Happy 4th July... now for a trip into Virginian territory

AND a happy 4th July too for Tuesday... I trust our friends from Virginia, Governor Terry McAuliffe, and his team are back home now celebrating America’s national day and tucking into their oysters and craft beer.

The Virginian delegation paid a flying visit here last week on their European business trip.

The governor used the occasion to toast IrishUS relations and mark the day that was in it, the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s arrival in Ireland for his tour in 1963.

The Governor is tipped to stand for the Democrats for the Presidency in 2020 so it’s good to keep in with him. But he is a fan already and talks warmly of being there with pal Bill Clinton in Belfast for the switching on of the Christmas lights back in the day.

The governor also did his bit for promoting Virginia, pointing out that Washington DC’s airport, Dulles, is in Virginia. Snaps found a sample Aer Lingus round trip from €790.49 for August 7-14.

For now whet your appetite with the period drama Jamestown in which Irish actress Niamh Walsh is causing a stir as one of the women transported out to keep Virginian colonists company. I can’t promise you’ll see Niamh but you can visit Jamestown with American Sky (www.americansky.ie). Try a ten-night Self-Drive Capital Region Explorer from €1,469pp inc. flights. You’ll also see Washington, historic Charlottesville, Richmond, capital of the Confederacy and the reconstructed 18th-century town Williamsburg. You can also relax on the world’s longest pleasure beach, Virginia Beach. Maryland is on the package and then back to Washington. And if you see ‘The Macker’, tell him I said Hi!