10-05-2025
Deirdre McGlone: After selling Harvey's Point we drove across the US for six weeks
After 30 years of happy hotel-keeping at the beloved Harvey's Point in Donegal, Deirdre McGlone has embarked on a new chapter in the south-west of France, where she and husband Marc Gysling, right, are creating a boutique holiday rental business. But her heart remains full of adventure. From RV-ing across the US to dreaming of New Zealand, Deirdre's travels reflect her love of people and places.
Favourite childhood holiday memory
Our family always took summer holidays in Donegal. It was mostly in a caravan, though sometimes in a hotel. I loved it when we stayed by the beach. We'd walk, ride horses, eat dinner in local restaurants, and play cards or on the beach with other kids. No digital devices then — just sunshine and long evenings.
I remember one hotel in particular, the Glen Bay Hotel, and a lady called Theresa who looked after us. We still talk about her. There were six kids and two parents packed into one caravan and one car but we had so much fun.
Most memorable trip
In 2017, after selling Harvey's Point, my family and I took our first summer off. We rented an RV in the US and drove from San Francisco to Phoenix over six weeks. We stopped at places like the Grand Canyon and went horse riding in the mountains with cowboys. We didn't plan a strict route — each of us had a job to keep the RV running.
The kids were teenagers then and it was the first time we had that long together. It was a team effort and full of memories. I'd go back again in a heartbeat. Maybe to Montana or Canada next time.
Most surprising destination
I was really surprised by Dubai and Tokyo—two very different trips. I went to Dubai on a benchmarking trip with the tourist board. It was over the top but the attention to detail and service levels were astonishing. It was all so slick.
Then I went to Tokyo to promote Donegal and was amazed by the culture — everything was light and fine and punctual to the second. It was so different to what I knew. Marc didn't take to Dubai but I found both trips incredible for different reasons.
Favourite hotel
It has to be Ashford Castle. I know people often say it but it really is flawless. We used to go for birthdays and for special occasions.
The team there treats you like royalty, whether new or returning.
The standard is exceptional and it's still full of personality.
I also love their sister property, The Lodge, where you can stay and get the full castle experience.
Of course, Harvey's Point will always be in my heart but Ashford Castle (right) is a treat.
Favourite city to visit
I'd say Zurich and Vienna. Zurich is special because that's where my husband Marc is from.
We love walking by the lake there. It's clean, calm, and balanced between tourists and locals.
We go to a place for Swiss specialities that Tina Turner used to visit.
For me, Vienna is elegance itself. I've been twice, and it's all about music, culture, and the Sachertorte in the famous Sacher Hotel.
You hardly notice traffic, and the food is both traditional and international. Very stylish and very smooth.
Most beautiful country
South Africa. The light there is like nowhere else. The food, the landscapes, the atmosphere — it's just extraordinary. It's a place that stays with you. I remember it so vividly. It felt different to anywhere else I'd been.
Favourite thing to do while travelling
Food and walking, always. We choose destinations for both. We once did a mini camino through Tuscany — Pienza and Chiusi — hiking through vineyards and finishing with beautiful meals. We're not serious hikers but love a good trail followed by great food and wine. It's how we get to know a place: talking to the people who live and work there, tasting their dishes, walking their roads. The outdoors and local culture are what make travel for us.
My bucket-list trip
New Zealand. We went once, over 20 years ago, before kids and before Harvey's Point was open year-round. We want to go back and see it all again, now that we can travel more freely. It's like Ireland but on a bigger scale.
The wine, the landscapes, the memories — we'd love to return. We're hoping to go next year after we get our new French properties up and running.
