
Although the South East doesn't stand out as being a cultural hotspot of Ireland, there's plenty of cultural attractions beneath the surface. The only obvious cultural touchstone of the region is Ireland's National Opera House, located in County Wexford. Playing host today to not only classical opera but also contemporary international music acts. There are numerous art galleries and libraries found throughout counties Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny but they, like much of their contents, are more hidden gems than standout landmarks.
One of Ireland's most celebrated poets of the 20th century, Seán Dunne, was born in Waterford in 1956. He wrote, like many Irish poets of his time, about the emptiness and struggles found in daily life, while somehow creating optimism and hope through his meticulous prose. His poems and novels, as well as works from Southeast authors past and present, can be found in the libraries listed below.
The cities of Waterford and Kilkenny, and to a lesser degree Wexford town, are the best places to travel to if you're looking for art galleries in the Southeast of Ireland.
While Wexford is home to the National Opera House outside of that, the music venues in the Southeast are of pretty limited capacity. There are small theatres and townhalls found in the larger towns of the region, usually showcasing local acts.