The monastic ruins of Glendalough in Wicklow and the neolithic tombs of historic Boyne Valley are popular highlights, but Ireland's Ancient East has so much more to explore with a couple of hours drive from the big smoke.

In theory you could even take a day-trip to most other major cities on the island, including Cork and Kilkenny, Galway and Belfast which are all just a few hours away, though these warrant at least one sleepover if you can swing it. Within the county limit there are some cleverly inclusive ways to get to know a new neighbourhood, from bike shares and scooters to Malahide's famous road train, which makes its castle gardens, village and beaches accessible to all.