Journey to Holyhead…

05 May 2026

Even though I knew that the chances of the main man being there, due to him being in London to promote the new album, I was still going to Sligo for the launch night of Relay for Life 2026. I don’t attend these events for him, but for the actual charity itself.

After very little sleep (which should’ve been the first sign of what was to come) I made the long ass drive from South Hiendley to Holyhead… 176 miles (283.25 km) with very few service stations. I know I did it very recently, but this time it seemed to take longer and was much more arduous.

I received a lovely welcome by the duty manager of the hotel, Caryl, who remembered me. Once checked in I went for something to eat. I’d ordered a medium to well done steak (which has always been perfect before) but unfortunately it arrived medium/rare… to the point it was inedible (to me) and put me off the rest of my meal. I didn’t complain, but did point out that it wasn’t what I ordered. I couldn’t face anything else so instead Caryl comped me a free breakfast for the next morning!

I had an early night, hoping to get some sleep before the next leg of the trip…

Photo one - My co-drivers/navigators weren't the best lol
Photo two - A quick glimpse of Colwyn Bay as I drove past it...

After over 8 hours of sleep (and God did I feel better lol), I had a shower and then set off to the place that has become a tradition on my first morning in Sligo… Strandhill and Shell’s cafe. Walking into the shop side of the business, I was instantly welcomed like a local/regular, and remembered again. I honestly cannot put into words how amazing Shell’s is. People who know me will know I have certain anxieties, but they never appear when I’m there. 

After a takeaway coffee, I entered the café side (which doesn’t open until 9am) and was greeted by Saoirse, who also recognised me and sat chatting with me for a while. I was so touched by the attitude of all the staff that I bought and wrote a thank you note to Jane and Myles (the owners) and was able to hand it directly to Jane. I strongly believe in praise and credit where it’s due. And yes, I bought another hoodie...

A quick (and expensive 🙈) trip into town with visits to The Health Bar Sligo (delicious granola tubs, smoothies and (apparently) waffles; Dunnes and Mullaneys, the weather was threatening to change. I headed back to Shell’s for coffee and to write, then headed back to the apartment via Rosses Point, to charge my phone, watch and emotions.

With everything recharged I headed out to Flip Side to see Patrick (Paddy) to deliver a gift and have a meal. Paddy was overcome with the things I’d bought for his daughter who is due on 16 May, and I was so happy to see Charlie was working again. Again, eating solo and no qualms about doing so. I went for a salad (they do most of their burgers as salads instead of with breadbuns) and I don’t think I’ve ever had such an amazing, or filling salad in my life. Charlie and Paddy were attentive enough for me to feel safe, but not so much that I was overwhelmed. I can’t wait to go back in September to see them again!

Even though I was up and ready to leave by 7.30am, Dympna came to wish me bon voyage, to make sure I was ok and to finalise my plans for my return. Seriously, I love her! She is the most warm and welcoming hostess, and now I’m proud to say a good friend.

The drive to Dublin was uneventful, though the ability to breathe would’ve made it a lot better. What I thought was a sore throat/chest infection, has developed into a full on cold with a little flu thrown in for good measure. 😭 

On the ferry I booked a cabin for the journey, something I don’t normally do as it’s only a 3.5 hour crossing, but that’s how ill I felt. After buying another Radley bag… seriously, someone keep me away from them… I went to lay down and promptly fell asleep for about an hour.

Waking up I thought it was my blood pressure or sugars making it feel like I was unsteady on my feet, but it was actually the sea lol. Although not that rough, it was enough to make it impossible to walk in a straight line!

A quick call at a supermarket when off the boat, I went to the hotel, checked in. Dinner was salt and pepper calamari followed by ricotta, mascarpone and tomato pasta, topped with grilled chicken breast and was gorgeous!

Another early night…

Photo one - The sunrise on my final morning in Sligo
Photo two - Ooops, another handbag and notebook

Photo three - Yummy...