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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Ancient Treasures
From millennia-old tombs to historic landmarks, there's plenty to explore in this region.
1. Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne) Complexes
2. Rock of Cashel
3. Spike Island
4. Duckett's Grove
5. Rock of Dunamase
Must-Visit Restaurants
You have your choice of top-notch eateries from Cork to Monaghan and everywhere in between.
1. Mara
2. Dede at the Customs House Baltimore
3. Goldie
4. The Bishop's Buttery
5. Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House
Historic Castles and Estates
Journey through the east of Ireland and you'll come across hundreds (if not thousands) of these.
1. Powerscourt Estate
2. Castletown House
3. Trim Castle
4. Kilkenny Castle
5. Blarney Castle
Immersive Historic Experiences
Walk in the footsteps of Vikings, lighthouse keepers and condemned witches.
1. Titanic Experience Cobh
2. The Viking Triangle
3. Hook Head Lighthouse
4. Dunbrody Famine Ship
5. Kilkenny Witch Trials
Adventures in Nature
Breathe in the fresh air from the tops of mountains to the lush lower valleys and under earth caves.
1. Glendalough
2. Saltee Islands
3. Wicklow Mountains
4. Dunmore Cave
5. Waterford Greenway
Offbeat Stays in the Ancient East
Forget the standard hotels and stay somewhere more exciting like these unique places.
1. Mount Juliet Estate
2. Blackstairs Eco Trails Retreat
3. Wicklow Head Lighthouse
4. Tara Hill Estate
5. Yellow Submarine Glamping
Five of the Best
Find your perfect somewhere in Ireland's Ancient East.
Dublin and Beyond
There's more to Ireland's capital city than Temple Bar. Here's the spots you should check out.
-
Guinness Storehouse
Guinness is probably one of the most recognisable drinks in the world. Discover its long history in the place where it has been made since 1759. Split the G of a pint while enjoying 360-degree views of the city at the rooftop Gravity Bar. Read more. -
Shenanigan's Walks
If you love tour guides with a bit of character, you can't go wrong with the immersive tours from the crew at Shenanigans Walks. If Kilkenny is on your itinerary, make sure you book in a tour with this lot. Find out more. -
The Irish House Party
Enjoy dinner and a show like no other at The Irish House Party events. After dinner musicians and dancers take to the stage to perform live Irish music and dance with a unique blend of audience interaction and comedy. Book now. -
Forty-Foot
Fans of the TV show Bad Sisters, James Joyce's novel Ulysses and sea swimming must make their way to the iconic Forty Foot. Take a dive into the Irish Sea and enjoy views of Dublin Bay. People swim here all year round, including famously on Christmas morning in winter. Read more. -
Trinity College Dublin
Check out Ireland's oldest university located in the centre of the capital. Marvel at the incredible historical manuscripts, including the stunning Book of Kells, a masterpiece of medieval art, in the Old Library, where you'll find the awe-inspiring Long Room. St. Stephen's Green public park and Grafton Street's vibrant shopping and dining scene are just a short stroll away. Read more. -
Avondale Tree Top Walk
Walk among the tree canopy of thousands of native Irish trees at Avondale. This estate is a treasure trove of history, after walking among the grounds head into Avondale House, once home to Charles Stewart Parnell, an important figure in Ireland's political history. Read more. -
Irish National Stud and Gardens
Spend an afternoon exploring the heart of the thoroughbred industry at the Irish Stud. Not only can you visit the stallions in the paddock, there is an on-site museum covering Ireland's rich history with horses and the Japanese Gardens. Read more.
Ireland's Whiskey Revolution
That's whiskey with an 'e'. New and old distilleries are rising from the ashes all across this region.
-
Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Tucked in the historic Liberties in the heart of the capital, in what was once the Whiskey Triangle, you'll find Teeling. Take a tour and learn all about whiskey from the experts and enjoy a tipple or two at the bar. Read more. -
Waterford Whisky
A terroir-driven, barley-forward, natural whisky (they drop the e) distillery set in a stunning former Guinness brewery along the River Suir in Waterford. Come taste the grain of Ireland as you take a terroir tour through its new visitor centre. Book a tour. -
Boann Distillery
Boann champions local. Every raw ingredient used is as local as possible, from the barley grain to the water soured from the Boyne Valley. Boann is the only distillery to open in Drogheda in 50 years and is set to open a stunning tasting room and visitor centre. Until then, enjoy a dram or two. Read more. -
Glendalough Distillery
Glendalough was named Ireland's best distillery for 2024 by the New York International Spirits Competition for the third year in a row. The team here takes inspiration from their natural surroundings and ancient history when crafting their whiskey, gin and Poitín (basically Irish moonshine). Read more. -
The Powerscourt Distillery
After exploring the lavish grounds of Powerscourt Estate, head here for a tour of the fully operational distillery. Sample the award-winning Fercullen Whiskey in the tasting room or pick up a bottle to enjoy later. Read more.
Plan Your Journey
Track down the must-visit spots in Ireland's Ancient East.
Trip Builder
Trip Builder
- Start building your dream trip —
Add listings, save, share & export -
-
-
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)