Said to be the largest urban park in Europe, Phoenix Park is home to the Irish President (tours available most Saturdays) and lots of deer. Follow the many walking trails and spot the medieval tower house of Ashtown Castle, next to the park visitor centre.

Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 and over the centuries criminal and political prisoners have been held here. It's accessed by guided tour only, plus there's a museum and regular exhibitions.

A wonderful day-trip from Dublin, the lush green Wicklow Mountains National Park can be reached by private bus or on a tour. Glendalough (or Gleann Da Loch, meaning ‘The Glen of the Two Lakes’) is the gateway to the park, and its visitor centre is on an ancient monastery site, with a round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. From the visitor centre, you can walk on the scenic Green Road to the Upper Lake.

Walk to St Anne's Church to climb the 132 steps (passing through the belfry) to the viewing gallery for a stunning view across the city. On the first floor you can try your hand at bell ringing by pulling on the 8 ropes (song sheets provided). 

It's an easy 26-minute train journey from Cork to it's harbour town of Cobh. You could spend a morning or a whole day there, visiting St Colman's Cathedral, photographing the picture-perfect "deck of cards" street of colourful houses, exploring the Heritage Centre and the Titanic Experience, or taking a ferry trip to Spike Island.

One of the oldest covered markets in Europe, the English Market was opened in 1788 by the Protestant or "English" Corporation in charge of Cork at the time. Packed with traders selling incredible local produce, as well as juice and coffee bars, plus cafes and restaurants. Perfect for an amble, especially if the weather is bad.

A few different companies operate boat tours of the lakes of Killarney National Park: traditional boats, as well as heated covered vessels. One outstanding option takes in the scenery of the Gap of Dunloe and can be combined with walking, cycling, or riding a horse and trap.

Whether you choose to hire a bike (there are plenty of rental shops in town, most provide maps) or book a guided tour, cycling is the lovliest way to see sights in Killarney National Park (there's a network of surfaced tracks in the Muckross, Knockreer and Ross Island areas).

Take a ferry to visit the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore (Inis Mór), at the mouth of Galway Bay. Here, on this rugged Atlantic Ocean lashed island, the Irish language is still spoken and there are atmospheric ruins of Celtic and early Christian sites to explore. Spend a day here walking, cycling or on a guided tour, and enjoy view of the Cliffs of Moher on the return trip.

Black taxi tours for up to six people cover various themes including Game of Thrones and general sightseeing, but it's the 1hr 30min murals tours that are truly eye opening. Belfast's political murals and peace walls are a fascinating insight into The Troubles.

A huge gleaming attraction at the shipyards where the Titanic was designed, built and then launched in 1911. Titanic Belfast has lots of intereactive galleries and you can take a fascinating self-guided walk (with headphones).