Ireland's Ancient East

Ireland’s Ancient East

Experience Ireland’s Ancient East where vibrant history and modern life meet. Enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns and explore the gorgeous gardens of this scenic region.

Hear local legends and mythical tales of the east of Ireland on a lively walking tour or travel back in time at an ancient monastic site. Head on an epic mountain hike and after, experience the cultural riches of the incredible cities.

Explore Dundalk, a charming town in County Louth that hugs the banks of the Castletown River. Stroll along the riverside as it flows into Dundalk Bay, visit the County Museum to learn about the fascinating history of the area and don’t miss a visit to peaceful Stephenstown Pond Nature Park. Catch an exciting show at An Táin Arts Centre, wander through the ruins of the Norman Castle Roche, or attend one of the thrilling horse races held at Dundalk Stadium.

1) Louth

Visit the monastic site of Monasterboice, with its impressive round tower and two high crosses. Founded in the 600s, the early Christian settlement was once an important religious center captured by invading Vikings in 968 AD. Discover its old graveyard, historic churches, sundial and most famously, the spectacular high crosses.

Built along an old railway line on Carlingford Lough’s southern shore, the Carlingford Lough Greenway connects Omeath and Carlingford and is ideal for walkers and cyclists of all levels, even kids. With great views across the lough to the mountains of Mourne, Slieve Foy towers over the trail on the Louth side. The safe, mostly off-road trail travels past fields of grazing sheep, over pretty bridges and old level crossings, with only one 300 metre section of road as you approach the lakeside village of Omeath. The route is a leisurely half hour cycle, or give yourself a couple of hours to walk, with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the glorious lake views.

2) Meath

A monument older than Stonehenge and the great Egyptian pyramids? Irelands’ Ancient East really does have it all. Newgrange is a prehistoric monument that hasn’t lost any of its wow-factor even after 5,200 years.

The monument itself is an 85-metre long and 13-metre high mound believed to be designed as a tomb or temple – no one will ever really no which. The mystery of it makes Newgrange even more enchanting. It’s surrounded by 97 kerb stones some of which are engraved with megalithic art. Do your best to translate the carvings! What’s even more magical about Newgrange is that on mornings on or around the winter solstice (around 21 December) a beam of light penetrates the roof box and travels up the 19-metre passage and into the chamber. The result is a dramatically and beautifully illuminated chamber.

For a real sense of war visit the Irish Military War Museum, Ireland’s largest private military collective housed in a 5,000 sq ft ‘hands on’ museum. WW1 and WW2 trenches and vehicles, original decommissioned weapons and equipment. This is a fantastic educational and historical resource for people of all ages and from right across the island of Ireland and beyond. The Museum also houses one of the finest collections of WW2 Allied and Axis vehicles and all deactivated weapons ever assembled in Ireland. They also possess a family friendly park with petting farm, playground and assault course.

3) Wicklow

Lovingly known as the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow on the country’s east coast is one of its most beautiful areas, comprised of rolling mountains, pristine beaches and numerous historic monuments. It’s also home to several things you will only find in Wicklow, from the country’s highest waterfall to the supposed landing site of Saint Patrick.

The glacial valley of Glendalough in central County Wicklow is the site of one of the country’s most significant Early Medieval monastic settlements, dating back to the 6th century. Originally founded by the somewhat mysterious hermetic figure of St. Kevin, it soon developed into a monastic city – a major centre of religious learning and worship. Today, people of all faiths visit to experience the area’s unspoiled natural beauty and see its well-preserved monuments. The arched granite gateway to the monastic city is the last remaining structure of its kind in all of Ireland.

Why not try out the Bray to Greystones famous cliff walk? The two popular coastal towns of Bray and Greystones are linked by a four-mile trail around the Bray Head peninsula. Looking out over the Irish Sea with unrivalled views of north Wicklow and south Dublin, this is one of the best-loved walking routes on the east coast.

Northern Ireland Must-Sees

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast, which was awarded the world’s number one attraction in 2016, takes you through nine galleries to tell the story of RMS Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end.

Giants Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is NI.I’s only World Heritage Site. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this simply stunning area of natural beauty harbors a wealth of local history like a shipwreck site & traces of the legendary giant!

City Walls of Derry

Built in 1618, this former defense mechanism is still standing around Derry making it the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Take a walk around the walls and uncover the real uniqueness of this iconic attraction: the history, its heritage, and their people.

Saint Patrick Centre

Trace the tale of Ireland’s patron saint and get insight of St. Patrick’s intriguing journey from slave and saint to his resting place. Start with the Exhibition before visiting the adjacent facing Down Cathedral to see his burial place and the only shrine to the saint in Ireland at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.