By Bronwyn Marquardt in Australia
HEADS turn as Ireland's favourite siblings the Corrs walk along a palm-fringed beach on a tropical Australian island.
Covered in high factor sunscreen and shady hats to combat the searing 32-degrees-celsius heat, Jim, Andrea, Caroline and Sharon Corr look like any other brother and sisters enjoying a holiday together.
But their stunning looks and distinctive accents make them instantly recognisable to their Australian fans.
"We don't mind the attention," says Caroline, the bands drummer. "But it's amazing how many people recognize us. You can be walking around in a bikini, wearing sunglasses and a hat and people will still come up to you.
"Once we were in the rainforest and we were wearing really old clothes and were all hot after walking for miles. I'm sure we looked terrible and people still came up to say hello."
The band have a special place in their hearts for Australia, where their debut album Forgiven Not Forgotten has sold more than half a million records, and their follow-up album Talk On Corners is already attracting rave reviews.
"It's fortunate we've sold so many records in Australia because it is the most wonderful place to come to," says Jim.
"It's so beautiful, Australian people have the same characteristics as we do - they love to sit back, relax a little and have a few drinks. We're very comfortable here. I think Australia will be the highlight of our year."
The band love Australia so much that when they decided to take a well earned break during their current world tour they choose Queensland's Hamilton Island, in the idyllic Whitsundays region.
Some of the rooms cost 1,000 dollars a night.
The band spent a week on the island swimming, snorkeling, jetskiing and lazing on the beach, before kicking off their Australian tour.
After performing to packed houses throughout Australia and New Zealand, this month the Corrs play at London's Royal Albert Hall - a dream come true for the band.

Relationships

If there's one downside to their success, it's the fact that they have little time for a personal life. Sharon and Caroline have boyfriends, but admit relationships can be difficult.
"It's hard sometimes," says Caroline. "But when your career is important and you love what you do, but your boyfriend wants you to stop, I don't think he'd be the right person anyway. My boyfriend's career is important to him so he understands how I feel."
The band toured Japan and Europe before starting their Australian tour last month, and admit to occasional bouts of homesickness - except when they're in Australia!
"We don't miss Ireland when we're snorkeling and swimming," laughs Jim. "But if we're in a freezing bus going through Europe somewhere, we do."

Rock Legend Fleetwood makes your a Corr-Ker

ROCK giant Mick Fleetwood is set to join Irish pop family, The Corrs.
The founding member of Fleetwood Mac will debut with the singing siblings on their American tour.
The multi-millionaire joined the group at London's Royal Albert Hall for a special St. Patricks night hooley.
Yesterday he said: "I love the group and I love the passion with which they play. I have been a big fan of Irish musicians for a long time now."
Sisters Andrea, Caroline and Sharon and brother Jim had previously worked alongside Elton John and the Cranberries for the Fleetwood Mac tribute album Rumours Revisited.

Thanks to Mark Williams for providing this article!