1) Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo
The Wild Atlantic Way was this year's big success story, but 2015 should see its Discovery Points come into their own. Downpatrick Head is one of the best - a spectacular sea stack near Ballycastle. In recent months, a nearby blowhole has been augmented by a sculptural installation, bringing man and nature together.
2) Dark Sky Reserve, Co Kerry
The southwest corner of the county remains Kerry's best-kept secret. The Skellig Kerry region is home to Ireland's only Dark Sky Reserve (the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million light years away, is visible to the naked eye on clear nights), a scrumptious little chocolate factory and, of course, a newly-minted Star Wars location in the shape of Skellig Michael.
3) Belfast: Food, glorious food
Titanic Belfast is its big draw, but visitors to Belfast are increasingly having their appetites whetted by a burgeoning food scene. From restaurants like Ox, Mourne Seafood and James Street South to St George's Market, a new wave of culinary entrepreneurs is adding flavour to a city continuing its transition from Troubles to Tourism.
4) The Copper Coast, Waterford
Lots of Waterford folk are miffed at the county's exclusion from the Wild Atlantic Way, and that's understandable, given the gem of a coastline stretching from Dunmore East to Dungarvan. The Copper Coast is named for its mining heritage, but the sea stacks, secret beaches, pretty towns and foodie finds make for one of the southwest's best daytrips.
5) The Little Museum, Dublin
The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin's top ticketed attraction and the National Museum attracts many thousands more visitors, yet this little gem goes from strength to strength. It's a small but perfectly formed repository of city treasures.
