Welcome Melanie. We went last August into September. We originally wanted to be there 5 days before we went but it cost £1000 more! Took children out of school for some of it on the understanding they worked their socks off to catch up (eldest was going into yr 11). Autorised the holiday but then received a letter at half term about her percentage of absences. If we had gone at Christmas more detremental to her education (exams in Jan) but percentages would have been ok[msnmad] Patrks were very quiet, great time to go and we are definately going that time of year again.