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 
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
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
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
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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Europe’s Christmas Markets
I know, I know, the pumpkins from Halloween have not yet rotted, nor the fake cobwebs been pulled off the walls and I’m talking about Christmas. But there’s only 45 days till Christmas, so it’s time to start getting into the Christmas spirit and there’s no better way than visiting a Christmas Market.
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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
A Vintage Tour of The Cotswolds
Upper Slaughter, The Cotswolds
It was like I had walked onto a movie set. Beautiful, honey-coloured stone buildings lined the narrow street that dipped down towards a slow-moving river. The sun had not yet warmed up and there was a nip to the morning air.The village slept as I sat on the bridge, legs dangling above the water. Read more
Julianne Mooney 
