My Holidays

Aoibhinn McGinnity - Actor

What’s your earliest holiday memory?

Probably going to Downings in Co Donegal with my family. One of my earliest memories there is learning how to ride a bike. It was the first time I rode one without stabilisers. I remember my dad was behind me and then he let go without me realising. When I did realise what he’d done, I freaked out! But it was amazing.

What was your worst holiday?

I went to Spain about five years ago at Easter time. But it rained the whole time and it was really depressing. The place was a great disappointment without good weather. I was staying in a sort of dull hotel in one of those places that was built for sunshine. As it wasn’t holiday season, a lot of places weren’t open and anything to do was outdoors. So we ate and drank, and went to Barcelona to shop for a day.

What was your best holiday?

Last year, I got away to Turkey with three friends. It was the first time the whole group had been away together. We went to a friend’s parents’ house in Alanya. It was the hottest holiday I’ve been on, almost too hot at 40 degrees. However, this meant it was the only time

I ever actually got a tan. It was almost too hot to do very much but it was just a short walk from the house to the beach and we took boat trips. It was also really cheap – you’d have dinner with starters and desserts for hardly anything. One day we went to a Turkish bath together and got the giggles when we went in. We got facials and head massages, all for €20.

If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?

I haven’t been to Thailand or South America. I know someone who is just back from Thailand, and it sounds amazing. I’d love to backpack around South America. The appeal seems to be gone from Australia as it sounds like it is a mini-Ireland.

If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?

Getting all the family to go away together – I have two sisters and a brother – would be nice.

What’s your favourite place in Ireland?

I love Donegal and also like the really good atmosphere in Galway.

Your recommended holiday reading?

Jack Kerouac's On the Roadis a great book that makes you want to travel.

Where will you go to next?

I’ve never been to New York and would really like to go there this year. I lived in London and apparently if I liked London I would love New York. The other side of the world is intriguing if you’ve never been there.

Aoibhinn McGinnity stars as Erika in Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's play Between Foxrock and a Hard Placeat Cork Opera House from March 28th to April 2nd and at Dublin's Gaiety from April 4th, rosstheplay.com

In conversation with GENEVIEVE CARBERY