The South of Ireland, a gourmet destination

Whether or not you are a fan of the iconic dark beer or not, the Guinness Storehouse is a must-visit destination and a veritable institution in the heart of Dublin. An interactive, aromatic and decidedly delicious visitor experience leads you through one of its vast listed buildings, dating from 1904, culminating with your learning how to pour a pint of the ‘Black Stuff'. The visit ends with a tasting from its rooftop bar, offering breathtaking views over Dublin's rooftops.

It's a road to explore slowly. You continually stop and leave the car to admire the many panoramas along the coast. The peninsula stretches from Waterford Harbour in the west to St George in the east (stop at Duncannon Fortress on the way). At the end of the road, the black and white lighthouse of Hook Head has been used as a lookout for sailors since the dawn of time.

The coast's rugged landscapes still bear the mark of the Normandy invasions of the 12th century. This abbey, founded by Hervé de Montmorency, is an excellent example. It helped spread Catholicism throughout the country. Impressive due to its size and austere character, the ruined building blends elegantly into a countryside bathed in soft light.

Built over the foundations of an ancient Viking fortification, King John's Castle dates back to the early 13th century. Its impressive round towers and high wall in the Anglo-Norman fortress architectural style still dominate Limerick's old medieval quarter. The new design launched in summer 2013 uses touchscreens depicting the history and the many battles fought around the site. A real find for adults and kids.

Born one stormy evening in the bar of the small Foynes airport, not far from Limerick, the famous Irish Coffee has been part of Irish heritage since the 1940s. Bartender Joe Sheridan is said to have invented this iconic drink to warm travelers having arrived or about to depart on seaplanes. The cocktail has since become firmly international but making one is still taken extremely seriously in these parts. Feel free to order one at your hotel bar or nearby pub: three parts coffee, one part whiskey and cream to finish.

Have you ever seen a 144,000 litre copper pot still? You can come face to face with the world's largest still in the former Jameson whiskey distillery, which offers visits, workshops, tastings, and exhibitions to whiskey lovers. You'll be guided through every stage of the process as local barley is transformed into whiskey (always with an ‘e', if it's made in Ireland) and the countless nuances that result.

Taking the time to sail the lakes of Lough Leane, Muckross and Upper is discovering some of the magic of Killarney National Park. You move over the water on flat-bottomed boats between the superb arbutus trees, even crossing the aptly named 'Meeting of the Waters' on foot between two lakes. Amid unspoilt nature, you can guess the presence of castles and the ruins of an old abbey..