Ok, so this is a bit of a laboured Irish ink to Shakespeare country (what’s new, you say) but where there’s a Will, there’s an Irish you will, you will, you will.
But certainly Irish actors were the go-to for Chloe Zhao when she was casting Hamnet, the moving film around the death of the son of Will and Anne (or Agnes).
With Jessie Buckley scoring an Oscar for Best Actress opposite Irish compatriot Paul Mescal.
Stratford on the map
Stage is set: Anne
While all the world’s a stage and millions’ focus is centred on footballers running around the field, hopefully with a football attached, let’s not forget the other players.
And you thought it was in New York, well it is, but here’s somewhere else where you don’t have to press your nose up to the glass… inside the United Nations in Geneva.
Switzerland is famous for its internationalism and neutrality so of course it embraces the whole United Nations ideal.
And is more than happy to open its doors for a new gateway into how the world works… the Portail des Nations.
Unite the world: Our World Cup flags
Located at the entrance of the Palais des Nations (along the Alley of Flags), this immersive visitor centre invites you, we’re told, to explore the forces shaping our world.
Of course, now we’ve had our big kick-off to the football World Cup, we’ve got our own Alley of Flags along the garden fence.
Our own little effort at world unity.
Flagging up the Portail des Nations
White for peace: The Palais des Nations
More than a visitor centre, the Portail des Nations, which opens on Friday, June 18, is designed as a journey.
Across nearly 1,000m², interactive installations bring global challenges to life.
From climate change to human rights and global health.
A highlight of the visit: an immersive experience inspired by how the United Nations operates.
New age: An immersive experience
And it offers visitors insight into the mechanisms behind international decision-making.
Designed for everyone, the experience is easy to access and does not require the usual formalities associated with institutional visits.
The art of diplomacy
Towering: Geneva’s place in the world
Whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or in a group, it’s the perfect introduction to international Geneva.
With this new landmark, the city on the lake reinforces its position as a hub of dialogue and diplomacy.
The Portail des Nations becomes a must-visit starting point.
To understand how global decisions are made and how they impact us all.
We found an EasyJet return flight from our local airport here in Edinburgh to Geneva for £200 return…
Plus ca change as they say en France and for go-karting in Galway read Avo-Drift in Avoriaz aujourd-hui.
One of the highlights back in the day on holiday in Salthill on Ireland’s west coast .
And before Sky television and mobile phones and girls, was the go-karts.
And we’d spend the hard-earned Saturday work cash on cornering and pretending we were James Hunt.
Of course, I should have known then I wouldn’t be cut out to be a natural driver.
Spin me right round: Underground karting
Although I did manage to get my driving licence after I think six times.
During which I got lessons from Her Behind the Wheel which is where she has stayed, not allowing me to drive since.
And the most laidback rasta driver who would pass over anything I might be doing wrong.
Occasionally stepping on the emergency brake, but mostly waving at his ‘brothers’ out the window.
One careless driver
You can take it as red: Fiat 501 en France
A range of work cars laters, a slip on the ice in Aberdeen and a rear-end outside a football ground and a clamping and we’re more or less up to date.
Apart, of course, from the time on the French Riviera when our party were given Fiat 501s to drive.
Only I couldn’t work out the old hand gears and the tour operator insisted they drive me instead!
All of which driving mishaps behind me I was rather taken by the invitation put out here.
To discover Avo’Drift in Avoriaz on the French-Swiss border.
And despite the billing, it doesn’t down scary at all, which is more than be said for my mountain escapades.
Get the Drift
You better watch out: Lady Driver!
Avo’Drift, we’re told, and I checked out the pics, is a unique drifting-style driving experience.
Set inside an underground parking garage.
All transformed into a vibrant illuminated arena with neon lights and an underground atmosphere.
Participants take the wheel of electric vehicles.
All specially designed for drifting, featuring one front wheel and two rear wheels built for sliding.
All of which is meant to allow drivers to drift through corners, swing the rear out, and challenge friends in a fun and immersive setting.
Helmets and gloves are provided if necessary, and the activity is accessible to anyone over4.5ft tall.
Sessions last between eight and ten minutes.
And prices are set at €15/£13 per driver or €13.50/£12 with the Multipass discount.
Count us in
He’s an ici rider: Cornering
A seven-night stay at Hotel des Dromonts, arriving August 8, is priced from £643pps, sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.
They sound like something out of Game of Thrones but VIVA the Danube’s Iron Gates are all too real and more dramatic than anything in George RR Martin’s world.
The Iron Gates, for those who are not too familiar with the great river gateway of central Europe, are the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
An 83-mile route, with the last barrier, the Kazan (Great Boiler) gorge being the narrowest and most breathtaking at just 15om just beyond the Romanian city of Orsova.
And what’s more Lepenski Vir in Serbia in the gorge and on the banks of the Danube is mooted as being the oldest planned settlement in Europe at 13,000 years ago.
Long before we’d hazard those Starks and their dragons were around.
Move aside Winterfell
Someone’s looking at you: The gorge
Now all this will naturally pull in any of us who have enjoyed the charms of the Danube.
And even more so with VIVA Cruises tempting us with a gentle amble through its waters.
The 11-night ‘The Danube’s Iron Gates’, sailing on VIVA TWO departs Passau on September 6.
With ports of call including Bratislava, Belgrade, Donji Milanovac, Novi Sad and an overnight in Ilok.
Then on to Aljmas, Budapest, Hainburg and Vienna, Dürnstein; and Melk.
Many of those stop-offs sounding like they’ve come straight out of Winterfell.
With prices starting from €2950, the campaign comprises a free cabin upgrade and onboard credit.
VIVA the river
Buda blessed: On the Danube
In addition, a reduced single supplement of 20 per cent is available for applicable solo bookings.
The offer is valid on 65 river cruises departing in 2026, with prices listed for Emerald deck cabins.
And if you can’t extend to 11 nights on VIVA TWO then there is a seven-night Danube from Vienna, sailing on VIVA MOMENTS from €1795pp.
Or a seven-night Whispers of the Rhone, sailing on VIVA VOYAGE, departing Lyons and flowing through France, from €1695pp.
Gentle sweep: Past Danube towns
While there’s a seven-night Waterways of the North, sailing on VIVA ONE through the Low Countries from €1795pp.
Guests will receive €25pp onboard spending money on cruises of up to six nights.
And €50pp for voyages of more than seven nights in duration.
The credit can be used for shore excursions, spa treatments and in onboard retails shops.Cabin upgrades will be applied to the next higher cabin category.
Beyond the music, the festival is billed as a complete lifestyle experience.
With award-winning restaurants including Tanabata, Temazo, Sandra’s Caviar Bar and Ánima.
Rock it: With Deep Purple
Plus the Starlite Night Club, where DJs and special performances keep the party going into the early hours.
Highlights of the 2026 line-up include Lenny Kravitz (29 June), Gipsy Kings (3 July), Maroon 5 (7 July), Rick Astley (10 July), Anastacia (14 July), John Legend (20 July), Kool & The Gang (23 July) and Nile Rodgers & CHIC (26 August).
El of an hotel
Trip the light: Fantastic Marbella
El Fuerte Marbella’s quiet elegance is evident throughout the hotel, where each space reflects a balance of style and comfort.
The rooms and suites feature chic design with a soothing, relaxed feel, thoughtful amenities and Molton Brown products.
Take a dip in either or both of the two swimming pools set in landscaped gardens – including one reserved for adults.
An outdoor hot tub, a beach club, a gym, and inviting indoor-outdoor areas that flow seamlessly together.
For guests seeking wellness experiences, Spa by Clarins offers a subterranean haven.
With a serene, low-lit hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and six treatment rooms.
Feed your soul
Rest up: Before the party
El Fuerte Marbella has a strong emphasis on gastronomy, showcasing local Andalucian ingredients wherever possible.
A sumptuous breakfast buffet at Soleo Beach Club is complemented with views of the Med, and tastes, in Le Marché.
Levante takes guests on a culinary journey that combines Andalucia’s abundant pantry with global ingredients.
And, of course, for celebrity watchers, the El Puerto Deportivo hotspot is also nearby.
