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It sounds like where you have to go to at this time of the year for the woman in your life… Hell and back for a good Christmas gift.

Of course I have got back over the years since the first Noel when I followed up on the hint she’s been dropping all year.

And bought her a non-stick frying pan, and not just that but also a tray of puddings and a half a dozen eggs.

The following year she got a spa.

A dirty job

Suited and booted: Ireland’s Fittest Family

Buying presents for your loved one at Christmas can be a dirty job but someone has got to do it.

Thankfully we’ve been offered some help from our pals in our old stomping ground, the Garden County of Ireland, County Wicklow.

Now Kilruddery in Bray, setting for many a film and TV series such as The Tudors.

And down the road from our Greystones patch it is a verdant idyll we know and love well.

It’s as familiar with the Irish for the mud it churns up for the popular RTE TV challenge Ireland’s Fittest Family.

If it and other battle with the elements endurance challenges are up your street.

Then you can book Hell & Back events throughout the year.

No loafing about

Hell & Back Winter (Ages 16+) – 8km/16km – Saturday 24^th February 24:

Set against the backdrop of the Little Sugar Loaf Mountain, organisers Alive Outside have a course set to test all your skills and stamina.

There’s the dreaded signature Hell & Back obstacles such as Hell on Earth, Tyre Zone, Heartbreak Ridge and Satan’s Pit. A

And the best bit? You can choose to join them on this muddy escapade or just watch and laugh from the sidelines!

Family misfortunes

Hell & Back Family – 8km– Saturday 8^th June 24:

Now anyone with kids will know that their sprogs like nothing better than seeing their parents in trouble.

And this family favourite will test your mettle as your family transforms into a team of daring hellraisers where you’ll deal with everything from mud pits to high walls.

Expect lots of laughter, hilarious wipeouts and moments of glory that will be talked about around the Christmas dinner table for years to come.

And more from the organisers

Gift vouchers available for Alive Outside Activity Centre, the home of Hell & Back.

Ireland’s Only Outdoor Escape Room, Laser Tag, Easter & Summer Kids Camps and many more activities available to book!

So, don’t be an oul’ stick in the mud…

Remember, you don’t have to go to Hell and back for a good Christmas gift.

Kilruddery is the golden ticket for a Crimbo gift.

And because our four-legged friends need a holiday too, today we’re flagging up The Irish Dogfather and other world tails.

The Irish Dogfather is every Irish pooch owner’s saviour when they put their minds to a vacation.

And because Rob Walshe and his team know many doggies are home buddies, or home puppies if you will, they will come to your Canine Towers.

Barking from home

Make my Ray: Rob with presenter Ray D’Arcy. http://www.rte.ie

And all for €50, while if your dog is a peregrinating pooch then you can pack their toys and send them around to Dub Rob’s team for €30.

Now what to do with your pet is a very live challenge for holidaymakers which we all recognise.

Our own little bundle of fun Celtic (as in the race) the Cat was an independent wee soul.

And we dare say he would have been able to look after himself.

And miaowing too

Lip-lickin’ good: The cat hospitality service

Our biggest fear was that another family would have fallen in love with him and taken him in when we were away.

And so we would end up sending him away to a cattery which, professional though it was, wasn’t home, or somebody’s home.

Times have changed and now we have cat sitters who will come and stay, allowing you to get away.

We fell upon the catchy Cat in a Flat service where you can book a catty carer from £15 a night.

Lottie’s guide

Or you could, of course, take your dogs on holiday with you.

And again there’s help on hand with an English travel colleague from American Travel Fair days, Lottie Gross.

The award-winning writer has brought out a comprehensive, personal and entertaining guide on all things doggie.

With her Dog-friendly Weekend Guides.

We are nations of dog-lovers and have been moving towards getting the hospitality in place which puts our pets first.

So good luck to the Irish Dogfather and other world tails.