MEZZO-SOPRANO MÁIRE FLAVIN
What was your best holiday?A three-day break on the Shetland Islands with my now fiancé [baritone Matthew Sprange]. We had not seen each other for nearly four months as we were both touring with different companies. But I was doing a show in Lerwick and had three days off.Most people wouldn't think of going to the Shetlands as it's quite expensive and out of the way. But we had gorgeous walks, saw seals in the sea, drank amazing hot chocolates and had a bed and breakfast with the biggest bath ever. We were also very lucky with good weather. The Shetlands is a more extreme version of Ireland where the weather changes in a second and it's very windy.
What was your worst holiday?When I was about eight we went on holiday in the south of France. I got an awful ear infection and went to hospital which was one of the scariest experiences. I remember being taken up in a lift by a massive female nurse, who seemed like the nurse mafia, while my dad was off doing the paperwork.
I wasn’t able to swim for the rest of the holiday and that’s all you do on holiday at a campsite. Instead I spent the rest of the holiday sitting at the side of the pool with cotton wool over my ears!
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?We are getting married in December so I am trying to plan a honeymoon that doesn't cost the earth. But my dream would be a white sandy beach with cocktails at sunset brought by a cabana boy. I don't mind where but Turkey, the Caribbean or Croatia come to mind.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?I'd bring Matthew as he's really chilled but our work schedules makes it almost impossible to have time for a proper holiday together.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?I love Killiney Hill in Dublin. I'm living in London and I've seen a lot of cities but not many offer this view over Dublin Bay with the mountains behind you. I love that Dublin is close to the sea with Dún Laoghaire pier and Killiney beach among my favourite spots.
Your recommended holiday reading?I'm a big reader and on holiday I love something really easy that you don't have to concentrate on and can fall asleep in the sun reading. Jodi Picoult's books, while a bit formulaic, are not too in-depth but are still page-turners.
Where will you go to next?I'm going on a family holiday to Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford, for my dad's 70th birthday with all five siblings. I am the youngest and I can't remember the last time we all went away together.
In conversation with
GENEVIEVE CARBERY
Mezzo-soprano Máire Flavin debuts with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra at the National Concert Hall on July 27th singing Berlioz Les Nuits D'été. Tickets from €10. rte.ie/nso