RISD Museum

The RISD Museum, part of the Rhode Island School of Design, showcases pieces of art created by current and former students. There are other pieces of art on display as well, but it is the modern art created by today's artists that we found to be the most interesting. You can quickly walk through the museum in about 90 minutes, but you could also spend several hours here if you are a true art aficionado.

There is plenty of street parking in the area of the museum, but make sure to keep the meter filled to avoid parking tickets.

Powerscourt Gardens, House & Waterfall

The Powerscourt Gardens and House are absolutely gorgeous (and were even voted the #3 garden in the world by National Geographic). One can easily spend an hour or an entire day here enjoying the gardens. They are perfectly manicured and offer some great views. In addition, the house offers plenty of unique shopping for guests.

The Powerscourt Waterfall, which is about a 10 minute drive away, is also worth a visit (but does require a separate fee). This is the tallest waterfall in Ireland and is well worth the visit. It's also a great place to have a picnic lunch.

Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum

While not as grandiose as some of the mansions of Newport, the Blithewold Mansion and Arboretum is still a gorgeous building with magnificent grounds to explore. Weddings are held here on a regular basis. You'll spend about an hour or so here, but can spend much more time in the gardens if you'd like. In addition, while in the house, the docents are very friendly and will explain anything about the house and grounds you wish to learn.

It is easy to reach Blithewold from both Providence and Newport.

Glendalough

Located about one hour south of Dublin, Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains offers absolutely gorgeous mountain views. There are 2 lakes to walk around and plenty of hiking trails. In addition, there is the main monastic site that was founded in the 6th century. These monastic grounds are great to explore for anyone who enjoys ancient lands. There is also a visitor's centre that offers more information about the area, as well as a quick video. In addition, if you have the Heritage Card for Ireland, the video in the visitor's centre is free.

After you're done visiting here, you can also take a gorgeous drive through the Wicklow Mountains and experience some of the best scenery you'll find in Ireland, and also drive on very tight, windy, dirt roads. Be sure to stop as some of the view points to take in a full panoramic view and a deep breath of the fresh mountain air.

Roger Williams National Memorial

The Roger Williams National Memorial is a park in the center of Providence, RI that explores the history of the founder of the state. Roger Williams is best known as one of the original champions of religious freedom, and founded the state of Rhode Island based on this principle.

Tours are available from the visitor's center to learn more about the history of Roger Williams, and there is a short video there as well to give you a quick overview of his significance. There is also a Junior Ranger program available for kids (and adults!) to learn more about Roger Williams. If you are a collector of the National Park Passport Stamps, there is a stamp at this location as well.

Monasterboice

The Monasterboice is a cemetery in County Louth. You'll find gravestones here dating back hundreds of years, as well as newly laid graves.

The site also holds the remains of two churches, built in the 14th century or later. The crosses, which are very well preserved despite their age, show biblical scenes in their carvings. The crosses, dating back to the 10th century, are some of the most beautiful in the area.

Monasterboice is definitely worth the drive out to County Louth, be sure to take some time to see theses beautiful and historic pieces.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

The Green Animals Topiary Garden, which is part of the Newport Mansions ticket, is a cute garden that has topiaries shaped like animals ranging from lions to birds to teddy bears. You'll spend probably less than an hour here, but it is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.