Best holiday?I live for half the year in Marbella so I feel like I'm always on holiday, but the most interesting place I ever visited was Istanbul. I loved the sights, and the smells of spices and the haggling over handmade carpets.
Worst holiday?The Canaries as a teenager. I jumped into the shallow end of the pool the first day and I broke my leg.
Dream holiday?Australia for at least a month. I visited my sister in Brisbane years ago but I didn't have enough funds to visit Sydney or New Zealand. I intend to return and do all the things I couldn't afford to first time around.
Favourite place in Ireland?Connemara. My parents have a family holiday home right by the sea. When I want to get away and write in peace I head there and I may as well be at the ends of the Earth.
Recommended holiday reading?Anything by Patricia Scanlan, Claudia Carroll, Marian Keyes or Marita Conlon-McKenna. I always support other Irish women authors.
Where will you go to next?I'm heading for Iceland in the New Year to watch the northern lights.
MARISA MACKLEIn conversation with GENIVIEVE CARBERY
Marisa Mackle’s latest book is The Secret Nanny Club, Poolbeg Press, €9.99