Tours of Ireland featuring Ireland's Ancient East. To see our full range of Ireland tours, click here.
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Ireland's Ancient East is a touring region featuring some of the Emerald Isle's best-loved attractions. Running from Co. Monaghan in the north to Co. Cork in the south, it was created by Fáilte Ireland to showcase the top tourist destinations from its broad sweep of 17 eastern counties.
There are 17 counties in total in Ireland's Ancient East. These are Cavan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Tipperary, Limerick, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford and Cork.
Ireland's Ancient East was launched in April 2015.
Ireland's Ancient East was developed by and is maintained by Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority).
As Ireland's Ancient East is more of a region than a trail, it is hard to say how long it would take to travel throughout it. Driving non-stop from Monaghan (its most northerly point) to Cork (its most southerly point) would take around four hours.
Unlike the Wild Atlantic Way, there is no start and endpoint on Ireland's Ancient East. It spans from County Monaghan (in the north) to County Cork (in the south) and from County Wicklow (in the east) to County Offaly (in the midlands).
As Ireland's Ancient East is more of a region than a route it would take quite an effort to walk it entirely. To walk from its most northern point in County Monaghan to its most southern point in County Cork would take an estimated 64 hours, without breaks.
There is a plentiful supply of Bed & Breakfast, Hotels and Hostels to be found throughout Ireland's Ancient East. Especially in the more popular areas of Cork, Waterford, Kildare and Kilkenny. Throughout the region, you will never be too far away from an area where you can easily pick up supplies. It is a good idea to map out a list of your potential accommodation and book ahead, especially in the summer months.
Each point of interest along Ireland's Ancient East has a distinctive sign in place, giving information about the site itself as well as other sites nearby.
Ireland's Ancient East offers a beautifully varied selection of backdrops. From monastic settlements to coastal havens, it's hard work not to find a stunning setting for your next masterpiece. Even the cities such as Cork and Waterford offer an old-world charm that can create timeless photos. Packing a camera for your tour of Ireland's Ancient East is essential. Here are just a few examples:
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is perhaps the foremost of Ireland's monastic cities. For those interested in early Christianity, it is a must-see destination. Enclosed within the ancient city walls are various ecclesiastical ruins including a cathedral, seven ancient churches, three high crosses, round towers and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe — all remarkably well preserved and fascinating to anyone, not just those with a special interest in Ireland's religious history.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
An ancient monastic settlement, Glendalough (meaning: Valley of the Two Lakes) presents today's visitors with a chance to walk not only through the idyllic hills of Ireland's East, but also through the rough-hewn landscapes of ancient Irish history. The steep wooded slopes of Glendalough harbour one of Ireland’s most atmospheric monastic settlements. Sacked time and again by the Vikings, it nevertheless flourished for over 600 years. Founded in the Fifth Century by St. Kevin, the settlement would grow to be very powerful, at its zenith, some four hundred years later. By the start of the Fifteenth Century, this stronghold was in decline but the stone monuments and buildings remain as evocative and powerful today as they surely must have been then.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Situated close to the River Boyne, the Hill of Tara is an archaeological site located between the towns of Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath. According to legend, it was the seat of the High King of Ireland. The Hill of Tara was in use as far back as the Neolithic era, from then until the 12th century, it was used as a sacred and political centre.
The Midleton Distillery Experience is home to Ireland's other globally-recognizable tipple, Jameson's Whiskey. While Jameson's is enjoyed by millions worldwide, you don't need to be a whiskey-drinker to enjoy this fascinating visitor experience. There is much to discover here for everyone.
The location of the castle has been historically significant since Strongbow constructed the first building a wooden tower, in 1195, to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, in 1260.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
The Midleton Distillery Experience is home to Ireland's other globally-recognizable tipple, Jameson's Whiskey. While Jameson's is enjoyed by millions worldwide, you don't need to be a whiskey-drinker to enjoy this fascinating visitor experience. There is much to discover here for everyone.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
Located just outside the town of Newry in the royal County of Meath, Newgrange is a 5,200-year-old passage tomb. An archaeological wonder, its chamber and passage perfectly align with the Winter Solstice.
Ireland has more than its fair share of outstanding archaeological sites, but the Rock of Cashel is arguably the most impressive. The 'rock' from which it takes its name is, in fact, a limestone hill, covered in luscious green, rising from the plain which characterises the surrounding area. The word 'cashel', by contrast, is derived from the Irish Gaelic word caiseal, meaning stone fortress. It was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977 and he became the High King of Ireland in 1002.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Pubs (public houses) play a huge part in the culture of Ireland and have done throughout the ages. Sometimes busy, often noisy, but always friendly and welcoming places to meet the locals. In a pub, you will see a full cross-section of Irish society — its a place where people from all classes, ages, interests and backgrounds can mix.
Located in County Meath, Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter built it over a 30 year period, finished in 1206.
Visiting Tullamore D.E.W whiskey distillery, you can learn about the art of Irish whiskey-making and discover the secret that gives Tullamore D.E.W. its unique complexity with a tour of Triple whiskey tasting.
Waterford crystal is known the world over for its quality and, throughout a history that dates back to its establishment in the South-East of Ireland in 1783, it has been a landmark of its own in this part of Ireland. Today, Waterford Crystal is no less recognisable than its sister brands, Wedgewood and Royal Doulton.