I just returned from Northern Ireland — what an interesting place! I truly enjoyed the Bushmills Inn and Lough Erne. I played golf at Royal Portrush, the home of the Irish Open (June 28). This is the first Irish Open in the North and really signifies peace on the Island. I was warming up the course for the likes of Rory McElroy. I told this to a fella at a bar in Belfast, and he asked if I carried — funny guy (that means “caddie” for you laymen). Lough Erne is a truly beautiful place and a fantastic hotel — I could have stayed a week. They have a great chef, Noel McMeel, who I first met at the Philadelphia Flower Show two years ago when he made the circuit on morning TV programs — what a great and dynamic chef. I recommend that you all get over to Lough Erne! The course is great, and they have a terrific spa, to boot! Belfast was really something! I am inspired to brush up on my Irish history. Many great musicians hail from Ireland, including Van Morrison. “Stairway to Heaven” was first played in Belfast. The Titanic Belfast has been a big hit, and of course, we timed our visit with the opening party in the Titanic Drawing Room (where the ships were designed). Belfast’s best attended, and two hot local groups, the Wonder Villains and Silhouette, entertained. We then ventured out in the cold to watch the premiere of the light show (with 15,000 of our closest friends) off the beautiful Titanic Belfast exhibit building shaped like the hulls of the Titanic and her sister ships the Britannic and the Olympic. Northern Ireland is a must-go destination to add to your list! — Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO