Dungarvan, Ireland

Attractive, bustling Dungarvan (Web: www.dungarvantourism.com ) is splendidly situated on a large bay where the waters of the River Colligan broaden as they reach the sea. Unlike many of its fellow resorts, it remains largely unscathed by the blight of chain-store similitude. The main attraction here is King John's Castle (guided tours June– Sept daily 10am–6pm; free), squatting proudly at the eastern end of Davitt's Quay. Built in 1185 as an Anglo-Norman command base, it consists of a shell keep with a curtain wall. Inside are eighteenth-century barracks, occupied by the IRA during the Civil War and burnt down when they abandoned the site. Subsequently, these were restored to become the local Garda station and now contain displays on the castle's history. The nearby old Market House at the east end of Main Street contains an arts centre (Tues– Sat 11am–5pm; free; Tel:058/48944) which hosts art displays and has occasional events. Five minutes' walk west along Main Street will bring you to St Augustine Street, where the Waterford County Museum (mid-May to mid-Sept Mon– Sat 10am–1pm & 2–5pm; mid-Sept to mid-May Mon– Fri 10am–1pm & 2–4.30pm; free; Web: www.dungarvanmuseum.org ) houses exhibits on maritime and local history, as well as temporary exhibitions.