We asked glossy holidaymakers to tell us what (and where) is on their beachy Bucket Lists. From building sandcastles on InishBofin, to taking a hike on the Miyako-Jima Island, to strolling around St Tropez – here seven glossy holidaymakers share their dream destinations…
INISHBOFIN, CO GALWAY
Chupi Sweetman, founder and CEO, Chupi. When I was little, we spent our summer holidays on Inishbofin Island. The long drive west, followed by the excitement of a ferry ride from Cleggan pier to the island, left a lasting imprint. This summer I want to start our own tradition and take my darling girl on that same adventure, setting sail from Cleggan, disembarking at Bofin pier. Building sandcastles on East beach, drinking wine that’s a little too warm, swimming in the sea that’s a little too cold. I can’t imagine a better day – a part of my heart will always be West. @chupisweetman
ANDAMAN ISLANDS, MYANAMAR
Ritika Callow, director of Wilton Gallery, Sandycove, Co Dublin. On my list, a journey to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands – a pristine dreamland archipelago of clear waters, creamy sand, jungle, mangroves, and flaming coral in the North Indian Ocean. I heard about it when I had just got called to the Bar, and through FLAC got a three-month internship with the Human Rights Legal Network in New Delhi, India. When not tackling complex issues, there was time for tea and discussion. A lawyer from the Andamans told stories of elephants swimming between the Andaman Islands, secret diving spots and beautiful coves to drop anchor, restricted zones to protect tribes. I remain intrigued and one day hope to visit. @wiltongallery.ie
DEAUVILLE, NORMANDY, FRANCE
Owen Reilly, estate agent. I am always drawn to the Normandy beaches as I am fascinated by World War II. The American Normandy graveyard is a very solemn place and a reminder of the sacrifice many young men made during the landings. It’s a great place where culture meets sandy beach life. This summer, my family and I are holidaying in Deauville. For a small town, Deauville has a fantastic dining scene, which is not surprising given the weekend influx of Parisians and tourists drawn here for the beaches, casino, horseracing and polo festival – it is often referred to as the Parisian Riviera. Deauville’s famous boardwalk, Les Planches, is just beautiful and lovely for walks any time of the day or year. In the summer, there is a market every day: It’s the place to buy local specialities, Camembert and artisan cider. Every time we visit, we see familiar Irish faces. Shopping is superb – Coco Chanel opened her first shop in Deauville. @owenreillyproperty
MIYAKO-JIMA ISLAND, JAPAN
Orla Daly, founder, Cayo; www.cayo.ie. I’d love to visit Hong Kong! Not only does this super city have amazing food and one-of-a-kind adventures it also has lots of trails for great hikes on the Japanese island of Miyako-jima. When I go away, I like to have a mix of adventure and relaxation, plus time for reading a book on the beach. When you have enjoyed a bit too much of the cuisine and maybe a couple of cocktails in some fabulous rooftop bar, you can walk it all off the next day with a hike on one of the nearby mountains or partake in some beach yoga. @dalyorla_x
BALLYMONEY BEACH, CO WEXFORD
Emma Kelly, Founder, Elevate PR. I have always loved the sea and particularly the Irish coastline, so much so that some wakeful nights, I fall back asleep by mentally going around Ireland, county by county, to my favourite beaches! My favourites are Ballymoney in Wexford, Barley Cove in Cork and Portacloy in Mayo and I intend to get to all three this summer. I am not a big sun-worshipper so you will find me in my dreams wrapped up under an umbrella at my favourite beaches in Florida, Cape Cod and Tarifa in southwestern Spain, eating fresh shellfish. The reality, this year however, will most likely be in Ireland, and eating Tayto. @emmaelevate
MOUNT VERNON, CO CLARE
Ruth Griffin, Fashion historian. On my Bucket List is a visit to Mount Vernon, Co Clare. It’s a holiday home like no other, a charming Georgian villa built in 1788, which later became Lady Augusta Gregory’s very own bolthole. The whitewashed house has striking red-painted bay windows and a terrace which overlooks a wildflower meadow and a glimmering blue view of the Flaggy Shore and Galway Bay. Here, myself and my husband Donal, and a dinner party guest or two, would sit with cocktails in hand and watch the light move over the sea until the sun goes down. Until that happens, you’ll find me in an equally dreamy setting building sandcastles with my two-year-old Billy on Lissadell beach in Co Sligo. @ruth_griffin_fashhistorian
ST TROPEZ, FRANCE
Rachel Kelly, Founder of La Mandarine. Early in the season, St Tropez has a charm that is impossible to replicate. The scent of jasmine and rosemary is potent, vines are bursting into life, and the super-yachts have yet to arrive to block out the view of the port. A stroll around the town has a feeling of stepping back in time to a simpler age before St Tropez became famous for all the wrong reasons: the old ochre-coloured narrow streets remain unchanged. I was lucky enough to have a house nearby for many years which is where, and how, I conceived my beachwear business La Mandarine, inspired by the unique beachwear boutiques on Pampelonne beach. My all-time favourite day is a Sunday with family at Cap 21 on Pampelonne beach, just next door to the famous Club 55 but with a more chilled-out vibe and better food. There is a certain je ne sais quoi to St Tropez and the region that has to be felt, to be experienced. I recommend it early in the season! @lamandarinebeachwear
