Retreat to the wilderness and enjoy 20,000 hectares of mountain scenery, bogland, and heath at Wicklow Mountains National Park. The largest of Ireland's six National Parks features nine way-marked walkways and is a special area of conservation, with unique biodiversity and landscapes. The most visited area is the scenic Glendalough Valley, where the ancient monastic settlement of St Kevin is located.

This driving route explores Waterford, Tramore, Dungarvan, Comeragh Mountains Loop, Lemybrien, and back to Waterford city. From hidden coves to mountain scenery, this loop passes Waterford’s coastal UNESCO-site, The Geopark, before venturing into the mountains to the spectacular Mahon Falls. The first stop along this smorgasbord of coastal and mountain scenery is Tramore, a quintessential Victorian seaside resort. Driving towards Newtown Head, look for the Metal Man perched on one of three pillars on the headland. From here, continue west (via R675) along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO European Geopark named for its 19th century mining heritage. It’s a hypnotic route, spotted with Blue Flag beaches, stunning views and pretty villages like Annestown and Stradbally. Finally you will arrive in Dungarvan. From Dungarvan, the R672 links with Ballymacarbry, where a right turn takes you through the walker’s wonderland that is the Nire Valley. Continuing east to the R678 and R676 crossroads, there are two options – turning north to Carrick on Suir before taking the N24 back to Waterford, or turning south (via R676) towards Mahon Falls, a 240-foot waterfall tumbling spectacularly off the glaciated range, towards Waterford via Lemybrien (via N25), spare a thought for William Crotty, a notorious highwayman hanged in the city in 1742. Crotty robbed coaches travelling along what is today’s N25, and his treasure is still said to be stashed amongst the corrie lakes in the Comeragh Mountains.

Explore the secrets of nature in Newcastle’s Natural History Museum, which is one of the best in the UK. Outstanding exhibitions and curious creatures will make you gape. Step in and use the chance to get a close glimpse at peculiar insects and unusual reptiles.

Located in the heart of the historic Trinity College, this lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dates back to the 9th century. A marvel of Early Christian art is housed in the 65-metre Long Room in the Old Library — an incredible sight in itself. The room with its barrel-vaulted ceiling inspired the imagery of the Jedi Archive in Star Wars Episode II.