Author Alice Taylortalks about her holidays
What's your earliest holiday memory?I grew up in north Cork, and we used to go to Ballybunion, in Co Kerry, on holidays. It was so exciting, as we wouldn't see the sea from one holiday to the next. At the time people had no cars, and we had to hire one to get there. I always remember the last stretch of the journey, when you would see the sea and smell the seaweed. The first thing we would do when we arrived is buy a spinning wind wheel and a bucket and spade.
What was your worst holiday?We rented a house overlooking the sea in Ballybunion when my children were teenagers. On the first evening there was lovely weather. But it rained that night, and in the morning the ground floor was covered in water because of a leaky porch. It rained for the whole week, and we spent our time brushing water out of the door. My sister was with me, and we now laugh at our disastrous holiday.
What was your best holiday?I went to Oregon, on the west coast of America. Lads from my area would go to Oregon to herd sheep. A lad called Mick worked on our farm and went there at 16. He used to write to us, and the names around Oregon developed a familiar and faraway sound. Years later I decided to go there. Mick took me to where he used to herd cattle, and we met a lot of people who would have known families in Cork.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?I'd like to go to the Cotswolds and Anne Hathaway's cottage, as well as Wordsworth country. I visited Bronte country a few years ago, and loved it, as I grew up reading Jane Eyre.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?I'd bring my daughter or my sister who lives in Toronto. My husband died suddenly three years ago. Who you take on holidays is important, and there is a harmony when I am with my sister.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?Kenmare, in Co Kerry. I got a rare weekend away there with my husband when we were running the business, had kids and no time to breathe. We walked the grounds of Parknasilla and that night had dinner at the Kenmare Park Hotel.
Your recommended holiday reading?I love Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy – nothing stressful.
Where will you go to next?I might go to see my sister in Toronto or my sister in Kent. I like a meandering holiday with people you are at ease with and can sit and talk for a long time.
** In conversation with Genevieve Carbery
** The Parishby Alice Taylor (Brandon, €22.99) has been nominated for the Best Irish Published Book of the Year in the Irish Book Awards 2009, to be announced on Wednesday. Vote in your local bookshop or at www.irishbookawards.ie