Make a break for Ireland’s Ancient East

Visit Ireland’s Ancient East and discover a region of rich green fields and stunning scenic beauty that is defined by a fascinating history spanning 5,000 years brought to life by some of the best storytellers in the world.

This is a place brimming with great culture, attractions, festivals, food experiences and fun. Here you can embark on a journey of discovery in one of Europe’s most unique touring regions that offers an amazing wealth of heritage in a compact area of stunning natural beauty.

Wander Through Time

Ireland’s Ancient East has attracted warring settlers for millennia leaving a legacy of brilliant, engaging stories and historic attractions that make this area a joy to visit. There’s a huge sense of its vibrant, intriguing history everywhere you go, whether it’s local people sharing stories of colourful historical characters, or artisanal food producers and craftsmen telling you about their living traditions. Discover castles battered by brutal sieges and battles or wander the gracious manor houses and gardens of the aristocracy. Stand inside tombs older than the pyramids, explore the land of saints and scholars, where monks lived in fear of Vikings and hermits sought peace in some of the country’s most picturesque locations. Or explore a coastline where you can climb to the top of the world’s oldest operating lighthouse or board a replica Famine ship.

Ireland's Ancient East
(Curragahmore House & Gardens, Waterford: Rock of Cashel, Tipperary: Newgrange, Meath: Kilenny Castle's Gardens, Kilkenny).

This region is crammed with wonderful quirky things to do for the whole family, whether it’s exploring the eerie dungeons of Wicklow Gaol or zip-lining through the forest in Meath. There are new experiences too, such as scenery on the Waterford Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling experience in Ireland, which opened recently.

Waterford Greenway Walking & Cycling Trail

Ireland’s Ancient East covers the area outside of Dublin and east of the River Shannon, extending from Carlingford to Cavan and south to Cork City, including East County Cork and East County Limerick.