Kathryn McKiernanrecalls a visit to Alaska on a cruise with her mother
What is your earliest holiday memory?
In the Canaries with my family when I was about six or seven. I was always mad into swimming, so I'd spend most of the holiday in the pool, pretending to be a dolphin (still do). I'll always remember my brothers and I plaguing my dad to get in so he could catapult us into the air. The four of us would be fighting for the next go. Pity he's so reluctant now.
What was your worst holiday?
When I was 10 I ran into a pillar on the second day of a family holiday in Spain. I had to go to hospital and get four stitches in my forehead. At 10 the last thing I wanted to do was rest, so it wasn't exactly my favourite holiday.
Your best holiday?
I visited Alaska this summer, and it was so incredible. My mam and I went on a cruise, and it was out of this world. We went husky-dog sledding on a glacier, saw humpback whales, grizzly bears, moose and eagles and braved the largest zip rider in the world - what an adrenalin rush. We also spent a little bit of time in Vancouver, Seattle and Denver. I loved every minute of it. Another favourite would have to be last New Year in Walt Disney World, in Florida, with my friend Liana. We had a ridiculous amount of fun. I'll definitely be going back.
If budget or work was no restriction, what would be your dream holiday?
This could take a while. I can't wait to travel around Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and South America. I'd love to see India, too . . . and Thailand. Mauritius for two weeks would suit me fine, too.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday?
My mam and/or my group of close friends. A bunch of us like to head away together every year, in Ireland or abroad. They're so much fun to be around, and I'm always guaranteed a great laugh, no matter what. Harry Potter would be fun, too.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?
I'm a big fan of my home in Dublin. I live on the outskirts, so I've got the best of both worlds: close to the city but surrounded by countryside.
What book would you recommend on holiday?
I've only gotten into reading on holiday recently. It's such a great way to relax. Something light is best, I think.
Where will you spend your next holiday?
I love planning holidays. Hopefully, I'll get to visit New York city at Christmas, to see my brother (perhaps I'll fit in some shopping while I'm there). Fingers crossed, I'll be heading to Lapland to visit Santa with The Den.
• In conversation with Sandra O'Connell
Kathryn McKiernan presentsKazoo on RTÉ2