This year, what with the finances being a little tighter, the wife and I decided to put off one of our Wildlife Holidays in Australia and instead travel to Ireland and experience what the Emerald Isle had to offer.

It proved to be a wise choice as I have to say, that Ireland is absolutely stunning. We took advantage of a cheap airline deal through a company whose name I probably do not have to mention, and landed in Dublin.

After a couple of days sight-seeing in the capital, sampling the odd pint of Guinness or two, we decided to hire a car and get out and about in the countryside. I don't often like the use of the word quaint, but in this circumstance, I think it is justified in its use!

Some of the small villages were delightful and we stayed in some super friendly family-run bed and breakfast establishments, and at night, were treated to local music in the pubs more than once!

Driving around Ireland was the ideal way to travel for us, as we love our independence and the ability to go where we like at a moment's notice. I would really recommend it to anyone else thinking that a European holiday is a little expensive right now and we may very well go back there next year ourselves!