Samarra is a small yet historically rich city located approximately 125 kilometres north of Baghdad. Founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu'tasim, it holds deep significance for Sunni Muslims and features some of Iraq's most iconic Islamic architecture. The easiest way to visit Samarra is on a day trip from Baghdad. Head to the Alawi garage to catch a shared taxi or minivan. A one-way journey in a minivan costs around 10,000 Iraqi dinars. Shared taxis are slightly more expensive but offer a faster and more comfortable ride. Samarra’s most famous landmark is the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque, which was once among the largest mosques in the world. The minaret stands at 52 metres and features a distinctive spiral ramp that winds its way to the top. Climbing the minaret is not always allowed and it is unclear when it's possible to climb it and when it's not. There's also another similar minaret nearby called the Abu Dulaf Minaret, located 28 kilometres from the Great Mosque. Samarra is also home to the Askariyya Shrine, an important site that is sacred to Shia Muslims due to the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but modest dress, respectful behaviour, and compliance with local customs are expected. Due to the shrine’s religious importance, security is very tight and includes several checkpoints. As a predominantly Sunni city in a complex religious landscape, Samarra maintains strict security protocols, particularly for foreigners. If you're not part of an organised tour, expect to be the only foreigner on the journey. This may result in added scrutiny at checkpoints, including detailed passport checks and questions about your travel plans.

This baptistery is one of the oldest examples of Christian architecture in Europe and houses an interesting collection of stone coffins. Built on a Roman foundation in the early 4th century, the site was reconstructed in the Middle Ages.

Headquarters of the comics editor Glénat, this ancient convent welcomes temporary art exhibitions and offers a high-quality document repository, available for everybody to consult.

The 178km Vee Drive Tour unfolds one stunning vista after another. Setting off on the N25 from Waterford, this driving loop ducks between the Comeragh Mountains and Copper Coast following the N72 to its first stop, the dazzling heritage town of Lismore. Lismore’s showpiece is its castle, founded in 1185, which belongs to the Duke of Devonshire today. Leaving Lismore, follow the R668 as it twists and turns through the Knockmealdown Mountains culminating in breath-taking fashion at the Vee, a hairpin bend overlooking the Golden Vale. Journey from Cahir back to Waterford via the N24 stopping at the heritage gems of Cahir Castle and Ormond Castle. The Vee Drive also features two spurs, which you can use as detours if time permits. The first zips down to Ardmore, where a round tower, cathedral and hermitage captivate visitors to this day. The second spur detours, via St. Declan’s Way.