Tag Archives: holidays

I was rudely awakened early one morning from the dreamless and before I knew it I was strapped into the car and we were off down the road. It turned out herself had an early appointment and that’s what had disturbed my morning. I slept away in the back of the car so I didn’t immediately realise that instead of going home, we were going on to Galway city. As usual when we’re in Galway, himself took me for a stroll around the city, with plenty of wandering around book shops. I’m not a great dog for reading myself – it’s hard to hold the book with paws – but I had no objection to walking around and being admired and stopping at McCambridges for a swift dogguccino. Later on, we met up with herself, her friend Susan and Susan’s granddaughter Amber and we had a great chat over a drink in Tigh Neachtain. After another stroll around town, we …

The Twelve Hotel is a perennial favourite of ours to stay for a few nights, not least because it’s completely dog friendly so Daisy can come with us to enjoy the holiday. Of course with all the lockdowns over the last year, it’s been some time since our last visit so we were delighted to get a booking just after they reopened to residents in early June. There are a limited number of dog-friendly rooms so it’s advisable to reserve in advance. Daisy, in particular, was greeted like an old friend and when we arrived in our room there was a surprise awaiting us in the form of a bottle of bubbly. It came courtesy of my cousin Martine. She was passing through Galway earlier that week and we advised her to stop at The Twelve. She was so impressed with the food – and the cocktails – that she left the bottle as a little thank you. We had …

Keep it to yourself but one of my humans recently celebrated his 50th birthday. That’s ancient – around seven in dog years. Seeing as he’s always so good to me and looks after me so well, I decided to do something nice for him. I checked my bone account to see what it could stand and thanks to the excellent Bone/Euro exchange rate, on account of Brexit worries, I found that I could manage a few nights in BrookLodge in County Wicklow. It’s one of my favourite places as I get to look at the hens, chickens and geese that roam the grounds. My humans love it for the peace and tranquillity, not to mention the organic food for which it’s renowned. There’s a further attraction – the two resident dogs, my pals, Oscar and George, who are always good for a laugh and a chat. It was late afternoon when we arrived so after checking in with my American …

From Carrigaholt in the Loop Head pensinsula to Carron in the northern part of the county, the Clare coastline offers unrivalled and breath-taking views. All along the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, the spectacular scenery embellishes the tourism offering from quaint eateries, to pretty seaside villages, sandy bays and cliff top walks. Put simply, the Wild Atlantic Way is inspiring, renewing, relaxing and invigorating and this week The Clare Champion, in collaboration with The Connacht Tribune, has published the first ‘Where West’ magazine, the ultimate guide to planning your holiday break along the west coast of Ireland. Business Development Manager with The Clare Champion, Leo O’Connor said Clare is renowned for its tourism offering and the development of the Wild Atlantic Way has added another important string to its bow. He said Where West is designed to showcase businesses and events throughout counties Clare and Galway encompassing all that is best along the Wild Atlantic …

“CHRISTMAS is definitely my favourite time of year to come home; there’s a different atmosphere, it’s really family-oriented,” said Aileen Griffin on Wednesday afternoon, just after arriving in Shannon Airport. The Kilmaley woman was one of the thousands of emigrants returning to Ireland this week, mainly from the UK, the US and Australia. Aileen was greeted by her father, Joe, in Shannon. “He’s very diligent. He always does the airport pick-ups and he carries the luggage as well,” she joked. Peggy Hennessy had come in from Kilkee to pick up her son, Patrick, who is based in New York, where he works for an airline and is part-owner of a bar. Unlike many Irish people in America, he has legal status there. Peggy was very pleased to see him. “Of course, it’s brilliant to get him home. He shouldn’t have had to go in the first place, they shouldn’t have to emigrate in the first place. So many youngsters are …