JIM MURTY I was California dreamin’ of an early brunch...

I’M blaming it on the time difference. I only turned up for the California brunch 24 hours early!

And I didn’t even have the excuse either that I was in the Golden State. This was Dublin.

A day later I made my appointment, tucking into mid-morning fruit salad, avocado, burritos and Mimosas with the Californians in town – well, it took the edge off the wine from the previous night’s Visit US Soiree at the Shelbourne.

A stream of Californian delegates got up to introduce themselves and make their pitch underlining just how large and varied the state is... you’d fit six Irelands in.

I had learned first-hand of some of the lesser-known delights of San Fransisco the night before, San Fran, of course, celebrating 50 years since the Summer of Love this year.

Word is the place to go now is Terrapin Crossroads (www.terrapincrossroads.net), 100 Yacht club Drive, San Rafael on the outskirts of San Fran. There you can see Phil Lesh & The Terrapin Family Band, Phil Lesh only being a former member of The Grateful Dead.

Talking about the dead, why not also try The Chapel, 777 Valencia Street (www.thechapelssf.com), a former mortuary and now jumping live entertainment venue.

If you prefer the tranquility of nature to loud music then America’s national parks will be more your thing. When ranger Charl Sharsmith was asked what he would do if he only had one day in Yosemite he replied: ‘I’d go sit by the Merced River and cry!’

And of course these are just two snapshots of the 1240km Republic of California.

And, it’s also worth mentioning that while the Californians were asked to babysit me for a night and a day in Dublin, the Soiree was a Stateside celebration.

Ireland is well served with routes that continue to grow. Aer Lingus’s Dublin-Miami is coming on tap in September while WOW! and Norwegian Airways continue to make strides.

Just remember to adjust your watches before you go.

THIS ain’t half bad... Topflight’s 5 Day Holiday sale with savings of up to 50% runs tomorrow-Friday midnight. Try: Fly Dublin or Cork: July 22, Riva, Lake Garda, 3* Ambassador Suite Apartments, Self-catering, was €899 now €449pps (based on five sharing). Or from Dublin: Aug. 17, Funchal, Madeira, 4* Aparthotel Duas Torres, Self-catering was €649 now €499 (four sharing). Call Topflight on 01 240 1700/028 9752 1168. See www.topflight.ie.

CONGRATS Ashford Castle, voted No. 2 Top Resort in UK and Ireland by Travel + Leisure.

THE all-new Sandals Royal Barbados, St Lawrence Gap only has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the ocean! Opening December 20, it offers seven nights £1,875 () pp inc. return flights to London travel between August 27 and October 20, 2018. See www.sandals.com.

I FEEL for every Mastermind contestant. I took CaminoWays.com’s quiz and got 7/10 and was told to Get Back On Track. Gladly! This is the month of St James. Camino Ways is giving clients €50 off their next Camino for a limited time. Book July 25-31 for €50 off their booking. Quote STJAMES2017.

I FARED better at a capitals quiz. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the Emirates not Dubai. Both are worth visiting. And Tropical Sky (www. tropicalsky.ie) makes it easier. Up to two kids stay free on four-night stays at the all-inclusive 5* DoubleTree By Hilton Resort & Spa, Marjan Island, dep. between Aug. 28 and Sep. 30, if booked before July 31. So that’s €759pp. Based on two sharing. Flights from Dublin. Call 01 664 9999.

IT would certainly be good for my image... though I couldn’t say the same for the Roses. Enjoy a one, two or three-night break at The Rose Hotel, Tralee, home to the Roses throughout the festival (August 1622) and just a stone’s throw from the Dome. Prices start from €199B&B based on two people sharing. Call The Rose Hotel on (066) 719 9100 or visit www.therosehotel.com.