On the north side of Dublin Bay lies the mythic Howth peninsula. An exclusive neighbourhood, the island is home to a yachting harbour, artisan restaurants, and a quality farmer's market. Howth's natural beauty makes it a true gem for a wanderer looking to escape the city. The dramatic cliffs and hill walks welcome explorers. For an interesting hike, make sure to follow the "Bog of Frogs" loop! Howth Summit Viewpoint and a stroll on Claremont Beach offer breathtaking views, while Howth Castle, St Mary's Abbey, and "Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum" provide a sense of the peninsula's heritage. As well as this, visitors can take the ferry to Ireland's Eye Bird Sanctuary in summer.

Cape Verde is a prime destination for outdoor activities and adventure-seeking, with people coming from all corners of the world to hike, dive, windsurf and fish, and also to admire some of the marine wildlife in the area, like turtles and whales. Below are the best times of year and islands for each activity: - Diving: April-September (Sal and Boa Vista) - Windsurfing: November-May (Sal and Boa Vista) - Hiking: All year (Santo Antão, Fogo and Santiago) - Fishing: April-August (all islands) - Turtle-watching: June-August (Sal and Boa Vista) - Whale-watching: March-April (Boa Vista), June-July (Sal)

A short drive north of the village of Palmeira on the island of Sal, a hidden gem awaits — a small inlet along the rocky coast unveils a natural wonder. At the opportune time, preferably in the morning, sunlight filters through a hole in the rocks, transforming the scene into a mesmerising display resembling a bright blue eye. The juxtaposition of the vibrant blue water and the frothy white waves crashing against jagged rocks creates a stunning spectacle. Just above this sight, there is a small swimming hole with calmer waters from which to enjoy it.

The Vincent van Gogh House: a living arts centre in the birthplace of Brabant’s most famous artist ever, stands on the spot where Vincent van Gogh came into the world on 30 March 1853. The protestant Van Gogh spent his childhood years in catholic Zundert, not far from the Belgian border. A reticent and introvert boy, he was educated at home and it soon became clear that Vincent was ‘different’. In the Vincent van GoghHuis you can experience how his time in Zundert moulded him and eventually enabled him to mature to become a world-famous artist. “A must see if you want to know Van Gogh” Vincent’s life had a tough beginning. As the son of the minister Theodorus van Gogh, he quickly became an outsider in the catholic village. He could often be found in the large garden with his younger brother Theo. He would have a wonderful time outdoors, but could also take comfort in it. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why the countryside played such a large role in Van Gogh’s later work? More than a museum In the permanent presentation ‘Vincent van Gogh – the Roots of a Master’, Vincent will take you by the hand and lead you through a re-enactment of his youth and you can learn more about his struggle with faith. Changing exhibitions show the enormous influence of Van Gogh on 20th and 21st century artists, modern art enthusiasts are therefore very much catered for. In addition, the Van GoghHuis has an artist in residence scheme, where an artist can literally step, and live, in Van Gogh’s footsteps every day! Heritage locations in Brabant The Vincent van GoghHuis has its own VVV (Tourist Information) counter and is of course one of the five Van Gogh Heritage locations in Brabant. You can also get to the Van GoghHuis by bike via the Van Gogh Cycle Route that connects all the heritage locations in Brabant.