My Holidays

Frankie Gavin, musician

What was your best holiday?

A couple of years ago my wife and I were invited on the trip of a lifetime – to spend a week travelling around the Mediterranean on the Christina O, the yacht once owned by Aristotle Onassis. I brought my fiddle and the man who invited us said I could play if I wanted. It was extraordinary to be on one of the world's most famous yachts and see the pictures of JFK and Winston Churchill on the walls. It was palatial five-star luxury – there was even a swimming pool that converted into a dance floor. At night we'd dress for dinner, eat incredible meals, meet really nice people and play a few tunes. It was like winning the Lotto.

What was your worst holiday?

When an aircraft we were due to fly to New York on was out of action, the airline brought in another one from somewhere in Europe. There was no life vest under my seat, the entertainment armrests were broken and I have dogs who get better food than was served to us. Passengers were handing around a notepad for everyone to sign a letter of complaint. When we finally arrived in New York there was a storm so we were in a holding pattern over JFK airport for an hour and a half. It was the flight from hell.

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

I’d love to visit the floating gardens of Kashmir. I saw a National Geographic documentary on them – it looked like a dream world. I’d also love to take Irish music farther afield to places it has not been introduced. Our culture is one of our most important assets – people don’t come here for sun holidays but for our culture.

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

Apart from my wife, I’d bring two artists, Brian Bourke and Jay Murphy, as they are fascinating company and hilarious. We’d go to Venice as it has lots of art galleries and it’s a great experience to go with someone who really knows about art.

What’s your favourite place in Ireland?

Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden because the craic is mighty and it has an atmosphere you wouldn’t find anywhere else. It’s also in Connemara, which is my favourite place in the world.

What’s your recommended holiday reading?

One book I've read over and over is The Silva Mind Control Methodby José Silva – a great little bible for lots of problems.

Where will you go to next?

To New York again – it’s a great territory for us.

Frankie Gavin will perform in City Hall as part of the Temple Bar TradFest on January 27th. templebartrad.com

In conversation with GENEVIEVE CARBERY