Whether you're a fan of golf or not, you might know that this year The Open has returned to Northern Ireland and the town of Portrush on our north coast for the first time in 68 years. If you've seen any of the coverage on TV, you may have caught a glimpse of our beautiful…
Call me biased, but this place we call home has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I don't get to see them nearly as much as I would like. And this past while back, I've really felt like I needed to escape there - for the sea air, the scenery, the…
A few weeks ago I spent a weekend in the city of Armagh, approximately an hour's drive from Belfast. It's a city I've never visited before and I admit I'm slightly embarrassed by that fact. Then again, I suppose, having no family or friend connections to the place, it hadn't been on my radar. All…
In the centre of Belfast, in the oldest part of the city, lies a series of narrow cobbled streets and alleyways known as Cathedral Quarter, named after St Anne's Cathedral whose Spire of Hope rises impressively on the city skyline. Steeped in history and with a strong literary tradition, its old red brick warehouses now…
Two weekends ago, we took a short break to the picturesque town of Carlingford. Situated on Ireland's ancient East coast, on the edge of Carlingford lough, and with the impressive backdrop of Slieve Foy, the town is just over 100 miles from Belfast (about 75 minutes drive) and a short distance over the border that…
As the end of year approaches, I've been thinking about the past twelve months, trying to assess how it all went. Looking back, it was a rather lovely year. We and our families enjoyed good health, we paid off our mortgage, Boris reached the grand old age of 3 and I hit the final year…
We love to get away at this time of year for a short break, just before autumn ends and winter takes over. Our destination this October was Rathlin Island, which lies approximately six miles to the north of Ballycastle off the north coast. Rich in history, flora and wildlife (seals, puffins and the elusive golden…
