Your Holiday Sunset on Maldives, Kani Island
Holidaying with the stars
Some well-known Irish faces tell Clodagh Dooley about their upcoming travel plans and holiday memories
Aoibhín Garrihy, actress, RTE Dancing with the Stars finalist
Lisa Cannon, presenter
“After Dancing with the Stars, I’m currently in Nepal for three weeks, supporting my husband John as he climbs Mount Everest. John will be here until late May/early June as the team wait for a weather window to summit. For me, the days will be spent trekking and enjoying the beauty and culture of the Himalayan region, while nights will be spent drinking tea and chatting! “I’ll travel to Barcelona at the end of May with my sisters Ailbhe and Doireann for a fun city break which I’m looking forward to. Then, when John returns, we’re hoping to get a few road trips around Ireland in with the dogs over the summer.”
Eric Lalor, comedian and actor
Photo credit: Stephen James O’Neill
Amanda Byram, TV presenter
Photo credit: Emily Quinn
“This year, I’m headed to The Body Camp Ibiza, a fantastic mind, body and soul retreat which I attended last year. I’m hoping to visit Bali in the autumn, to go to the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, and I’m also planning to go back to the Maldives, where I’m hoping to swim with manta rays and whale sharks in conjunction with The Manta Trust – the world’s leading manta ray charity. We will be immersed (literally) in every aspect of the Trust’s research and conservation efforts. “One of my best holidays so far was a trip to South America two years ago. We absolutely loved everything about it. First, we visited my old haunt Buenos Aires, where I filmed Wipeout. Then, we headed to Chile and the Atacama Desert for some out-of-this-world stargazing. Lastly, we went down to Patagonia, where we walked on icebergs and glaciers, and my husband proposed!”
Hughie Maughan, TV personality, RTE Dancing with the Stars contestant
“One of the destinations on my bucket list is Thailand. I want to experience the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, and relax on the beautiful beaches. I’ve been to a lot of the ‘party resorts’, including Magaluf, and I would like to go to Ibiza, Cancun and Vegas. But, I’m at a stage now where I’d prefer more relaxing holidays. “Myself and my fiancé, Ryan, have planned to go to the Lake District in the UK in a few weeks – you can stay in a log cabin there and we’re looking forward to just chilling out. We’ve no plans yet for where we’d like to spend our honeymoon. It won’t be for a while as far as we can see, but the Maldives is an option – it seems perfect.”
“This year, I have some trips over to the UK planned. I’m interviewing Sir Bob Geldof on April 27th in London, and I’ll visit friends and family who live there. My favourite cities are New York and Paris. When myself and my husband Richard choose a holiday, we go somewhere we know we’ll enjoy. I don’t tend to just land in a city and wander around – I plan ahead and research the restaurants, sights, and cool exhibitions. “But, on the other hand, one of my favourite destinations – the Maldives – is a different experience, because you just go to the one resort and relax for the week, which can be a good thing especially as I’ve been so busy with work! Although we’ve been to the Maldives twice, I would definitely return.”
“Between filming Fair City, performing at various festivals this summer and touring with PJ Gallagher, time is at a premium, but I do plan on getting away at some stage. As long as there is sun, heat and reasonably priced cocktails, I’m there! “My favourite destination is Los Angeles. My sister lives out there and I’ve been there a couple of times. It’s got everything - amazing weather, beaches, great theme parks and shops. One of my best travel experiences was probably doing Route 66 in October 2015 with Temple Street Children’s Hospital and seeing the real America on the back of a Honda Goldwing. It was incredible.”
Photo credit: Katie Levine
[L-R] Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor. Photo credit: Barry McCall
Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor, music duo
“Back in 2008, we went on a family holiday to Italy and Harry brought his guitar along. We played covers for some German people every night on the beach. It was the first time we’d played tunes together and that was where it all started. “Summer is usually full of travelling with Hudson Taylor, and this year we’ll be playing festivals most weekends around Ireland and Europe. We’d love to go to travelling around South America one day or to Argentina, where we have some family that we’ve never met.” For Hudson Taylor’s tour dates, visit www.hudsontaylormusic.com
Thalia Heffernan, model, RTE Dancing with the Stars contestant
“Johannesburg in South Africa was my favourite destination to visit by far. The culture and way of life is so different and fascinating and I remember just feeling like I was really opening my eyes to a world that I never knew existed. I also worked with lions and other animals while I was there; that trip really ignited my passion for wildlife and animal welfare. “I want to travel back to Africa and go from Kenya to Johannesburg and further my knowledge on the treatment of wild animals across the continent, especially in the southern countries. For me, that is a trip of a lifetime! Until then, I do have other holiday plans. Myself and my boyfriend are off to Tuscany for a week of pure relaxation with sun, the countryside and epic Italian food and wine, which I’m looking forward to.”