Two distinct gardens spreading across seven acres are the perfect backdrop for a panoramic walk with views on the 12th-century landmark castle. The entrance ticket also gives access to the contemporary gallery Lismore Castle Arts.

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.

In the year 64 AD, Emperor Nero built a palace almost one mile long — stretching from Palatine Hill all the way to Oppio Hill. Some parts were covered in gold, precious stones and featured splendid decor. After Nero’s death, it was filled in with earth to obliterate the tyrant’s memory. It was accidentally rediscovered in the 15th century, and today, you can walk through 30 of Nero’s 150 underground rooms.

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa launched a nature care project to raise awareness for endangered species and fauna endemic to Sabah and to support rehabilitation programmes aimed at returning these species to the wild. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and prepare for mosquitos.