1 The origins of Cú Chulainn Ireland's greatest hero started life as a boy named Setanta who dreamed of joining the king's fearsome Red Branch Knights. He left home for the king's court, carrying only his cherished hurley stick and sliotar (stick and ball). At a feast thrown by Culann, the king’s blacksmith, Setanta was attacked by Culann’s mighty wolfhound. In self-defense and with fearsome force, Setanta struck his sliotar down the dog’s throat, killing him. Guilt-ridden, Setanta offered to take the hound’s place until a new dog was trained. From that day forward he was known as Cú Chulainn – ‘the hound of Culann’ and went on to become one of Ireland's greatest heroes. 2 Wise King Cormac Mac Airt Said to have ruled from the Hill of Tara for 40 years, High King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt, was a just and celebrated leader. His father was slain in battle by his rival for kingship, Lugaid, and Cormac grew up with no knowledge of his royal blood. Once the truth was revealed, he journeyed to Tara in County Meath, where his wisdom won him his rightful place as king. Cormac rebuilt the fallen ramparts of Tara and under his leadership, the land flourished. 3 St Patrick's fire at the Hill of Slane In 433 AD, as the Celtic druids celebrated their feast day on the nearby Hill of Tara in County Meath, St Patrick planned to ignite the flames of Christianity on the Hill of Slane. As the flames of Patrick’s paschal fire reached higher into the sky and the smoke furled over the landscape, High King Laoire was warned of his defiant act and set out to quell the fire, lest it burn forever. Brought before the furious king, St Patrick’s belief and Christian values impressed the ruler so much that he allowed him to freely preach his creed across the island. 4 The baptism of kings at the Rock of Cashel Rising from the Golden Vale of Tipperary the majestic Rock of Cashel was the seat of the kings of Munster for over a thousand years. A mystical and foreboding sight to behold, this sacred collection of castle ruins and monastic monuments is where St Patrick converted King Aenghus to Christianity. Half a century later, the mighty Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland here, after he united the country under one leader for the first time in history. Journey into the past Majestic marvels and inspiring tales await on this 4-day trip Irelands Ancient East from Dublin 5 Blaze and glory atop the Hill of Uisneach In the heart of Ireland’s midlands atop the Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath, you’ll find a huge weathered limestone boulder known as Aill na Míreann (the Stone of Divisions). Step lightly, for you stand on the hallowed resting place of the goddess Ériu, Ireland’s namesake. This sacred site was the meeting point of the ancient provinces, where the first fires of Bealtaine (summer) were lit. The tradition has been rekindled in recent times, with the Festival of the Fires igniting celebrations through fire, music and performance. 6 The death of Fionn mac Cumhaill It’s pretty obvious that the Cloghmore Stone, a 40-ton granite boulder standing on a mountain ridge 1,000ft above Rostrevor in County Down, must have arrived there through the work of a giant. It's said that it was thrown by legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) during an argument with another giant. It took all of Fionn's great strength to hurl the massive rock that crushed his enemy. Afterwards, he lay down on Slieve Foy and never awoke. Over the years his body turned to rock and you can still see his outline to this day. More stories from Ireland's Ancient East When is a stone not just a stone? In this part of Ireland, even the stones tell tales. Careful where you tread, there could be a story beneath your feet... Women who made history Meet the inspiring and sometimes dangerous women of Ireland’s Ancient East who’s legacies live on across the land. Tales of terror Murderous widows, treacherous clans and tragic deaths: Ireland’s Ancient East is wrought with spirits from its perilous past. 5 stories from the sea Take a deep breath: we're bringing five tales from around the coast of Ireland's Ancient East to the surface. 9 fun facts Magical fairies, incredible saints and 1,000 year-old butter – you won't believe these tales from Ireland's Ancient East. Ireland’s boy hero: a warrior journey Trace the trail of Setanta through the foothills of the Cooley Peninsula, and walk in the footsteps of a hero. Gorgeous Gardens Explore ancient woodlands, elegant trails and bask in the beauty of flourishing flora in these breathtaking gardens. Go beyond the gates of Guinness 3 tales of invention, inspiration and innovation about the legendary brew born in Ireland's Ancient East. 6 stunning crafts Meet masterful craftspeople who are bringing design brilliance and innovation to this legendary corner of Ireland.
Journey into the past Majestic marvels and inspiring tales await on this 4-day trip Irelands Ancient East from Dublin
