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Derrynane is a lovely spot on the coast, with 3 km (2 miles) of dunes and beaches. Derrynane House was the family home of Catholic politician and lawyer Daniel O’Connell (see Government Buildings) and it now contains a museum dedicated to the great leader.

King Leary’s brother Covac murdered Leary and his son at Dinn Rig, then forced the grandson to eat their hearts. Struck dumb until cured by Princess Moriatha’s love, the grandson – renamed Labraidh (“Speaks”) – grew up and reconquered Leary’s kingdom. He then invited Covac to stay in an iron house on Dinn Rig. The door locked and a fire lit, all inside were roasted alive.

Although close to Wicklow Town, this romantic wooded glen, with its waterfall and chirruping birds, is a haven of peace and tranquillity. It is part of the pretty valley of the Vartry. Perfect for walking or riding, it makes a quiet escape within an hour’s drive of Dublin. There are many pleasant self-catering apartments and cottages to rent, as well as stables, and other holiday facilities.

This small restaurant, with wooden floors and gilt-framed mirrors, serves Mediterranean dishes cooked to perfection.

Close to Dublin, this steeply hilly woodland is part of the Powerscourt Estate. With the beautiful Powerscourt Waterfall at its centre, it is a popular area for an outing from the city, especially for walks, picnics, jogging and orienteering. Deer and red squirrel can be seen among the oak, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, beech and chestnut trees.

This building feels its age of 130 years, although Ned Doheny and Tom Nesbitt only set up the pub in the 1960s. Inside, a cosy snug and glass-panelled partitions create a perfect atmosphere for the lawyers, politicians and journalists who like to come here.

Donegal is most famous for its tweed production (see Tweed) with Magee’s the biggest manufacturer based here. The Diamond, a triangular central market, is at the heart of the town and an obelisk in the centre commemorates four Franciscans who wrote Annals of the Four Masters in the 1630s. This extraordinary opus follows the history of the Gaelic people from the Great Flood up to the 17th century.

In an area awash with seafood, this relaxed restaurant serves traditional fish dishes alongside more adventurous concoctions.

This cosy guesthouse in Dingle town is also one of the best loved restaurants in Ireland. Lobster, the speciality, is chosen from a tank in the bar and the menu features the catch of the day. A red exterior hints at the warmth within: stone and wood decor, and an old range in the kitchen. Self-catering apartments are also available.