There are some standout events coming our way this year that are worth getting excited for: Christopher Nolan's Odyssey, the FIFA World Cup, Jessie Buckley at the Oscars.
But for many, an exceptionally rare and jaw-dropping event arguably eclipses all of these.
On 12 August, a solar eclipse will be visible to many sky watchers, becoming the first to be visible in Europe since 1999. The path of totality, to give it its government name, happens when the Moon totally blocks the Sun, revealing the star's outer atmosphere, called the corona.
This is a 'bucket list' experience for many space enthusiasts.
If you were so inclined, where would be the best places to view the solar eclipse from? Ed Finn from Ed Finn Travels joined Today with David McCullagh to share his recommendations.
When this kind of eclipse happens, Finn explained, "there's a small band of the world that gets basked in this darkness, and it really is quite incredible".
"People that have gone to it over the years have remarked about the silence, birds stop singing, everything goes quiet."
This year, that 'band' is predicted to come down through Reykjavík, Iceland, through Atlantic Spain into Ibiza and the Balearic Islands. People there will see "full eclipses", Finn said that while in areas off that band, such as Barcelona and Madrid, they will see partial eclipses.
"We'll get something here as well", he added, but not the full experience.
Travel recommendations to see the eclipse:
Reykjavík, Iceland
Finn suggested that everyone visit this snowing, ethereal country at least once in their lives anyway, not least for an event like this. Small and loaded with breathtaking natural landscapes, Finn noted how you can cycle the perimetre of the country over the course of two weeks.
"It's like as if the world was beginning there", he added, highlighting attractions such as the Blue Lagoon and volcanic parks as things to see. It's a pricier country to visit, but on sights alone, you'd get bang for your buck.
A Coruña, Spain
In warmer climes, this Atlantic town is high up on Finn's destination list. Famous for sites like the Tower of Hercules, a 2nd-century Roman tower that is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, it's rich in history as well as spectacular seafood thanks to its location on the port.
If you're wary of the bustling crowds of Barcelona and Madrid, A Coruña is less busy and somewhat off the beaten track. Although there are no direct flights, Irish travellers can fly into Santiago de Compostela, which is just 30-40 minutes away.
Bilbao, Spain
As for where Finn himself will be watching the eclipse, he's booked flights for Bilbao. "I mean, where can you get a glass of wine and a pinxto for €3?"
Located in the Basque Country, which Finn calls "one open-air restaurant", visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to world-class food, breathtaking architecture and art. The weather is closer to our own, so expect some rain.
