My holiday

Gillian Bowler

What's your earliest holiday memory?

Some place by the sea in Hastings, in England. The weather was awful and we stayed in a caravan. I was four or five. I climbed a 150ft [ 50m] cliff having been told not to - and I had to be rescued. All I remember is the rain and disobeying and always being chastised.

What was your worst holiday?

My husband, Harry, and I stayed in a hotel in Chalkidi, in Greece. It was run on German lines, with breakfast served and over by 8.30am. We lent hotel table-tennis bats to another couple, and the following morning, at 6.30am, four people came into our room without knocking and demanded that we give them their bats back. We had an awful time. Friends from Athens had to come and rescue us.

What was your best holiday?

In a villa in Majorca with friends and assorted children. We had crocodile races in the pool and hosepipe fights. We behaved idiotically and acted like children. It was great fun.

What would your dream holiday be?

A month-long trip to Australia via Los Angeles. We would take in the real sightseeing stuff: Cape Canaveral, Disney studios, the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock, travelling first class all the way. It is a complete fantasy; it will never happen.

Who would you bring on holiday with you?

Harry and my dog, Toby. I miss him when I'm on holiday.

What's your favourite place in Ireland?

One of the most switch-off things to do is to take a boat on the Shannon. I also have a place in Wexford, and I love Kerry, too.

What holiday read would you recommend?

Books about where you are and what experiences you are having are best on holiday. I read Congo Journey by Redmond O'Hanlon on holiday in Bali in the rain. I felt I understood the trials and tribulations described, although I was staying in the Four Seasons, which Harry said was not quite the same.

Where to next?

Sligo and Donegal; I love the views. I collect paintings and have one of a beach in Sligo. I want to walk where that painting is.

Gillian Bowler founded Budget Travel and is chairwoman of Fáilte Ireland.

In conversation with Fiona Gartland

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times