Ancient pour: In the heart of Athlone, Ireland, Seán’s Bar has been serving up pints and stories since 900 C.E., making it over 1,100 years old. Believed to have been founded by a man named Luan, the riverside tavern still features wattle-and-wicker walls from the ninth century. Its slightly tilted floor was designed to drain rainwater toward the River Shannon, a practical detail preserved to this day. Coins uncovered during 1970 renovations now sit in Ireland’s National Museum, helping verify its long history. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest pub in Ireland, it’s also a strong contender for the oldest pub in the world. Step inside, and you’re standing in more than a thousand years of hospitality, music, laughter, and timeless charm.
Dog haven: In the hills near Heredia, Costa Rica, thousands of dogs roam freely across open fields, splash through streams, and rest beneath trees. This place, known as Territorio de Zaguates or “Land of the Strays,” grew from a single rescue into a vast sanctuary where abandoned dogs are given names, care, and the chance to be adopted. What began as one woman’s response to a single neglected animal became a mission too big for city life. The dogs now live in large packs, learning from each other and enjoying long daily walks through the countryside. Adoptions reach across borders and touch hearts between continents. In this valley of wagging tails, rescue turns into belonging.
