Jacqui Hurley: The first time I was ever on a plane we were moving our lives across the world

Irish Examiner

a day ago

Favourite childhood holiday memory
I grew up in Australia. We moved there when I was three, so the first time I was ever on a plane was moving our lives across the world.
My favourite memories were just being outside. That's why the ambassador work with MiWadi FAI Football Camps is a perfect fit; so many of my best memories come from that freedom.
An aerial view of Sydney's iconic Opera House, city skyline, and expansive waterfront at dawn.
Kids now have so much structure: school, sports, and rules. Summer camps were where we could just be free.
I remember being on the road with my friends, playing football or whatever it was, just laughing, just a stream of fun and happiness.
Most surprising destination
Paris, with what the trip meant to us as a family. I thought the kids wouldn't love it; they'd see it as a big city with lots of people and not much fun.
Jacqui Hurley and family in Paris
We took them to the Olympics, which they loved, but all they wanted to do was see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and get pictures. They were way more into the culture than I expected.
Sometimes, the people you're with and their reaction to a place can surprise you and shape how you feel about it.
Most memorable trip
In 2017, we decided to take the kids to New Zealand. We went for six weeks. Lily was five-and-a-half months, and Luke was three.
My husband Shane and I said, 'Let's just do it.' It's hard travelling with kids — when is a good time? But we just went for it.
It was a long trip but the places we went to and the things we saw are still some of the most memorable trips we've taken. We felt if we didn't do it, when would we?
Luke still remembers it. It was amazing to do something like that as a family, to go and experience something different, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone.
Favourite cities
I love visiting Rome. I go there every couple of years for the Six Nations. There's so much culture and beauty.
Anyone who's been says it's a special place. I love the food, the people, the vibe. Shane and I often get electric bikes and go around the city.
Even the stadium experience during the Six Nations is unreal — bands, DJs, the whole party.
Then you're off to the Vatican. It's jaw-dropping. I always try to see something new when I go back.
The Roman cityscape, with the dome of St. Peter's basilica in the Vatican visible.
My favourite city in the world is Sydney. There's so much going on, great nightlife, brilliant beaches, and cool places to visit.
Growing up in Australia, the weather and the people stir something in my soul. When I'm there, I feel at home. There's a vibe.
We're going back this Christmas. It's just one of those places I love. It always gives you a good time.
Most beautiful country
Funny enough, New Zealand reminded me a lot of Ireland. It made me realise how beautiful Ireland is, how green the grass and the culture are.
New Zealand also has these amazing lakes. Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
New Zealand.
We slept in a campervan and woke up to crystal-blue water; it looked like something from a postcard.
The old roads, the small towns — it felt like old Ireland. Maybe I'm biased but I wouldn't live anywhere else but here.
If the weather was better, we'd all be happier, but then we'd have nothing to talk about.
Favourite thing to do while travelling
We're pretty active. Even with the kids, we try to sightsee in the morning and do the pool in the evening.
You can't sightsee all day with small kids, so we aim for balance; something for us, something for them.
Even at home, we've done the Greenway a few times.
The kids love the outdoors, so we do things that keep us moving, and then try to relax later.
Bucket-list trip
The big one is Argentina. We're going to Australia later this year and might stop in Thailand but Argentina is the one we keep coming back to.
I'd love to go to Mendoza and see the waterfalls and the landscape. It's been at the top of the list for a while.
Mendoza, Argentina
There's no plan yet but I'd like to make it happen in the next two or three years.
We've got a big wooden world map in the kitchen, and we always stick pins on it and try to make a plan for the next trip.