Marian Keyes, Novelist
Destination '98 Castlegregory, Co Kerry
Why? Extended family of English in-laws requested scenic Irish holiday with charming friendly locals.
Travel companions? Extended family of English in-laws (including husband).
Any special pre-holiday purchases? An Irish history book to thrust at in-laws in event of them saying "but why did the Irish only eat potatoes?"
Who packs your bags? Me
Three things you won't travel without? Books, laptop and hair anti-frizz serum
One thing you always forget? To leave my over-high holiday expectations at home
What books are you planning to take? Will you read them? Among others: Polygamy by Gaye Shortland and Other Side of Reality, a collection of Czech short stories. Yes I will read them.
Favourite aspect of holidays? Absence of guilt - can sleep, read and eat as much as I like
Pet holiday hate? The run-up to the obligatory row
What do you bring for emergencies? Earplugs
Your best holiday ever? Honeymoon - Sans Souci Lido in Jamaica
Your worst holiday ever? A rainy skint week in Greece, while bags had gone to Montego Bay
Best thing about coming home? Finding the house still standing
Worst thing about coming home? The 30 seconds before the house moves into view when I'm visualising finding a smoking ruin
In conversation with Sarah Marriott
