Perched atop a hill near the Cabrillo National Monument, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse offers beautiful panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Though it ceased operating as a lighthouse in 1891 due to its location being frequently obscured by fog, the historic building is now a museum open to the public. Visitors can explore its rich maritime history and learn about its role in guiding ships to safety.

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.

Aimed primarily at younger visitors, the park will still be a delight for the whole family. There are plenty of playgrounds and attractions for the little ones, but also an impressive number of animal residents originating from 5 different continents. Among those you can encounter on a trip to the park are pink flamingos, penguins, monkeys and even crocodiles.