Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the new county gaol for Dublin and finally shut its doors as such in 1924. Today, the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism, from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. The great collection consists of a wide variety of object types, including manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, weaponry, artwork, medals, uniforms and personal effects especially related to the political imprisonment in the 1916-23 period, as well as the experience of women during the Civil War.

The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from nearly 400 species — everything from elephants and lions to smaller exhibits you can explore at your own pace. Highlights include the Giant Panda Habitat and Amazonia, an indoor rainforest with monkeys, fish, and tropical plants. The grounds are expansive, so wear good shoes and plan a few hours if you want to see more than just the main enclosures.

The Cabarrus Arts Council is the cultural heartbeat of the community, celebrating creativity through diverse programs and exhibitions. It’s home to the Davis Theatre, where live performances bring stories to life, and the Galleries, showcasing rotating art exhibits from local and global talent.

To get a good impression of how Dresden once used to look, head to Königstraße in the Neustadt Quarter and its rows of beautifully restored 18th-century houses. An abundance of restaurants and elegant boutiques are hidden in the inner courtyards.