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Modern Ardmore is a popular little beach resort, but the hill behind is the site of St Declan’s 5th-century monastery, probably the oldest in Ireland. Its many evocative remains (mostly dating from the 12th century) include St Declan’s Cathedral, a fine example of a high cross, and an impressive, 30-m (100-ft) round tower.

The poignant folksong “The Fields of Athenry” (pronounced Athen-rye) gives little clue about this evocative reminder of the Anglo-Norman colonists. In 1211, Meiler de Bermingham made Athenry his seat, enclosed it with sturdy ramparts, built a little castle, and founded a Dominican Priory in 1241 where he and his descendants could be buried. Today, though damaged, much survives, together with a broken 15th-century cross erected in the central square.

This market town and fishing port is named after its beautiful situation at the head of Bantry Bay. Bantry House, commanding an outstanding position with views across the bay, has been owned by the White family since 1739. For maritime enthusiasts there is a small museum in the stable, examining the history of the French Armada, which was scuttled here in 1796.

Despite a perfect Austenstyle setting, there was no sense or sensibility in the actions of the Earl of Belvedere. He began the house in 1740, spent his life fighting his brothers and built the Gothic Jealous Wall to block the view of his sibling’s house. He also imprisoned his wife for 31 years, suspecting she’d slept with one of them. Visitors, however, are free to roam the beautiful gardens and the shore of Lough Ennell.

Although largely dominated by the castle and its grounds, the town of Birr has much to offer visitors. Its beautiful Georgian style has been lovingly preserved, many of the buildings retaining their original fanlights and door panelling.

It’s rare that a castle plays second fiddle to its surroundings. Here, however, the gardens, covering more than 150 acres and containing 2,000 species of rare trees and shrubs, take the prize. Spring blossoms and autumn foliage are mesmerizing. The grounds are also home to the Earl of Rosse’s 72-inch (180-cm) telescope. Built in the 1840s this was once the world’s largest.