Kyran & Chris Fountain Enjoy Monaco

At the crack of dawn on Friday (5th June), Kyran and friend Chris Fountain jumped on an Air Lingus flight bound for Nice. They then took a brief helicopter transfer into Monaco.

This whirlwind weekend visit was a fine opportunity for the guys to do a bit of bonding ahead of the Kyran Bracken Ice Party, against the colourful and prestigious Monaco backdrop.

After checking in at the beautiful Le Meridien Monte Carlo in a Bond-style circular room with 360 view of the coast , first on the itinerary was a jet ski-ing session.

Kyran and Chris thrashed around in the 30 degree heat for just over an hour, being taught how to perform a few impressive looking tricks along the way. The guys then got the chance to dry off and to relax over lunch at the brand new Horizons champagne Bar at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo.

Although their day started with the 4.30am alarm call, Kyran and Chris didn't want to flounder so after lunch swopped their Speedos for tennis whites and headed to the Monte-Carlo Country Club where the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters takes place.

Playing on the famous clay surface that has seen the footwork and racket skills of champions such as Nastase, Borg, Lendl

and the winner over the past four years, Nadal, Kyran and Chris tried their best to match up to the aura and previous legends of this venue.

Chris is more of a squash man rather than tennis, but wasn't going to be beaten by the game he's only tried once. He worked (and sweated) hard to master the basics and did well. Kyran is more regular on court and it showed, in particular his service action impressing the coach.

After sampling a Princess Grace cocktail at David Coulthard's Columbus Hotel, the locally brewed beer at the Brasserie de Monaco and an al fresco dinner followed by a quick Casino trip (it is Monaco after all!) the guys fell into bed.

Saturday was a more sedate day involving taking in some of the local parks, museums and shops.

Monaco is definitely not a place just to lie around on a yacht or shop, as Kyran and Chris now know, there is too much other exciting, fun and entertaining activities to throw yourself into. On the 4th July eyes will be on Monaco as the Principality will host the opening stage of the Tour de France.

Many thanks to the Monaco Tourist Board and Travel PR for hosting this trip.