County Kildare is home to the windswept Bog of Allen, and to a leisurely section of the restored Royal Canal. There’s a masterpiece of an 8th-century High Cross in Moone. Maynooth Castle anchors the leafy university town of the same name. Kildare is also home to one of Ireland’s great driving routes. Following the course of the Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw racing daredevils whizz through Kildare, Carlow and Laois in 1903, the 104-mile circuit recalls a time when Ireland’s speed limit was just 12mph. The county is a marvellous mix of old and new, of natural landscapes and precisely manicured gardens, of horseracing competitions and stylish fashion events.

Despite its small size, the Vieille Ville (literally "Old Town") is still worth a walk, especially during summer. The gates and arches, as well as the backdoors to small and secret streets, make for excellent photographs, and every corner can hide surprises.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Santa Eulàlia, or simply the Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Its construction began in 1298 on the site of an ancient Roman temple and took more than 150 years to be completed. Located in the centre of the historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, the cathedral is dedicated to the martyr Santa Eulàlia – the patron saint of Barcelona – who was tortured to death in late Roman times. Her corpse is buried under the main altar. Be sure to climb to the roof for a nice view of the city, and don't forget to visit the serene and beautiful courtyard, which is occupied by thirteen white geese representing the years of Saint Eulalia's life before she was martyred.