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
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
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
Winter Sun Destinations
The thought of leaving behind dreary winter skies and escaping to sunnier shores is very appealing. Long weekends in sunny cities, lazy family beach holidays or you may even be setting your sights further afield to exotic locations where sunshine and adventure is guaranteed. There are plenty of places to visit which offer sun during our winter season – India, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The world is your oyster.
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Don’t Miss – In The Cotswolds
Broadway Tower
Completed in 1798 the tower commands a strategic hilltop position with views stretching across the countryside. Having served many purposes over the years, the tower museums trace the colourful history of the tower through the years. Pop into the nuclear bunker and then head to the wonderful Morris & Brown Cafe for a bite to eat and a browse of the shop. Read more
Autumn Escapes – At Home & Abroad
Gardens, The Mustard Seed
The leaves are turning yellow and burnt orange in colour, eventually releasing their grip on the branches they will drift towards the ground. When I walk on footpaths, the familiar sound of leaves crunching beneath my feet are a reminder the seasons have changed. Summer is over and soon fires will be lit and curtains drawn before 6pm. Autumn has arrived. With it, children have gone back to school and families no longer dominate hotels and guest houses. Now is the time to book a weekend escape, there are deals to be had! Read more
Lords of The Manor, The Cotswolds
Lords of the Manor
At the heart of the picturesque village of Upper Slaughter in The Cotswolds, is the luxurious Lords of the Manor Hotel. The golden building is surrounded by acres of brightly coloured flower beds and bog gardens, overlooking rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep. A more tranquil spot, I’ve not found. Read more
Julianne Mooney 