Glendalough Monastic Site — A City in the Hills

County Louth's coastline is truly impressive, spanning over 90 kilometres from Carlingford Lough to the picturesque beaches of Baltray. Embark on a fascinating journey along the Clogherhead Peninsula, where you'll feel as if you're walking on water. This scenic loop takes you along rocks believed to have been the source of the standing stones at Newgrange, eventually leading you to the charming Port Oriel. Immerse yourself in history as you wander through the winding of Drogheda. This town is brimming with historical remnants, including traces of Cromwell's influence. Don't miss the impressive St Laurence's Gate, and the macabre display of St Oliver's severed head at St Peter's Church. As you venture along Louth's coastline, be sure to explore the charming fishing villages of Termonfeckin and Clogherhead. Make a stop at Monasterboice to admire the majestic High Cross. Continue your journey to Dundalk, the gateway to Carlingford, where you can indulge in the cafe scene, experience exceptional music venues and admire vibrant murals.

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.

Electric Picnic is a boutique festival held every September at the 18th-century Stradbally Hall, it’s as famous for its eclectic music line-up as its food and hot tubs, teepees, gourmet grub and family campsites.

The River Boyne may look peaceful today, but things were rather different on 1 July 1690. On that day, two rivals to the British throne — William III and James II — clashed with their armies in the largest gathering of troops ever on Irish soil. This bloody conflict is vividly evoked at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where audio-visual displays, original weaponry and free battlefield walkways are on display. In summer, watch costumed actors come to life in historical re-enactments.

St Kevin’s monastic settlement in Glendalough was a veritable city in its time, with a 30-metre round tower, a gateway building, several churches, a cathedral, a farm, houses and a sizeable lay population contributing to 500 years spent as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical centres. The cave isn’t safe to access, but you can catch a good photo opportunity above the Upper Lake from the Miner’s Road.