DUBLIN - There are many colourful stories and tales about when and why the doors of this city’s lovely Georgian townhomes began to be painted a myriad of vibrant colours, but the one I like most involves two of Dublin’s eccentric writers, George Moore and Oliver St John Gogarty.

DUBLIN - My long held suspicions are now confirmed after a recent trip to Northwest Ireland — it’s my favourite golf destination in the world.

BUSHMILLS, NORTHERN IRELAND - On a cold, blustery October day, with a raw wind whipping off the North Atlantic, I arrive at the entrance to the famed Giant’s Causeway.

GALWAY, IRELAND - An old man flashed a toothless smile and offered to help solve my dilemma - what to order from the luncheon menu at McDonagh's fish and chip shop.

KILLYBEGS, IRELAND - The people we met while eating lunch in this neat little seaport town, where the fish we were enjoying came off one of the trawlers tied up at the busy dock just a few hours earlier, told us the history of Killybegs.

GLENDALOUGH, IRELAND - You don’t have to go far in Ireland to see ancient ruins

ENNISKERRY, IRELAND - A little West Highland Terrier greeted us at the entrance of Powerscourt with a chorus of barks. “Don’t mind Muffy,” said a lady chasing after the little white terror. “She won’t hurt you – she’ll just bark you to death.”

KINSALE, IRELAND - As far as foodie towns go, this sleepy little village at the mouth of the River Bandon is one of the more appetizing.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – To my right sat an elderly man in a Speedo; eyes closed and head tilted contentedly back. To my left was a smiling woman of the same age, blissfully spilling out of her bathing suit.

ATHENS - Summer after summer, I return to Greece to spend the better part of my vacation and the reason is simple: it’s home, even if you’re not Greek.