Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine played a pivotal role during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to pen the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" as he witnessed the fort’s defense. Today, visitors can explore the historic 18th-century fort, view exhibits about the battle and the anthem's creation, and watch the iconic flag fly above the site.

A natural science exhibition, aquarium, terrarium and insectarium are what makes up the Löbbecke collection. The museum collaborates with others in various projects concerning the protection of nature and species, animal geography, behavioural biology and reproduction. Cooperation in the preservation of endangered species is one of the tasks of the Aquazoo, as is the scientific documentation of the collection. Guided tours, special workshops, events and holiday programmes for children on request.

St Kevin’s monastic settlement in Glendalough was a veritable city in its time, with a 30-metre round tower, a gateway building, several churches, a cathedral, a farm, houses and a sizeable lay population contributing to 500 years spent as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical centres. The cave isn’t safe to access, but you can catch a good photo opportunity above the Upper Lake from the Miner’s Road.

County Kildare is home to the windswept Bog of Allen, and to a leisurely section of the restored Royal Canal. There’s a masterpiece of an 8th-century High Cross in Moone. Maynooth Castle anchors the leafy university town of the same name. Kildare is also home to one of Ireland’s great driving routes. Following the course of the Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw racing daredevils whizz through Kildare, Carlow and Laois in 1903, the 104-mile circuit recalls a time when Ireland’s speed limit was just 12mph. The county is a marvellous mix of old and new, of natural landscapes and precisely manicured gardens, of horseracing competitions and stylish fashion events.