Wicklow Head Lighthouse, by the Irish Sea about an hour’s drive south of Dublin airport, was built in 1781. The interior of the 95-foot-tall stone tower was remodeled by the Irish Landmark Trust (25 Eustace St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 50 Bedford St., Belfast, BT2 7FW, Northern Ireland; phone +353 [0] 1 670 4733) and now contains six octagonal rooms and a kitchen.

The cost for one week’s stay in high season is €1,575 (near $1,925) and in low, €1,260. A midweek stay, arriving Monday and...

Select Italy (303 W. Erie St., Ste. 410, Chicago, IL, 60654; 800/877-1755) offers after-hours guided tours of the Sistine Chapel. The two-hour visit also includes the Raphael Rooms, the Galleria of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Hall of Maps. 

Offered a day or two each week throughout 2010, the group tour (10 people maximum), in English, costs $449 per person, including taxes and entrance fees.

Through Dec. 31, 2010, people 66 years of age or older from any country can ride Irish Rail-operated trains in Ireland (but not Northern Ireland) for free with the “Golden Trekker” pass. Each pass is good for four days, and visitors may apply for up to three passes each (all at once, if desired).

Riders are restricted to economy class, and they must apply for the pass at least 48 hours in advance. Call 800/742-6762 or e-mail goldentrekker@tourismireland.com. Print out the confirmation...