WICKLOW HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

Not only is Wicklow the Garden of Ireland, it's also graced with a stunningly beautiful coastline. Standing watch over the Irish Sea, surrounded by sprawling fields and vibrant yellow gorse bushes, the striking octagon-shaped Wicklow Lighthouse was one of two lighthouses built along the shore in 1781. But it wasn’t all plain sailing: 55 years later, on the 10th of October, a bolt of lightning struck the tower. Thankfully, the meter-thick stone walls stood their ground, but the interior was not so lucky and was completely destroyed. These days, though, its six floors are the epitome of nautical luxury, available to rent from the Irish Landmark Trust.

Get spooked at historic Wicklow Gaol. The overcrowded prison used to count Famine-era thieves, criminals awaiting transportation to Australia and even children among its inmates. Today, its guided tours still send shivers down the spine!