If you’re looking for a destination to put on your 2017 wish list, consider Ireland. Researching your ancestry, discovering the country’s rich history – who doesn’t love castles? – and taking in the legendary landscapes are just a few reasons to visit. And there are numerous ways to experience the country, from an escorted tour to a customized, private trip or perhaps a self-drive vacation. Here are some of Ireland’s most popular regions.

Dublin

The capital is known for its historic attractions, including Dublin Castle, Trinity College – home of the beautiful Book of Kells – and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of writers and poets like James Joyce and Seamus Heaney while on a literary pub crawl, and don’t miss a visit to the Guinness Brewery, where you can learn about the famous stout and even enjoy a free sample.

The Southwest

County Kerry, especially around Killarney, features some of the country’s most lush scenery with mountains, crystal-clear lakes and verdant valleys. Explore the rugged coastline of the nearby Dingle Peninsula and visit the foodie town of Kinsale in County Cork, where you can dine on local seafood, oysters and wild salmon, then head to a cozy pub to catch some traditional Irish music.

The West

If you’re a fan of “The Quiet Man,” you likely know it was filmed in County Mayo, where tours of the film’s locations are available. Mayo is also home to one of Ireland’s top hotels, Ashford Castle, which features a billiards room, afternoon tea and activities like fishing, falconry and archery. In nearby County Clare, have your camera ready for a visit to the 702-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL IN IRELAND

For more information or to book your trip, contact your local AAA travel counselor or visit AAA.com/Travel.

Top photo: The 702-foot-high Cliffs of Moher are located on Ireland’s western shore (Photo: Mustang_79 / iStock / Thinkstock)

Minor projects create major value inside your home. A coat of paint, a weekend DIY project or a quick visit from a professional can make a difference in your dojo.

To up your home’s value and appeal, check out these easy home projects. Consider seeking professional services and advice for the best possible results.

Update upward

Popcorn ceilings, which contained asbestos years ago, have long gone out of style. If your home is older, have a professional check for asbestos, and scrape off this bumpy finish for a cleaner, sleeker look. DIY Network has detailed instructions on their website.

Zap inefficiencies

A professional energy audit will assess your home’s energy use, locate places where energy is wasted and offer solutions. The Department of Energy says you can save 5 to 30 percent on your energy bill by making improvements recommended by an energy auditor.

Bathroom bling

Bathroom fixes provide big returns. Updating lighting fixtures, faucets and cabinet hardware will boost your home’s appeal. Consider switching out your showerhead for one with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label to save water, energy and money.

A panel effort

While most wood paneling is out-of-date, there’s no need to take it down. Simply add a coat of paint to give old boards a fresh look. Check out these tips on painting wood paneling from HGTV.

Places of reflection

Closet doors are practical but plain. To dress them up, consider adding body-length mirrors and using baseboard trim or molding to build frames. Painting the trim to match the door will make the mirrors look built-in.

These are ideas only, not instructions. Before attempting any project, conduct your own thorough research. Follow all local regulations, gain the proper permits and take safety precautions.

Keeping your little loved ones safe when you drive is a year-round responsibility. Having a high-quality car seat will help ensure that happens. Here’s some advice from AAA Northeast car seat expert Karen Blackburn.

Choose the right seat

You should get a seat that fits your child and your car. Check the manufacturer’s height and weight restrictions before you buy and don’t be afraid to return a car seat that cannot be installed in your vehicle correctly.

Check the recall list

Many popular and recommended brands have recalls. Make sure the specific model you buy does not have any safety defects.

Study the owner’s manual

Read the instructions and check the manufacturer’s website for installation videos, or have yours installed by a certified car seat technician.

For a list of car seat checks near you, go to www.safekids.org/events.

To search for car seat recalls, go to www.safercar.gov.

Let sleeping dogs lie − but let them lie in comfort and style.

By upcycling some unwanted items, you can create classy new sleeping quarters for Fido and Fluffy for next to nothing. Here are a few ideas to build a better bed for your furry friend.

The luxurious luggage apartment

Turn a vintage hardcover suitcase into a chic pet condo. Remove the suitcase top, line the inside and add a cushion or pad to make it cozy. Add furniture legs to complete the look. Perfect for cats and small dogs.

Create your own luggage pet bed with this step-by-step guide from The Stir. 

The four-poster

This upcycle is a simple flip – just find an old table and turn it upside down! You’ve got a four-poster bed for your four-footed friend. You may have to pick up some extra wood to build up the sides before you fill it with bedding materials. Give it a fresh coat of paint or even add a canopy to treat your pet to a royal bedchamber.

Check out this how-to by All Created. 

The bedsider

Convert an old end table, nightstand or bedside table into a cozy cove. Remove the door to the nightstand’s cabinet and take out any shelves. Throw in some bedding and your pet will have a pad to himself right next to your bedside.

Learn how to make it with these instructions from DIY Network. 

You can upcycle almost anything into new sleeping quarters for your pet. Convert drawers, picnic baskets, wood pallets and more into comfy couches. Add fresh paint and fabrics to suit your home’s, and your pet’s, style.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

You may have seen them around town: Children, teens, even adults wandering around, only periodically looking up from their smartphones. They’re probably playing one of the hottest games of the app era: Pokemon Go.

Q. What in the world is it?

A. Pokemon Go (iOS, Android) is an augmented-reality game released in July 2016 by Niantic and The Pokemon Company. Players (known as trainers in Pokemon) try to catch different Pokemon characters as they walk around their surroundings by catching them with a Poke Ball. Once they’re caught, players store them in a Pokedex (a virtual file folder). Players try to evolve their characters into stronger versions by collecting goodies and experience. There are more than 150 characters in all. Some are based on animals, some on various folk tales, and some are just straight-up fictional creatures. You might have heard of Pikachu – he’s the franchise’s most popular character.

Pokemon Go caused quite a stir when it was first released. This video taken in Central Park in the summer of 2016 shows a crowd rushing to “catch” one of the game’s characters with their phones.

Q. Why do I see so many kids playing in certain locations?

A. Certain places – usually with some historical or cultural significance – are designated as PokeStops and gyms. Players can stock up on Poke Balls and other goodies at PokeStops, and battle other Pokemon and gain experience points at gyms.

Q. I vaguely recall Pokemon being around in the ’90s. Am I right?

A. Yup! Pokemon started out in Japan 1996 as a video game then quickly morphed into an uber-popular card trading game. It’s been around since then with various video game and television series.

Sometimes it’s nice to do things because you care. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, show your car some love with any of these three helpful, but sometimes ignored, preventive maintenance techniques.

Set things straight.

A properly aligned set of wheels makes your car drive straight and prevents tires from wearing out unevenly. While most people have the wheel alignment set when the tires are replaced, it’s a good idea to have this service done once a year, especially if you hit a lot of potholes, said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul.

Switch it up a little.

Say “yes” when your mechanic suggests a tire rotation, especially if it’s been anywhere close to 7,000 miles. Steering and braking causes tires to wear down at different rates depending on where they are on the car, and rotating the tires helps slow the effects. It also gives your mechanic a chance to look at critical safety parts like the brakes and the suspension, Paul said.

Out with the old stuff.

Not every car requires a brake fluid flush and replacement, but doing so can rid the reservoir of moisture that can cause the braking system to rust. Many automakers recommend replacing brake fluid every two to three years. If it’s a service that hasn’t crossed your mind in a while, it’s a good idea to have it checked out, Paul said.

AAA.com/Automotive 

If the American automobile industry had its own Mount Rushmore (on the side of a cliff somewhere outside Detroit), the sculptor creating the monument would have plenty of faces from which to choose. Here are four pioneers who fit the bill, whose visions and innovativeness in the automotive sector helped make the car what it is today.

Henry Ford

Born on his father’s Michigan farm in July 1863, Henry Ford made automobiles affordable for middle-class Americans with his revolutionary Model T cruiser. In 1913, he built the first moving assembly line at his company’s Highland Park, Mich., plant, which reduced the time it took to build one of his cars from 12 hours to less than three.

Ransom E. Olds

The son of a blacksmith, Ohio-born inventor Ransom Eli Olds was the force behind two major American automobile companies, Oldsmobile and REO. Before Ford’s moving assembly line, Olds used the first stationary assembly line to build the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, a process that essentially introduced mass production into the automobile industry.

William C. Durant

Boston-born businessman Billy Durant went from selling cigars and horse-drawn carriages in Flint, Mich., to founding General Motors, the automobile industry’s first multi-brand holding company, in 1908. While he had arguably as many failures as successes, many of the brands he once led, including Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet, still exist today.

Charles B. King

A mentor to Ford and Olds, Charles Brady King was the first person to build and drive a gasoline-powered car on the streets of Detroit – a feat accomplished way back in 1896. He may not be a household name, but with over 40 automobile patents to his credit, including steering gears and transmissions, his impact on the industry cannot be denied.

Illustration: A Mount Rushmore of automakers might include, from left, Henry Ford, Ransom E. Olds, William C. Durant and Charles B. King.

We asked Terrence Mahon, high performance coach at the Boston Athletic Association – the organization behind the Boston Marathon – about the essentials for winter running safety. Here are his top picks for winter-weather gear.

Winter running shoes:

These offer less-breathable uppers and extra traction, with moisture-wicking or water-repellent materials. Check out stabilizers with small spikes or rubber pads that fit over your shoe for added grip.

Socks:

Winter weather calls for thicker socks, synthetic or wool instead of cotton.

Leg layers:

Invest in thicker, fleece-lined tights. For wet days, opt for water-repellent pants.

Upper body:

Keeping your upper body warm is all about layers. Mahon recommends wearing a short-sleeve synthetic shirt, a long-sleeve shirt and jacket. Wear a heavy-duty jacket with sealed seams for rain and snow, and a breathable jacket for dry, cold conditions.

Valerie Grubb loves to travel. Not only that, she loves to travel with her mom. In the past 20 years, the author of “Planes, Canes, and Automobiles: Connecting With Your Aging Parents Through Travel” has logged more than 300,000 miles with her mother, now 85.

“It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she said.

You, too, can have a great trip with your mom or dad, even if they have mobility challenges. Just follow Grubb’s tips.

Watch them walk

Don’t leave home without understanding your parents’ physical capabilities. “That may actually help you decide where you want to go,” said Grubb. A parent who struggles with the stairs won’t climb the 387 steps to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral. Pay your parents a visit and observe them so you can help them make the best choices for the trip.

Talk to the doc

Go with your parent for a pretrip checkup to discuss health concerns and details about medications (including generic names) your parent is taking. Carry a list of those medications and their doctors’ contact information with you at all times. “It’s rare that something happens when you’re just at the hotel,” Grubb said.

Remember that things change

If you haven’t spent extended time with your parents in a while, be aware that their dietary preferences may have changed, their memory may have diminished, or they may need more frequent rest stops. Grubb said that her mother was once “fearless” but became more wary of new places and of flying alone as she grew older. With patience and forethought, most issues can be overcome. “It changes the vacation a bit, but I can tell you it’s worth it,” Grubb said.

Travel puts you and your parent in a new adventure and allows you to deepen your relationship. Grubb, for instance, learned during one trip that her demure mom had been kicked out of high school for fighting. “You’re going to find out so much more about your parents when you’re with them,” she said. “New places trigger memories in all of us.”

Our motivation drops with every snowfall, but you can stay active when cold weather hits. Fight off hibernation habits with these winter workouts.

Shoveling snow

• A person weighing 170 pounds can burn about 250 calories over 30 minutes of shoveling, according to North Dakota State University.

• Shoveling increases your heart rate and provides a full-body workout.

• First, consider your age and physical limitations and get your doctor’s OK to perform such strenuous exercise. To prevent injury, make sure you use the right approach. Stretch and warm up then start slowly and take frequent breaks. Use proper posture to prevent back injuries. Bend at the knees and lift with your legs, rather than your lower back. Keep one hand at the shovel handle and the other close to the blade to maximize leverage.

Ice skating

• According to the United States Figure Skating Association, a 150-pound person skating for one hour burns 600 to 800 calories and gets the same aerobic exercise as running 5 miles.

• Skating exercises your quadriceps, hamstrings, abdominal muscles and lower back.

• Skating is low impact and avoids the joint strain common with running.

Snowshoeing

• According to www.snowshoes.com, snowshoers burn between 430 and 1,000 calories per hour, depending on speed, terrain and snow density.

• Snowshoeing is a low impact, cardiovascular activity that exercises the legs and promotes balance.

• And it’s easy! All you need are snowshoes, weather-appropriate clothes and brief instruction to start.

Cross-country skiing

• According to www.humankinetics.com, a 130-pound skier burns about 470 calories and a 190-pound skier burns about 700 calories during one hour of moderate cross-country skiing.

• Cross-country skiing requires upper-body propulsion and provides a full body workout.

• Plus, you can just set off on a ski trail – no lift tickets or lines to slow you down.

Please consult your physician or other health care professional before starting any new exercise regimen.

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when the human’s away, what does the cat do?

Food puzzles keep your pet occupied when you’re not home. They can be found at pet stores and online, and have several difficulty levels for various animal species. These puzzles compel pets to forage for food using their senses. According to www.bestfriends.org, food puzzles engage pets mentally and physically, improve behavioral health, and promote confidence through overcoming obstacles.

One do-it-yourself puzzle repurposes a muffin tin and tennis balls: Fill a muffin tin with tennis balls, hiding a treat under one of the balls, and challenge your pet to find the snack and remove the obstacle.

Food puzzles may be difficult. Using their favorite treats, teach your pets how the puzzle works so they can crack the dinner code when you’re away.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

Winter means lots of time spent indoors. Lots.

And there are only so many movies and You-Tube cat videos that one can watch. Why not liven things up with a board game or two? But instead of hauling your circa-1985 edition of Trivial Pursuit or Risk from the basement, check out a new game on your smartphone or tablet.

No missing pieces, and you can download a new one every day if you want. So long, cabin fever!

Here are some of our faves.

Scrabble

iPhone ($7.99), iPad ($9.99) and Android devices (free)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android

No more missing tiles! Plus, the digital version has a speed play function and the ability to compete against your Facebook friends. You can also play a face-to-face game with the app’s pass n’ play option. A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Monopoly

iPhone (99 cents), iPad ($4.99) and Android ($1.99)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android 

Remember how tedious Monopoly used to be? Counting out the money, figuring out who owns what? Well, the digital version does away with all that. Plus, you can challenge up to three friends with the pass and play feature. And maybe the best part? You shake the “dice” by shaking your phone.

Scattergories

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
Magmic Inc.
Download: iOS, Android

Quick! Think of a book title, fruit and car make that all start with the letter B. If you love making lists and thinking on your feet, this game’s for you. It’s fast, it’s fun, and you can either play against a random opponent or dial up your Facebook friends for an added challenge.

Heads Up!

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions 99 cents)
Warner Bros.
Download: iOS, Android

Remember the board game Headbands? This is a lot like that, but a little more grown-up. It’s the brainchild of Ellen DeGeneres, who often plays it with guests on her show. You put your phone on your forehead, display side out, and must guess what word is displayed with help from the other players.

Jenga

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
NaturalMotion
Download: iOS, Android

3-D simulation makes you feel like you’re actually poking and prodding little blocks in a wobbly wooden tower. Up to four people can play with the app’s pass and play feature, and there’s no clean-up involved once the tower inevitably topples over.

Gotta get more games? For more virtual suggestions visit AAA.com/WinterPartyApps.

Looking for an all-natural way to keep you and your environs sparkling? Here are five natural remedies to try – and you probably already have the ingredients in your cabinets.

Wood polish

Mix the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water. Dab onto a cloth and wipe into wood. (Mother Nature Network)

Lip moisturizer

In a pinch? A dab of coconut oil will leave lips baby soft. (Babble)

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Rub this sweet-smelling scrub on your hands, feet and elbows for smooth, soft skin. Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup olive or coconut oil, ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract. Store scrub in an airtight container. (www.somewhatsimple.com)

Magic microwave cleaner

If the inside of your microwave has seen better days, try this trick. Put ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water into a bowl and bring to a boil inside the microwave. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then just wipe down the inside. It’s magic! (www.livelovediy.com)

Good scents

Start your vacuuming by sucking up 2-3 tablespoons of cinnamon. The vacuum will warm and distribute the scent throughout your home. (LifeTricks)

With big treads and softer rubber, winter tires give your vehicle better traction on nasty roads. If you recently made the switch to winter rollers, here’s some advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul on what to do with your summer set for the next few months.

DO

Clean the tires with soap and water and scrub them with a tire brush if you have one. While it’s not as effective, a wet rag will also do the trick.

DON’T

Never stash tires in a wet or damp location, which could cause corrosion. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, furnaces and generators, too. Heat from the sun and ozone from electric motors can damage the rubber compounds in tires.

DO

Keep the tires in a dry location like a garage or shed. Climate-controlled rooms are even better. Store the tires upright, inflated at 50 percent of their normal pressure. If storing the tires outside, place each in its own plastic leaf or trash bag and poke a couple of holes in the bags for ventilation. This keeps heavy moisture out and important oils in.

DON’T

Tires don’t last forever. Do not remount them before checking for cracks in the sidewall and excessive wear on the treads. Both are signs that it’s time for a replacement.

For driver resources and information on roadside assistance, auto repair and more, go to AAA.com/Automotive.