By Irishexaminer.com,Jennifer McShane

Copyright irishexaminer

We’d go around Ireland — West Clare and Skerries — and then started going abroad really young. We’d camp all over Europe.

But my favourite was when I was 11 and we went to New Zealand.

My parents took us out of school for a month — January 1993, I think.

We camped around New Zealand, stayed in people’s houses because my dad had played rugby there and had a lot of connections.

We did white-water rafting, helicopter rides, stayed on farms, saw loads of wildlife.

It was just incredible. Such a special thing to do as a family.

Most surprising destination

I went to Sri Lanka on a yoga retreat with my sister in 2018.

She organised the whole thing — I was just after touring and kind of up the walls, so I said, ‘Yeah, I’ll go with you.’

I had zero expectations, and then we got to this absolute paradise. It was just stunning.

The people were chilled and friendly, the landscape on the south-west coast was amazing.

We saw historical sites, did yoga on the beach. I’d never heard anyone talk about it before, but now I recommend it to everyone.

I’ve practically got a guidebook written for people who want to go.

Most memorable trip

I got the travel bug early, and then rugby brought me around the world again. But when I retired at 27, the band [Hermitage Green] had just started, and we hit the road.

Touring the US and Canada in 2017 stands out. It was tough — no glamour, definitely not fancy hotels — but that was the beauty of it.

One stop was Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. My parents used to bring us there because my aunt lived nearby.

I hadn’t been in over 20 years. Being back brought all those childhood memories flooding in.

I wrote a song about it called Winnipesaukee, and people tell me it reminds them of places they went as kids.

That’s what travel does: It gives you those moments that bring peace, or joy, or clarity.

Favourite city in the world

I’m a big city break guy — we try to do as many as we can. But New York is still top of the list.

My wife lived there for a year when we first started going out, so I used to visit her.

I was there recently for a gig with the band, and again the following week to host the Munster Rugby Ball at the New York Athletic Club, which looks right out over Central Park.

That’s what New York does — it gives you a jolt of electricity.

It never disappoints. Every time you go, it delivers.

Favourite hotel

We went to South Africa for our honeymoon and stayed at a resort in Kruger Park.

It was like something out of a dream — log cabins in the middle of the plains, monkeys climbing through the windows, elephants and giraffes walking by. There was a river out back, an incredible spa, amazing food.

Then every morning at 5am, we’d head out on safari. It was the epitome of luxury — living like a king and queen for a few days.

Most memorable food experience

We’ve been going to a little fishing village in Portugal called Salema since we were kids.

This summer, my whole family descended on it — all the siblings, partners, kids, and my parents. We had dinner at my dad’s favourite fish restaurant on the beach.

The older nieces and nephews were playing with the younger ones down by the water, the sun was setting, we were all having a glass of wine… it was just magic.

The food was unreal — fresh fish off the boat — but more than anything, it was that moment. That’s what holidays are about.

Favourite thing to do while travelling

I travel to go to gigs all the time. Any time we tour, the first thing we do is check our nights off to see what gigs or sporting events are on.

Those are the memories that stick. A few weeks ago, we saw LCD Soundsystem in Milwaukee. Last week, Pulp in New York.

A few years back, we were in Australia and went to see Kylie Minogue mid-tour.

My bucket list trip

I’m too young for a bucket list! I’m only in my early 40s and want to do it all.

Right now, my kids are still small — they’re six — so we stick to shorter trips.

But we’ll bring them to the places our parents brought us. Once they’re older, I’d love to go to South America.

Do the hikes, visit Machu Picchu (above), and maybe explore some of Southeast Asia.

And I’d love to go back to New Zealand. I want the kids to catch the travel bug, too.

An accomplished event MC and rugby panelist, Barry is much sought after on the speaking circuit.

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