Escape to Barbados

The winter is particularly long in Ireland, so why not escape the wind and rain with a trip to Barbados. What better way to overcome the post-Christmas blues, than sun, sea and white sandy beaches?

Things to see and do

Bridgetown is the capital of this Caribbean island and is a bustling, vibrant city with many lights and old colonial buildings to admire. On the north side of National Heroes Square in the city, there are two stone-block, neo-Gothic-style buildings constructed in 1871. The western building with the clock tower contains public offices; the building on the east side houses the Senate and House of Assembly. At the museum learn about the island’s proud democratic heritage and visit the gallery of national heroes. When the building is free, it’s possible to take tours of the assembly building to check out the impressive stained-glass windows.

St Michael’s Cathedral is another must see. The island’s Anglican cathedral was originally completed in 1665 to accommodate 3,000 worshippers, but came tumbling down in a hurricane a century later. Today’s structure dates from 1789.

On the opposite side of the island in Southeast Coast and Crane Beach, well off the beaten track, the pint sized Shark Hole is one of those special places that pictures simply won’t do it justice. It is something that must be experienced in the flesh. Down a short flight of steps, a small stretch of delicate white sand is totally enclosed by rocks that wrap around 300 degrees, forming a perfect secluded cove. A reef just offshore calms the water, creating a perfect natural saltwater swimming pool. Local kids like to perform backflips off the rocks. If you come during the week you might get the whole place to yourself – simply magical!