Herald Opinion: We're all going on a summer holiday - but to where?

The summer is almost here—or at least, it is for me. School finishes up on Friday. Calling this time “holidays” might be a bit of a stretch, though. There’s always the expectation that the long weeks of supposed rest will be filled with something productive. For me, that begins with a summer course (not too long, about 20 hours). Continuous professional development is just as essential for teachers as it is for any other professional, even if it means spending a small part of the summer buried in books instead of sand.

One of the traditional joys of the summer break, following Roscommon football was unfortunately cut short last Saturday in Portlaoise. Our hopes ended with a loss to Cork in the final group game. No doubt Ian, Willie, and Fr Liam will have plenty to say in the sports pages this week, but the bottom line is simple: we just came up short.

Here in Loughglynn, the big talking point was the absence of Coxie. His kicking ability was missed, and for the first time since joining Roscommon, Conor Cox wasn’t part of the match day squad. It didn’t go unnoticed. Around here, when Roscommon is mentioned, so too is Cox. Sadly, the speculation about the senior team has ended early this year. Still, the minors and maybe the conclusion of the club leagues will bring some joy to us here. Time will tell.

When it comes to holidays, I’m rarely organised. This year is no different. I’m just not great at committing to a week months in advance. If I block it out on the calendar, something more appealing inevitably pops up, and I’m left feeling boxed in. That’s why I’m a last-minute traveller. I often talk about holidaying in Ireland—and there's so much here to enjoy—but if I’m honest, the sunshine and the chance to explore somewhere new usually win out.

I’m happiest in Rome or Athens, strolling ancient streets under a cloudless sky. My love for the classical world began in my schooldays at St. Nathy’s, where I was lucky enough to study Greek and Roman history—Classical Studies, officially. That subject sparked a lifelong fascination with those civilisations. Along with Greece and Italy, the Holy Land is high on my wish list. As a teacher, being able to talk to children about places like Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem and Judea from personal experience would bring scripture alive—so too would pictures from today. But with the Gaza conflict ongoing, it remains a dream for now. It’s heartbreaking that such a spiritually and historically rich land remains caught in turmoil. There’s something deeply contradictory in that.

Egypt is another dream destination. I’d love to visit the Valley of the Kings, stand in the shadow of the pyramids, and relive the stories I first heard in third class with Mrs Bruen. I can still remember the magic of learning about the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter. Those early classroom experiences stayed with me, and more recently, I’ve shared that same excitement with my own pupils when we study Ancient Egypt.

That said, we’re spoiled for history in Ireland. This country is filled with ancient wonders, and we’re lucky to have Rathcroghan here in Roscommon. I’ve visited it, as well as Newgrange, and they both left a lasting impression. In fact, I also first heard of Newgrange in that same third class classroom, when our teacher showed us photos from a visit she had taken with her family. In their own way, these places are as awe-inspiring as anything abroad.

As a child, I lived in Carrigans, County Donegal—a village on the Derry border. One memory that stands out is visiting Grianán Ailigh, which was nearby: an ancient stone fort said to be the seat of the Kingdom of Aileach. We took visiting cousins from Mayo on a tour of the area, and that particular stop stuck with me. I’ve returned a few times since. There’s something comforting about how close our past is in Ireland—just a short drive away in any direction.

Speaking of Mayo, like many Rossies, I can trace family roots there. And there’s a Titanic connection too—my granduncle’s wife’s sister was among those lost on the ship. Over the years, I’ve visited the Titanic Memorial Park in Lahardane, as well as the museums in Cobh and Belfast. They’re excellent spots for a day trip, especially when paired with an overnight stay. That said, I never count those as real “holidays.” Maybe I should, because they definitely are part of Ireland’s tourism offering.

Historical tourism is something I love, yes, we have lots of it here in Ireland but it seems that far away hills remain greener for me.

For me—and perhaps for many others—a holiday only truly begins when I’m boarding a plane, passport in hand, shorts in the bag, sandals on my feet, and sunglasses ready. That’s when I know I’ve stepped out of the ordinary and into something that feels like summer.

Where should I go this year?