National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

When you think of a national gallery, you might conjure up images of posh critics and camera-toting tourists silently tiptoeing through hallowed halls. But here, it's a different scene altogether – a vibrant young crowd easily outnumbers the usual suspects, and it's not hard to see why. The gallery plays host to a slew of hip events: think design workshops, documentary screenings, prime networking opportunities, and even late-night openings every Thursday, all geared towards nurturing the creative spirit within. Classical and contemporary concerts, lectures, and hands-on workshops are also on the menu, detailed in the quarterly Gallery News (grab your copy at the information desk, alongside free floor-plan leaflets).

Once you step inside, prepare to be dazzled by a treasure trove of Western European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century – more than enough to keep you happily occupied for hours on end. Level 1 is your ticket to a journey through Irish art from the 17th century onwards, with star attractions including an excellent collection of paintings by none other than Jack B. Yeats (the lesser-known, but equally talented brother of renowned writer W.B. Yeats). You'll also encounter early 20th-century portraits by the likes of William Orpen and John Lavery, alongside modern Irish landscapes brought to life by the brushstrokes of Gerard Dillon.

As for the European collection, brace yourself for a feast of masterpieces, starting with Velázquez's earliest known work, "Kitchen Maid with the Supper at Emmaus", Vermeer's "Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid", and Caravaggio's "The Taking of Christ", where the artist himself makes an appearance as a passive observer, clutching a lamp in the corner. It's art appreciation at its finest, with a side of historical intrigue thrown in for good measure.