city of fun, a playground for young and old, a place to relive your youth, make your head spin on crazy roller coasters, experience 3-D rides like you’ve never imagined and meet Mickey Mouse. What’s not to love? Even if you don’t think you’re into theme parks, believe me, spend a week in Orlando and you’ll be converted. Read more
Julianne Mooney 