The largest theme park in the area, Busch Gardens’ hallmarks are its roller coasters and nearly 3,000 live animals, incorporated into various exhibits and shows. SheiKra will give you all the thrills you can handle with a 200-foot drop, 90 degrees straight down, or for the traditionalists there is Gwazi, a wooden roller coaster with speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Jungala is an attraction where guests can get face-to-face with orangutans or play tug-of-war with tigers.

A place of supernatural significance to locals, the Crocodile Pool is visited by women who have lost all hope to conceive a child - it is believed that a visit here may help the process along (hence the name "Kachikally" given to some children at birth). The pool is home to well looked-after Nile crocodiles, some of which are so tame they may be pet. Do not miss the adjacent museum, nature trail, and gift shop.

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.