David Gillick: I still remember how exciting it was to be on a plane for the first time
From childhood summers in Wexford to training in South Africa and discovering the unexpected beauty of Uganda, travel has always been a big part of David Gillick's life.
As a former Olympic athlete turned sports commentator, David Gillick has had many adventures around the world.
From childhood summers in Wexford to training in South Africa and discovering the unexpected beauty of Uganda, travel has always been a big part of his life.
Here, he shares his most memorable destinations:
"We had a very typical Irish holiday setup growing up. My earliest memories are of spending three weeks each summer in a mobile home in Morriscastle, Wexford, which we shared with two other families. It was brilliant. I remember packing up the car, the long drive, and just spending all day outdoors. It was all about simple pleasures — playing on the beach, running around the campsite, and being with family and friends. My first trip abroad came a bit later when I was around 11. We took the ferry from Rosslare to France and stayed in one of those Eurocamp sites. I loved the adventure of the ferry and the excitement of setting up camp in a new place.”
"There have been quite a few, but one that stands out is my first time in South Africa. As an athlete, I used to train in Stellenbosch, just outside Cape Town. I remember landing and just being completely blown away by the place. Another one that sticks out is my first-ever flight. My mum was involved in basketball, and we flew to the Isle of Man. It wasn’t the most exotic trip, but I still remember how exciting it was to be on a plane for the first time.”
"Without a doubt, Uganda. I travelled there as part of my work with GOAL, and I’ll be honest, I had a very different picture of what to expect. I thought it would be arid and barren, but it was the opposite: lush, green, and full of life. I remember standing at the source of the Nile, just taking in the incredible landscape. But what struck me was the people. Despite having so little, they were some of the happiest, most generous people I’ve ever met. The children had huge smiles, and I’ll never forget how pristine their white school uniforms were, even though they had to walk miles to get to school. The trip was humbling and eye-opening."
Munich. I visited while covering the European Athletics Championships, and it completely captivated me. The city is well-designed, easy to navigate, and rich in history and culture. One of my favourite spots was the English Garden, a vast park in the heart of the city that surpasses New York's Central Park in size. I spent considerable time thee between work, running about and discovering new areas. Munich strikes a lovely balance; it has that big-city energy without ever feeling overwhelming.
I love visiting Tokyo too. I was there covering the Olympics, and it was like stepping onto another planet. Everything is so different from what we’re used to: the language, the signage, the food. It’s incredibly clean, super efficient, and packed with so much to see and do. What I loved most was how immersive it was. You can’t just blend in or stick to what’s familiar — you have to fully embrace the culture. The people were so polite, and the organisation of the city was just mind-blowing. It’s one of those places that I know I’ll go back to because I feel like I only scratched the surface."
"Slovenia was another country that completely blew me away. I was travelling for a race and took a train into Ljubljana, and I just remember looking out the window thinking, ‘Where am I?’ It was like stepping into a fairytale: rolling green hills, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes. It’s one of those places that few people think about when planning a holiday, but it’s stunning. I’d go back in a heartbeat."
"Running. No matter where I go, I always try to find a good running route. It’s the best way to explore a city. I’ve run through Budapest along the Danube, in Margaret Island, and even through forests in Belgrade, where they built a running track hidden among the trees. I love discovering little cafés, parks, and side streets that you wouldn’t find otherwise. There’s something about seeing a place on foot that makes it feel more real — you get a feel for the atmosphere, the people, and the little hidden gems that you’d never find if you were just following a guidebook."
"Skiing is high on the list. When I was competing, I could never do it because of the risk of injury. I went once after I retired and loved it, so I’d love to go back with my family and do a proper ski trip. Another one is the Galápagos Islands — there’s just something about that place that seems magical. And Australia. I lived there for a year while training, but I never got to see the country. I’d love to go back and do a proper trip, taking in all the sights without the pressure of training schedules. New Zealand would be up there too, just to properly see that part of the world."
