The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was a watershed moment for Northern Ireland, and its rejuvenated capital is enjoying a surge in popularity. The new Titanic Belfast museum is the star attraction, while the city centre boasts some handsome Victorian architecture and a lively pub scene.

The fishing port of Peel is on the west coast of the Isle of Man, and the town’s main attraction is the 11th century Peel Castle, which sits atop St Patrick’s Island and is accessed via a causeway. Just outside Peel is the village of St John’s, where the island’s parliament meets in the open air on Tynwald Hill once a year.

Islay is famous for its peaty, smoky whiskies, and the island is home to nine different distilleries, including the famous Laphroaig. Other highlights include the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve and the ruins at Finlaggan, former seat of the Lords of the Isles.

The waterfront town of Oban, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is the main gateway to the Hebridean islands, and it’s a busy place in summer. We recommend sampling the excellent seafood while enjoying the views across to the islands of Mull and Kerrera.

Tobermory, an old fishing station brightened by a crescent of colourful houses, is the main settlement on the Isle of Mull. This rugged and varied island is one of the most popular destinations in the Hebrides, and is rich in wildlife, home to species including white-tailed eagles, otters and whales.

The Isle of Eigg is part of the Inner Hebridean archipelago known as the Small Isles, and is easily recognisable thanks to An Sgurr, the dramatic pitchstone lava ridge that dominates the island. Climb the rock if you’re feeling fit, and enjoy fantastic views of Skye and Ardnamurchan from the summit.

The Barra Isles (also known as the Bishop’s Isles) consist of nine small islands that lie, somewhat confusingly, to the south of the isle of Barra. The only inhabited island is Vatersay, with its beautiful beaches, Bronze Age archaeological sites and wildlife including otters, seals and puffins.

The little town of Dunvegan, on the west coast of Skye, is famous for Dunvegan Castle, seat of the Clan McLeod since the 13th century. The castle sits amongst beautiful gardens, and has a jetty where you can take boat trips out onto Loch Dunvegan in search of seals.

Harris is the more mountainous southern part of the Isle of Lewis and Harris, the largest of the Outer Hebrides (sometimes confusingly described as two islands). Harris is famous for Harris Tweed, still hand-woven by the islanders, and is graced with some spectacular white sand beaches.

Situated on a natural harbour on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis, Stornoway is the largest town in the Outer Hebrides. The island is one of the last major strongholds of the Gaelic language, and is home to fascinating Neolithic sites such as the mysterious standing stones at Callanish.

The flat, windswept Orkney Islands, just off the northeast coast of Scotland, have a distinctive Scandinavian heritage that’s discernible in everything from the unusual place names to the ancient Norse architecture of the capital, Kirkwall. Don’t miss the Ring of Brodgar, a fascinating Neolithic stone circle.

Lerwick is the only town of any size in the Shetland islands, and originally grew up around the herring trade. Highlights include the charming 18th century architecture along the waterfront and the informative Shetland Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the islands.