This summer, many people will have travelled in the south-west, where sunshine is a bonus, but not the be all and end all. That's why we have travel agents. Here, it's a case of taking the appropriate gear just in case - and braving the odds.
There is lots to see out there if you know where to look and you are amenable. In almost every nook and cranny of the Republic, interesting things are on offer.
Local historians abound and almost invariably have published their findings. In the towns and villages local shops usually display these offerings in booklet form, but every now and again something a little bit special hoves into view. One such item is An Irish Arcadia - The Historic Gardens of Bantry House.
The slim volume by Nigel Everett, a consultant on historic landscapes, was published recently and, while it is unlikely to be a best-seller, it will appeal to many people interested in this area.
Those who buy it are likely to find much to enjoy and interest them in its 63 pages. All proceeds from the publication will be donated to children's charities.
Two years ago the author was asked to prepare a historical account of the Bantry House gardens. In this well-researched booklet he has introduced a wider audience to the delights of the historic landmark and its grounds, which have been attracting more and more tourists in recent years.
For personal reasons, he is no longer involved in the project, but he has provided a history of the demesne from 1866 to 1877 as well as tracing the evolution of the various gardens.
He has now embarked on an inventory of the great gardens in Bantry Bay - about which more anon.