Ireland's Ancient East

Ireland’s Ancient East allows you to explore 5,000 years of history, where tales of feuding dynasties hide behind crumbling Gothic architecture; ghostly tombs predate the pyramids; and knights, kings, monks and Vikings loom large in incredible stories.

Encompassing 17 counties, Ireland’s Ancient East is a route that criss-crosses the entire eastern half of Ireland, from the Boyne Valley, to Newgrange World Heritage site, to the megalithic Brownshill Dolmen in County Carlow, down to the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny, to Viking Waterford and coastal Cork. Along the way, it passes through the most beautiful, mystical, historical and captivating sights that Ireland has to offer.

Learn about the dawn of Irish civilisation as you discover Neolithic tombs, prehistoric sites and mythical landscapes. Ireland’s Ancient East will encourage you to step into the land of the Saints and Scholars and visit the university and monastic sites where Ireland’s pioneering saints and monks wrote some of the world’s greatest manuscripts.

You could also explore the pathways of Medieval Ireland and uncover a rich tapestry of tales from this turbulent time. Discover the stories of a time of contrasts which shaped the lives of the now settled conquerors of Ireland and those over whom they ruled. This was a time of empire, rebellion, innovation, and industry.

Ireland’s Ancient East harbours a treasure trove of historical highlights ranging from prehistoric passage tombs to lively medieval towns and cities, magnificent monasteries and atmospheric ancient abbeys. This is 5,000 years of history. This is Ireland’s Ancient East.