On the east coast of Ireland, you can discover the fascinating insights into Ireland’s ancient and more recent history. This makes the east coast of Ireland a highly recommendable region to visit.
Photo by Chris Hill / Tourism Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool
The area is a special addition to any Ireland travel itinerary and we keep coming back here as there is just so much to discover!
Many of the most famous sightseeing attractions of this area are found on Ireland’s Ancient East tourist trail. This stunning route stretches from Cavan, close to Northern Ireland’s border, to Cobh near Cork City in the south east.
In a nutshell, it is Ireland’s eastern pendant to the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, but it is in no way less spectacular. On the plus side it is less touristy!
History fans are really in for a treat with many utterly unique places to visit such as prehistoric passage tombs in the Boyne Valley that are older than the pyramids, marvellous monasteries and abbeys, graveyards, excellently preserved high crosses, magnificent medieval towns and alleys, magnificent Norman castles, stately homes and much more!
Some of the best sights and main attractions that visitors can discover (to name only a few) are the following:
– Explore one of the best known Irish national treasures, the Neolithic necropolis and UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne with its passage tomb of Newgrange, dating back to before the pyramids were built.
Photo by Brian Morrison / Tourism Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool
– Travel to Clonmacnoise and marvel at the beautiful high crosses in one of the most important and stunning early Irish Christian sites.
– Walk Kilkenny’s medieval mile, which leads you to some of the most majestic historic buildings (for example Rothe House) and sites, like the 12th century Kilkenny Castle (founded by Strongbow). And don’t forget the imposing 9th century round tower outside of Ireland’s second largest cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Canice. Learn about this medieval life in the new Medieval Mile Museum, which is located in a beautifully restored church.
– Marvel at the beauty of the old monastic city in Glendalough Valley in County Wicklow and enjoy some hikes in Wicklow Mountains National Park. This is a popular day trip from Dublin City.
– Explore one of the world’s oldest lighthouses at Hook Head in County Wexford and learn all the facts about its fascinating history through the centuries.
– Powerscourt Estate with its superb gardens is definitely worth visiting. Be sure to visit the waterfall and if possible take part in one of the guided walks of the gardens to get the most out of the experience.
The east coast of Ireland has a lot more to offer than just history. In fact, some of the best festivals in Ireland take place in the east of Ireland, such as Uisneach Bealtaine Fire Celebration in County Meath in May (first held 1400 years ago making it one of Ireland’s oldest festivals), the Kilkenny Arts Festival (August), the Waterford Harvest Festival (September) and the Wexford Fringe Festival (in October).
There are also a diverse selection of superb distilleries to discover along the east coast including Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskey Experience in County Offaly, Slane Distillery in County Meath and Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny in County Kilkenny.
You are in for a treat with the great variety of accommodation options ranging from the luxurious castle hotels, to great mid-range guesthouses to budget options to keep your wallet happy.
Ireland Destination Guides
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