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Ireland's Ancient East
Delve into the Emerald Isle's ancient history in a region framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea.
Uncover stories of High Kings, Vikings and revolutionary heroes as you journey through this captivating landscape.
Together with Ireland.com, we’ve crafted this guide to Ireland’s Ancient East, from unique stays to the natural landmarks you should add to your itinerary.
Whether you’re dreaming of exploring medieval castles, wandering through 5000-year-old passage tombs or enjoying delectable cuisine at the forefront of Ireland’s burgeoning culinary scene, you can find your perfect somewhere in Ireland’s Ancient East.
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Renting a car provides the flexibility to visit remote sites and explore at your own pace. For a cost-effective alternative, bus services like Bus Éireann and the national railway network Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) connect major towns and cities like Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is ideal for coastal exploration along Dublin Bay, linking city attractions with seaside spots like Howth and Bray.
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The existence of leprechauns is highly debated and might not even be Irish. They likely grew out of the Irish beliefs surrounding fairies and the beings of the otherworld, Tuatha Dé Danann. Many say they are derived from an ancient Irish deity, Lugh, god of the Sun and arts. Regardless, you can find out more at the National Leprechaun Museum or see if you can spot them in the Cooley Mountains (an EU-protected sanctuary for the little folk).
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Greystones is a charming coastal town just 27-kilometres south of Dublin in County Wicklow. Known for its scenic beauty, the town offers a delightful mix of attractions, including Greystones Beach for seaside strolls, the vibrant Greystones Harbour Marina, and the picturesque Cliff Walk to Bray. With easy access via the DART, Greystones provides a perfect blend of relaxed coastal and city living.
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Newgrange, a 5200-year-old passage tomb, is a must-visit in the region. Older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, it showcases remarkable Neolithic engineering and astronomical knowledge. During the winter solstice, sunlight illuminates the inner chamber through a precisely aligned entrance, showcasing the skill and knowledge of its builders. Numerous intricate carvings reflect the artistry and spiritual beliefs of the prehistoric Irish people.
Five of the Best
Find your perfect somewhere in Ireland's Ancient East.
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Ancient Treasures
From millennia-old tombs to historic landmarks, there's plenty to explore in this region.
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Must-Visit Restaurants
You have your choice of top-notch eateries from Cork to Monaghan and everywhere in between.
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Historic Castles and Estates
Journey through the east of Ireland and you'll come across hundreds (if not thousands) of these.
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Immersive Historic Experiences
Walk in the footsteps of Vikings, lighthouse keepers and condemned witches.
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Adventures in Nature
Breathe in the fresh air from the tops of mountains to the lush lower valleys and under earth caves.
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Offbeat Stays in the Ancient East
Forget the standard hotels and stay somewhere more exciting like these unique places.
Five of the Best
Find your perfect somewhere in Ireland's Ancient East.
Plan Your Journey
Track down the must-visit spots in Ireland's Ancient East.
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No matter how you like to travel or what you love to travel for, you’ll find your perfect somewhere in Ireland. Fill your heart with Ireland, and find out more on Ireland.com.
Images: Newgrange (Tourism Ireland), Newgrange (Brian Morrison via Tourism Ireland), Potager Restaurant (Tourism Ireland), Rock of Cashel (Canva), Powerscourt Estate (Chris Hill via Tourism Ireland)