Did you know that there are over 5,000 years of history hidden amidst these lush landscapes, winding rivers and glorious gardens?
Step into the stories
At first sight, Ireland's Ancient East is a tranquil and beautiful land of rolling green hills, charming towns and quiet waters, all framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea. But dig a little deeper and you'll discover a region that ripples with over 5,000 years of history. There are compelling characters and ancient mysteries, hidden stories and millennia-old myths. Explore Ireland's Ancient East, and you become part of the story.


Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
Living history
There's nothing quite like the feeling you get as you step inside a 5,000-year-old monument. Or the jaw-dropping coastal view from the top of a 13th century lighthouse. But this is what Ireland's Ancient East is all about: experiencing history from the inside out. Ride the waves across to Spike Island in Cork, known as Ireland's Alcatraz, and once the largest prison in the world. Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings through the narrow streets and medieval treasures of Waterford. Or take a moment on top of the mystical Hill of Tara in Meath, dwelling place of the gods. A trip around Ireland's Ancient East brings history to life against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery. It's time to peel back the past...
Landscape
- Landscape
- History
- Heritage
- Castles
- Islands
- Walking
Discover Ireland’s Ancient East with the locals
Delve into a world of fascinating history and marvellous myths with Carina Mountcharles
Uncover the best of Ireland’s Ancient East


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Take your plans with you and get local offers while you're in Ireland. Discover new things nearby and access your saved places, even when you're offline.
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Go with the Flow River Adventures
Go with the Flow River Adventures offer guided river treks, multi-day trips, canoe hire, courses and much more.
Carlow
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VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Set on the grounds of Carlow College, Old Dublin Road, Carlow Town, VISUAL Centre Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre has welcomed thousands of visitors since it was opened in 2009.
Carlow
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Lock 13 Brewpub
Lock 13 Brewpub is situated along the banks of the historic Grand Canal in Sallins, County Kildare. They offer tours of the brewery facility with samples matching the food, which is produced using locally sourced ingredients.
Kildare
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Medieval Mile Museum
Start your journey of discovery at the Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny and watch the city's rich history unfold.
Kilkenny
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Ocean Escapes
Explore the sights, sounds and stories of Cork Harbour on a guided boat tour with Ocean Escapes from Crosshaven, Cobh or Cork City. Enjoy breathtaking views, famous landmarks, historical tales, wildlife and nature.
Cork
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Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
This evocative museum is housed in a restored workhouse originally built in the midlands during the early 1850s. It is situated in Donaghmore, near Portlaoise off the M7.
Laois
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Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire
Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire is based in the centre of Carlingford. They cater for groups of all sizes with a selection of bikes available including electric bikes, hybrids, kids’ bikes, trailers, child seats and more.
Louth
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Huntington Castle and Gardens
Visit Huntington Castle in County Carlow, a 1625 garrison on the historically important Wexford to Dublin route. Check out the beautiful gardens, guided tours and family events at this 17th-century house.
Carlow
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Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre
Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre consists of a wonderful 80 acre discovery park in the Castlecomer Demesne, which was once part of the estate farmyard, gardens, stable yard and leisure grounds of the Wandesforde family.
Kilkenny
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Ballykilcavan Brewery
Find Ballykilcavan Brewery on a 13th-generation family farm. Take a guided tour around this lively Laois brewery and see how the ingredients are sourced from the land.
Laois
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Drewstown Woods - Girley Bog Loop
Girley Bog is a site of considerable conservation significance as it comprises raised bog, a rare habitat in Europe and one that is becoming increasingly scarce and under threat in Ireland.
Meath
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Hilton Park
Hilton Park is much more than just a hotel or a guesthouse, it is a grand country house offering luxury accommodation and real home grown country house cooking, in Clones, County Monaghan.
Monaghan
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Mikey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen
Mikey Ryan's Bar and Kitchen is a pub and restaurant situated in Cashel, County Tipperary.
Tipperary
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Kilmokea Country Manor Gardens
Discover the picturesque delights of Kilmokea Country Manor Gardens, beside a pretty Georgian house overlooking the River Barrow in Campile, County Wexford. Come and visit these wonderful gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Wexford
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Glen of Aherlow - Bianconi Loop
This loop is one of a series developed at two trailheads in the glen (Christ the King Statue and Lisvarrinane). This loop gains its name from Carlo Bianconi, an Italian who lived in Clonmel.
Tipperary
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Mountain Splendour Taste Tour by Taste Waterford
Explore the beautiful Comeragh Mountains with local food producers on the Mountain Splendour Taste Tour with Taste Waterford.
Waterford
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Butler Gallery
Butler Gallery is one of Ireland's leading contemporary art galleries and museums with a permanent collection. Butler Gallery is located in Kilkenny City centre, at the heart of Ireland's Ancient East.
Kilkenny
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Wicklow's Historic Gaol
Get a glimpse into life in prisons of the past at Wicklow Gaol, an atmospheric jail museum experience. As one of Wicklow’s top visitor destinations, Wicklow Gaol tells the story of its prisoners through an interactive tour.
Wicklow
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Skypark
Skypark in Carlingford, County Louth, is Ireland’s biggest adventure park, with a wide range of adventure activities in the air and on the ground. From the longest aerial adventure course in Ireland, to zipline fun, footgolf, archery and aeroball, there is something for all ages and abilities.
Louth
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Fethard Horse Country Experience
Fethard Horse Country Experience is an interactive exhibition housed within a 17th century Tholsel building where visitors can explore the story of the horse and its role in Irish culture over 2000 years.
Tipperary
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Carlingford Greenway
Enjoy one of Ireland’s most unique walking experiences on the Carlingford Lough Greenway, an easy trail for walkers and cyclists of all fitness levels. At just 6.2km long, this linear path is a must-do in County Louth.
Louth
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Rossmore Forest Park
Rossmore Forest Park is located 3.5km south west of Monaghan Town on the R189 to Newbliss. It has several forest walks, a Nature Trail and a Yew walk. The walks range from 1km to 8km. The walks are mainly in the forested area and are well sign posted.
Monaghan
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Fota House Arboretum & Gardens
Fota House is set amidst rolling parkland and is situated 17kms from Cork City. It offers a truly unique and historic experience. Fota House Arboretum & Gardens is one of Ireland’s finest examples of Regency period architecture with superb neoclassical interiors design.
Cork
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Carlow Food Trail
The Carlow Food Trail brings this great food story together. Whether it’s free range produce fresh from the farm, artisan cheese, local apples or home bakery, and from bars, restaurants and breweries, Carlow has it all.
Carlow
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Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Set off on a stunning coastal walk through rural Cork on an unforgettable stroll on the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. Take in unparalleled views of the roaring Atlantic Ocean and watch as waves crash into the base of the Ballycotton Cliffs.
Cork
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The Dunamaise Arts Centre
Dunamaise Arts Centre is a gem in the heart of the Midlands. Located in the centre of Portlaoise, County Laois, it comprises of an intimate and state of the art 240 seat theatre, a cinema, gallery, café and workshop spaces.
Laois
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Waterford Greenway
Experience the epic Waterford Greenway, a walking and cycling off-road trail. The spectacular 47.8km route runs from Waterford City to Dungarvan along an old railway line.
Waterford
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Altamont Gardens
The Altamont Gardens, regarded as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown, lie in County Carlow. The romantic 16-hectare estate, not far from Tullow, features a mix of native and exotic plants and makes a great destination for a family outing.
Carlow
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Carlow County Museum
Carlow County Museum in the centre of Carlow Town's Cultural Quarter, is a popular tourist attraction and local resource for anyone interested in Carlow's fascinating past. Discover the history and heritage of the area through their range of displays and exhibitions.
Carlow
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Royal Canal Greenway
The delightful Royal Canal Greenway runs along the old canal towpath beside tranquil waters, wending its way for 130km from cosmopolitan Maynooth in County Kildare, through unassuming Enfield in County Meath, lively Mullingar in County Westmeath, and on to charming Cloondara in County Longford.
Kildare
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Hysterical Histories Dinner Theatre
Sit back and enjoy this comedic dinner theatre with Hysterical Histories in Cork City. This show is jam packed with all things Cork and is delivered by some of the most entertaining locals that anyone has ever met.
Cork
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Cork Fab Food Trail
The Cork Fab Food Trail is a relaxed but highly focused 2.5 - 3 hour food stroll through Cork City with an experienced local guide.
Cork
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The Club at Goffs
The Club at Goffs is a 4 star hotel in the heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred county. A place with an equine soul that speaks to County Kildare’s rural culture, combined with contemporary city style.
Kildare
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Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are situated in the picturesque village of Inistioge in south County Kilkenny, with magnificent views over the River Nore Valley to Brandon Hill.
Kilkenny
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Slieve Bloom Mountains
Discover the Slieve Bloom region that stretches across Laois and Offaly. Go on a scenic drive through the hills and spot the unique bird and plant life.
Offaly
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Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery
Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery in Drogheda, County Louth, is an art space presenting a dynamic and diverse programme of exhibitions, drawn from the Drogheda Municipal Art Collection.
Louth
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Brehon Brewhouse
Brehon Brewhouse is set amongst the grassy rolling drumlins outside Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, just a few miles from the birthplace of Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh. This craft ale brewhouse is steeped in 10 generations of history at the family's dairy farm and its old stone cottages. Join the tasting tour, sample the award winning brews and be entertained by the stories.
Monaghan
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Ardmore Cliff Walk
Walk through the pages of history in the bay side beauty that is historic Ardmore. Follow cliff paths boasting coastal panoramas and roads and laneways that lead you by fascinating Early Christian sites.
Waterford
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Emo Court
Emo Court House is an Irish historic house near Emo Village in County Laois. A long and colourful history has seen the house adapted and renovated; today the popular attraction has been restored to its former glory as a large neo-classical mansion.
Laois
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Solstice Arts Centre
The Solstice Arts Centre in Navan, County Meath, hosts a range of arts and cultural events throughout the year, and symbolises the belief and pride that the people of the county take in nurturing its cultural life.
Meath
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Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre
Discover the Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre in scenic Monaghan.
Monaghan
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Waterford Treasures Museums in the Viking Triangle
The award winning Waterford Treasures Museum tells the story of Ireland's oldest city across five stunning museums as well as a guided walking tour of the Viking Triangle. Explore 1000 years of history in 1000 paces in this historic city centre.
Waterford
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Powerscourt Distillery
Enjoy fantastic whiskey at Powerscourt Distillery on the beautiful Powerscourt Estate in Enniskerry, County Wicklow. Join a guided tour, learn about the distilling process and find a new appreciation for Irish whiskey.
Wicklow
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Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience and Restaurant
Explore the replica emigrant vessel both above and below deck. Listen to real life stories as costumed performers set the scene for the arduous journeys taken by so many during the Great Irish Famine.
Wexford
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Ormond Castle
Ormond Castle in Carrick-On-Suir, County Tipperary, is a fine example of an Elizabethan manor house in Ireland. It was built in the 1560s by Thomas Butler, the 10th Earl of Ormond.
Tipperary
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Avoca Mill
The historic Avoca Mill in Avoca village, County Wicklow, is a popular destination known for its guided tour, retail store and café nestled in the heart of the Garden of Ireland. Discover over 300 years of Irish handweaving and cultural history.
Wicklow
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Fatbike Adventures Cycling Tours
Do you remember the feeling of accomplishment when you first rode a bike without stabilisers? Take a spin with Fatbike Adventures and recreate that sense of freedom.
Wicklow
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Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park
Experience the perfect blend of education, history and fun at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park in Rathangan, County Kildare. Bring the whole family to visit, catch one of the environmental tours or organise a school tour with a difference.
Kildare
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