AEDÍN GORMLEY– Lyric FM presenter
What’s your earliest holiday memory?
I have very vivid memories of my first big trip abroad visiting my uncle in Canada when I was four. I don’t know how my parents managed to bring all five kids. I had a huge bag of toys on the plane in the days when the size of your hand luggage wasn’t such a big issue. I remember travelling through the Rockies and being told to look out the window as a bear was crossing the road.
What was your worst holiday?
Lanzarote or as we called it, Lanzagrotty! Many people love this island but we had a hideous holiday. We moved apartment three times due to plumbing problems, the food wasn’t great and we had belongings stolen from the beach as we swam. I foolishly gave it a second chance recently, but was let down by very poor service in what was meant to be a five-star hotel. Never again!
What was your best holiday?
There are too many to mention! A holiday in Lagos, Portugal, with two best buddies about 10 years ago stands out. We had the perfect weather, breathtaking views, great food and adventures that we still reminisce about. I also love the buzz of New York and I generally pack in as much as I can between sightseeing, theatre, shopping, and strolling through Central Park. Paris is another favourite for the ambience, the markets and the wonderful sites at every turn. I had a memorable trip to Venice in January trip with my mum. It’s extraordinary, and I think you have to visit to really “get” what all the fuss is about.
If budget or work were no restriction, what would be your dream holiday?
I really want to visit the Galapagos Islands. I love nature and it would be great to cruise around to see the strange and abundant wildlife. It inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution, so as an archaeology graduate I would like to follow in his footsteps.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?
If Daniel Craig wasn’t free, then my pal Deirdre. We travel well together and have holidayed in various locations every June since college.
What’s your favourite place in Ireland?
Donegal where my dad comes from. I spent a lot of time there growing up and just love it. It is still the place I escape to, with a magnificent coastline, rugged landscape and great restaurants. A walk on Rathmullan beach and all is right with the world again.
Your recommended holiday reading?
I love books set in small town America such as Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Strout and Richard Yates. I will be spending the summer in Ireland so I have two Irish books I want to read: Anne Enright's The Forgotten Waltzand Edna O'Brien's Saints and Sinners.
Where will you go to next?
I will going to a memorial concert for composer John Barry in the Royal Albert Hall, London, and then to Donegal where Rathmullan beach is calling!
RTÉ Lyric FM
Movies and Musicals
presenter Aedín Gormley will present
A Night at the Oscars
with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra on June 24th at the National Concert Hall
In conversation with GENEVIEVE CARBERY