Visit the prehistoric passage tomb of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne (Boyne Valley tombs). The site is 50km north of Dublin and can be visited on a tour with Newgrange tours. 

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.

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.

Kilkenny Cycling Tours have a range of different guided cycle tours including a two-hour (morning or afternoon) tour of the medieval city from its riverside cycle lanes. You can also hire your own bike for the day, or try out their hydrobikes on the River Barrow (though the launch for this is the Rowing club in nearby Graignamanagh). 

13th-century Kilkenny Castle has been extensively rebuilt and adapted over its years in the hands of the powerful Butler family, who bought the castle and grounds in 1391 and sold it in 1967. The expansive parklands are free to explore, but there's an entrance fee for the castle (and for the guided tour of the Period rooms in the west tower).

A lovely 46km car-free Greenway opened in 2017 on a disused railway line from Waterfod City to seaside Dungarvan. You can walk the first section along the river to Killoteran (7km), or hire a bike for a leisurely cycle ride of the whole route.

Suir Valley Adventures offer guided tours on the River Suit in a ‘fionnuala’ (Celtic Longboat) or kayak. There’s a slipway behind the castle and you can paddle to Swiss Cottage or beyond.

The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig) has been on this site in the Tipperary countryside since the 5th century, firstly as the seat of High Kings of Munster, before it was granted to the church at the turn of the 12th century and then sacked by Cromwell’s forces in 1647.

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.