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.

This museum, situated in a stunning former synagogue built in 1850, tells the tragic story of Romania’s Jewish population in the country, and their important contributions to Romanian culture and history. Make sure to catch the moving tour to get the best experience.

Tucked away behind a busy street, just a few blocks away from Dotonbori canal, lies the tiny and quaint 17th century Buddhist temple, Hozenji. It is a rare space of peace and tranquility in one of the city's busiest districts, and should not be missed.