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Ireland’s Ancient East Itinerary
Ireland’s Ancient East covers a huge part of the country outside of Dublin and east of the River Shannon. This stunning, rich-in-heritage and culture area includes the 17 counties of Carlow, Cavan, Cork City and County (east of N20) Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick County (east of N20), Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford.
From North Monaghan to East Cork
Here’s a rough itinerary highlighting some of the notable stops along the way.
County Monaghan
Start your journey in County Monaghan with a visit to Swallow Studios to explore Liz Christy’s hand-weaving workshop and learn about textile design.
County Louth
Head south into County Louth to explore the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth in the Boyne Valley, which date back over 5,000 years and are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
County Meath
Continue south to County Meath, where you can visit the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and Trim Castle, one of the largest Norman castles in Ireland.
County Kildare
Travel southwest to County Kildare and visit the monastic settlement of Kildare, founded by St. Brigid in the 5th century. Explore the remains of St. Brigid’s Cathedral and the Round Tower.
County Wicklow
Journey further south to County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland,” and explore the stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park, home to scenic landscapes, hiking trails and historic sites like Glendalough, a monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.
County Wexford
Head southeast to County Wexford and explore the historic town of Wexford, known for its Viking heritage, medieval streets and scenic coastline. Don’t miss the Irish National Heritage Park, an outdoor museum showcasing 9,000 years of Irish history.
County Waterford
Travel further southeast to County Waterford and explore the city of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, known for its Viking history and the Waterford Crystal factory tour.
County Tipperary
Head southwest to County Tipperary and visit the Rock of Cashel, a historic fortress and religious site overlooking the beautiful countryside.
County Cork
Finally, continue southwest to County Cork and explore the vibrant city, known for its historic architecture, lively markets, and cultural attractions like the English Market and Cork City Gaol. From Cork, you can also explore the scenic landscapes of East Cork, including the coastal towns of Cobh and Youghal.
