Top 10 things to do in Ireland when it's raining!

Discover Ireland has put together a helpful list of ten things to do when it’s raining.

The National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin is a must see location. It is split into several zones, with the time vault section allowing visitors to explore Irish history through the experiences of sight and sound. As well as seeing famous Irishmen and women from all careers, the museum is home to a green screen where you can sing and dance along to your favourite tunes. For a lasting souvenir of your visit, you can even have a copy of your own hand moulded in wax to take home with you!

For the historically minded, The Dunbrody Famine Ship is a great attraction to visit. The ship provides a realistic interpretation of the famine emigration experience. On board the ship, the harsh conditions emigrants faced are explained whilst costumed actors bring the experience to life.  The nearby Dunbrody visitor centre is home to the Irish America hall of fame, commemorating the contribution of the Irish people to American history.

A visit to the Funtasia Water Park in Drogheda will provide fun for every-one. The Pirates Cove water park has something to entertain all ages from white-knuckle rides to Jacuzzis. However, Funtasia is not all about water based fun.; it is also home to a 14 lane bowling alley, crazy golf course, rock climbing, indoor aerial adventure course, play area and a roller skating rink. Endless fun for those rainy days.

Alternatively, you can experience the outdoors without getting wet! Get closer to nature with a visit to the Glengowla Mines. In-depth guided tours of the mine are available and tell the tale of how silver and lead were mined during the 19^th century, including the working conditions of those who mined it . You will see caverns of marble studded with lead and silver, leading you back in time. See rare crystals such as fluorite and quartz, along with ‘miners gold.’ Glengowla is home to a Seismograph, allowing visitors to see how it works and how the impact of earthquakes around can be felt thousands of miles away. For smaller children, the working farm will be of interest.

There’s plenty to do in Ireland, whatever the weather!

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Hong Kong's Top Ten Attractions

Fancy going somewhere different this year? How about visiting Hong Kong?

Lying just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Hong Kong has a humid sub-tropical climate. This makes it the perfect location for those seeking a bit of winter warmth; Hong Kong has an average temperature of 16°C in January! Due to Hong Kong’s colonial past and international harbour, English is widely spoken. All public announcements and official signs are bilingual, making it easier to get around! The city is extremely diverse and beautiful; Chinese clan heritage and European colonial history combine to create a city like no other.

Hong Kong’s cuisine is highly acclaimed worldwide. Ditch the New Year’s resolution and sample some of the local delicacies such as Put Chai Ko (a sticky rice pudding), stir-fried rice noodles, sweet and sour pork and mango pudding. International cuisine also has a strong presence in the city, with Chinese, Asian and Western foods on offer. Special diets are also catered for, with many halal and vegetarian restaurants in the city.

A visit to Hong Kong is not complete without doing some shopping. The districts of Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan are well worth a visit. If you prefer the more authentic street markets, Hong Kong caters for you well. You may spot a bargain on Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street), famed for its antiques and silk products. Chun Yeung Street has busy stalls selling fresh produce where you can experience the sights and sounds of a traditional market in full swing.

While Hong Kong is known mainly as an urban city, it is also home to impressive wildlife and ecology too. The best places to see them are in marine parks and nature reserves, where you’ll see the untamed, remote and rugged Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Global Geopark of China contains some spectacular rock formations, showing off the region’s timeless landscape. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region is well worth a visit with hexagonal volcanic columns, islands created as a result of super volcanoes, and splendid sea arches that will make you gasp in awe.

A visit to the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple will immerse you in Hong Kong’s culture. The beautiful ornamented buildings are home to three different religions (Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism). The Temple claims to ‘make every wish come true upon request,’ and is a popular tourist and religious site.

Visitors with young families will enjoy going to Hong Kong Disneyland. The Park four main themed lands: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Tommorowland and Fantasyland. The parades are a must see, and there are many rides to keep the whole family entertained. Don’t forget your camera and autograph book!

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has put together a list of the top ten attractions in the city.

Click here to read the full list