Situated among the ruins of a former woollen mill along the River Dawn, this extensive garden features several interesting botanical specialties, from a lavender field to lily ponds in the North African corner.

The 178km Vee Drive Tour unfolds one stunning vista after another. Setting off on the N25 from Waterford, this driving loop ducks between the Comeragh Mountains and Copper Coast following the N72 to its first stop, the dazzling heritage town of Lismore. Lismore’s showpiece is its castle, founded in 1185, which belongs to the Duke of Devonshire today. Leaving Lismore, follow the R668 as it twists and turns through the Knockmealdown Mountains culminating in breath-taking fashion at the Vee, a hairpin bend overlooking the Golden Vale. Journey from Cahir back to Waterford via the N24 stopping at the heritage gems of Cahir Castle and Ormond Castle. The Vee Drive also features two spurs, which you can use as detours if time permits. The first zips down to Ardmore, where a round tower, cathedral and hermitage captivate visitors to this day. The second spur detours, via St. Declan’s Way.

Located in the southern coast of the island, Limassol is geographically the largest city in Cyprus and the second largest in population after Nicosia. Its central position offers easy access to all major cities as well as the Troodos Mountains within a 35- to 45-minute drive. It is also conveniently situated only 35 minutes away from both Larnaca and Pafos airports. It is a fascinating area with a diversified character which caters to a variety of tastes and preferences: a heaven for sun lovers, with 16 kilometres of sandy beaches, this cosmopolitan destination also boasts high quality accommodation options, countless activities and a wide array of vibrant events and festivals throughout the year. In the midst of its lively nightlife and entertainment, one can still appreciate the cultural aspect with visits to archaeological sites and colourful wine villages.

Nicosia, also known as Lefkosia, the island’s capital, combines both old and new in a busy modern commercial and business centre and a centuries-old culture. The centre of the city comprehends its old quarter surrounded by a Venetian sandstone fortress wall with a moat and heart-shaped bastions. Mosques and palm trees give an oriental atmosphere to the old city. Wander along narrow streets with overhanging balconies and beautifully restored pedestrian precincts with craft shops, cafes and taverns. Make sure you stop off at St John’s Cathedral with its frescoes and the marvellous museum of Byzantine icons. In the evening catch a concert or an exhibition at the Famagusta Gate, one of the three original entrances into the old city, which has now been restored and it is used as a cultural centre. The new town spreads beyond the walls with a modern European-like centre of high-rise buildings, office blocks, shops and cafes, expanding into suburban residential areas. Lefkosia offers the best in shopping with Stasikratous Street as the destination for an ultimate shopping experience. Of the city’s main sights, Cyprus Museum houses the best collection of archaeological artefacts on the island, including a first century AD Roman statuette of Aphrodite of Soli and the original mosaic of Leda and the Swan, while the Leventis Museum depicts the history of the town.