La Fenice is a world-renowned opera house and a symbol of the Italian theatre tradition. Its name means "the phoenix", which suits the theatre very well, as it happened more than once that it burned down and had to be reconstructed. La Fenice was originally built in 1755 and witnessed several world-class performances, like the premiere of Verdi's La Traviata. Nowadays, you can either visit the theatre to see its magnificent interiors and learn about its rich history or enjoy a show there during the opera season.

This driving route explores Waterford, Tramore, Dungarvan, Comeragh Mountains Loop, Lemybrien, and back to Waterford city. From hidden coves to mountain scenery, this loop passes Waterford’s coastal UNESCO-site, The Geopark, before venturing into the mountains to the spectacular Mahon Falls. The first stop along this smorgasbord of coastal and mountain scenery is Tramore, a quintessential Victorian seaside resort. Driving towards Newtown Head, look for the Metal Man perched on one of three pillars on the headland. From here, continue west (via R675) along the Copper Coast, a UNESCO European Geopark named for its 19th century mining heritage. It’s a hypnotic route, spotted with Blue Flag beaches, stunning views and pretty villages like Annestown and Stradbally. Finally you will arrive in Dungarvan. From Dungarvan, the R672 links with Ballymacarbry, where a right turn takes you through the walker’s wonderland that is the Nire Valley. Continuing east to the R678 and R676 crossroads, there are two options – turning north to Carrick on Suir before taking the N24 back to Waterford, or turning south (via R676) towards Mahon Falls, a 240-foot waterfall tumbling spectacularly off the glaciated range, towards Waterford via Lemybrien (via N25), spare a thought for William Crotty, a notorious highwayman hanged in the city in 1742. Crotty robbed coaches travelling along what is today’s N25, and his treasure is still said to be stashed amongst the corrie lakes in the Comeragh Mountains.

The Gold Museum is the most well-known museum in Bogotá, with 6,000 of artefacts on display and another 49,000 in the archives. Explore the pre-Hispanic cultural heritage presented over three floors. Jewellery, masks, bowls, ritual offerings and armour are separated by themes and geographic area. Guided tours are conducted in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese. Check the schedule on the official website.