The east is of course no more or less ancient than anywhere else in Ireland, and the creation of this marketing category isn’t without controversy. But nonetheless it is a convenient way to geographically group together historic locations that can be visited during a relatively short stay in Ireland. You’ll see signposts with the logo above along the way as you travel in the eastern part of Ireland, pointing to places that are part of the initiative.
Get off the M9 with this fantastic itinerary filled with interest through an under visited and very beautiful part of Ireland.
Built on the original grounds of Castletown House, this amazing and beautifully named building really is wonderful and well worth a post all of its own.
After three centuries as a Cisterian monestery Tintern Abbey underwent a renovation in the 1560s, going on to be the home of the Colclough family for …
Jerpoint Abbey was founded in the 1160s by Cistercians, a contemplative order of monks which originated in France, on land granted by the King of …
A little off the beaten track but worth a detour, Bridgetown Priory was established in the early 13th century by the Augustinians, and was one of the …
While the tour groups and crowds build up at Newgrange, you can slip quietly past and go instead to Loughcrew, where there are megalithic remains of …
The Barrow Valley is a quiet and unspoiled area, much loved by walkers and little visited by tourists.
The city of Kilkenny takes its name from this Cathedral, which was built during the early 13th century on the site of an earlier monastic settlement.
The cluster of ancient structures around Bru na Boinne are designated as a World Heritage Site pre-date the pyramids and are extremely sophisticated …
Trinity is one of the oldest universities in the world and one of the most beautiful, with its imposing buildings and leafy grounds in the heart of …
Dublin Castle was the centre of British rule in Ireland for centuries and scene of many contentious events over the years.
One of the earliest and most important Norman castles in Ireland sits high on a hill overlooking the river Nore at the heart of the city that grew up …
Glendalough in Co Wicklow with its famous round tower was one of the most important Christian monastic settlements in Europe.
Inistioge is a romantic village beautifully located on the banks of the River Nore in South Kilkenny which has been the location for several movies …
Once a vast ecclesiastical city, the monastic settlements of Clonmacnoise were among the most important in Europe, and left us a rich heritage of …
The history of early Ireland is brought vividly to life here, through reconstructed buildings and re-enactments of the life and work of Irish people …