At this time of year thoughts turn to getting away from all the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, therefore it is time for our Travel Ireland 2003 issue. There is never a bad time to go to Ireland and though we have had some troubling events in the recent past you still have to get away, unwind and have a vacation. Our travel feature has lots of information on where to visit and what to do in Ireland, the perfect vacation destination. Ireland is still today a land of great beauty with lots of attractions and scenery second to none. Add to that it's world famous friendly welcome and the rest of the world will seem a million miles away.

A huge range of accommodation to suit every type of traveler and every size of wallet is available in Ireland, from guesthouses and farm houses to rental homes, stately castles and of course fabulous five star hotels. You have great pubs with loads of entertainment, sports such as horse racing, Gaelic Football, soccer, rugby, sailing and for those of you who enjoy "a good walk spoiled," Ireland has 400 golf courses including some of the world's best, such as the Old Head Golf Links in Kinsale and the K Club in Kildare, host to the Ryder Cup in 2006, I could go on and on. So when you are booking your vacation make it an Irish one, you will love it.

Also in this issue we have the story of the recreated famine ship the Jeanie Johnston that sailed the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the 19th Century bringing Irish emigrants from Ireland to the New World. The replica of the Jeanie Johnston is currently here in the United States and will be visiting ports along the eastern seaboard all the way up to Canada this summer. Finally we also have a follow up piece on Irish boxing by the great Bert Randolph Sugar, plus lots more for your enjoyment. Have a great summer everyone and don't forget to visit Ireland.

Best regards,

Paddy McCarthy, Publisher