"If I were French, I'd keep Nantes a secret too", says my husband on the last day of our trip. I know exactly what he means. As major European cities get busier, overcrowded and more expensive, and with complaints from residents about 'over-tourism', smaller cities like Nantes are still a pleasure to explore, and you'll receive a warm welcome wherever you go.

It's our first evening on Île de Ré. We're perched on a wall on the promenade and everything is still and peaceful. Boats are bobbing gently and there's barely a ripple on the water but in contrast, the sky is dramatic and awash with colour, moving from bursts of orange, pink and purple to the most calming shades of blue before darkness set in. It's heart-stoppingly beautiful.

La Rochelle has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a seaside location, a picturesque old town and port, and any number of fantastic bars and restaurants to while away the hours. It's neat and compact, with all key sights of interest within walking distance. It's a dream of a city, an absurdly beautiful maze of narrow streets lined in pristine white limestone buildings with tasteful pastel shutters. There's a good reason why they call it the Ville Blanche.

The Wild Atlantic Way at its ruggedly beautiful best: totally unspoiled with epic scenery with crystal-clear water, soft white sand beaches & a haven of biodiversity.

It's fair to describe Farmleigh House and Gardens as one of Dublin's best kept secrets with acres of parkland and beautiful gardens. You'll also find a fabulous art gallery, a sculpture trail, a lakeside walk and a restaurant, not to mention fields of horses, donkeys, cows and the occasional alpaca.

The Côte Bleue or Blue Coast, so named after the iridescent colour of the water, is dotted with small ports, beaches and secluded inlets, and the coastline is rugged, craggy and wildly beautiful.

First impressions of Marseille... A sparkly sea with boats bobbing in the harbour.  Sunny day vibes at the old port - people sitting with their legs dangling over the edge, chatting and slurping ice-creams before they melt in the afternoon sun. Brazilian buskers rocking a bossa nova beat on the pier. An infectious exuberance and energy in the air. It was love at first sight.

How Blur saved my life on the Camino and other stories... Musings & ramblings from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre - 129 kms in 4 days

Blessington Greenway: a picturesque walking & cycling trail through woodland and along the shores of the Blessington Lakes

Utrecht: a fantastic alternative city break to Amsterdam. Compact & bike-friendly with cool cafes & bars and some great restaurants

Happy new year! As a traditional end-of-year wrap-up, I’ve compiled an overview of some of my foodie highlights in Ireland in 2024.

There is something otherworldly and cinematic about Matera. A dizzying maze of alleyways, hidden passages, sleepy squares, tunnels & terrace

It's a stunning city, boasting a trove of exuberant Baroque buildings and picturesque piazzas. Yet it never feels showy...

Castro is an endearing little coastal town with a nostalgic, timeless quality; almost cinematic.

A rustic rural retreat in northern Ireland. A proper hideaway from the world with luxury self-catering accommodation.

We wander through the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that make up Monopoli's historic centre. It's siesta-time and the city is silent

Quirky, arty, bohemian and beautiful, there are a myriad of reasons why you should visit one of France's most underrated cities.

Renowned for its dramatic scenery, epic beaches and countless walking and cycling trails, Kerry is a haven for the active-minded

We pull up to the door on a cold, wet January afternoon but our mood changes as we enter the cosy festive foyer with an open fire

Happy new year! As an end-of-year wrap-up, I’ve compiled an overview of all the cafés and restaurants in Ireland that I loved in 2023