It's that time of year when I start dreaming of summer holidays. This year I have to take my holidays later than usual with the result that both the cost and temperatures will be higher if we go to southern Europe.
This makes staying at home and seeing more of our own beautiful country a tempting prospect. It makes sense to help the Irish economy and there should be plenty of special offers. We could take Fudge with us so he wouldn't have to spend a week in kennels. But, and it's a very big but, the Irish weather is so undependable, even in summer. Our emerald green landscape owes its richness and vibrancy to all the rain we get. And while tourists from countries which enjoy hot summers don't mind a week or two of rain, we have it most of the year and like a bit of sunshine for a change.
So, if we are to go abroad the question is where to? Flights to most of our favourite locations in Italy, France or Spain rocket as soon as the school holidays begin so the search is on for somewhere scenic, historic, and cultural. At the moment Porto and Edinburgh are among the favourites with reasonable flights and plenty to do and see.
Watch this space for further announcements.