DUBBED THE GARDEN OF IRELAND, County Wicklow beckons with rugged hills, regal stately homes and lush gardens. The heather-covered slopes of the Wicklow mountains south of Dublin are criss-crossed with walking trails.

North of Dublin, the heritage town of Carlingford makes a great base for exploring County Louth. This attractive lakeside resort has a ruined Norman castle, plenty of historic buildings and terrific waking country in the hills behind.

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