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Ireland’s Ancient
East covers the area
outside of Dublin
and east of the River
Shannon, extending
from Carlingford to
Cavan and south to
Cork City, including
East County Cork and
East County Limerick.
This wide area is home to many
of the stories of Ireland’s sacred
past, a real treat for cultural
enthusiasts! Ireland’s rich history
includes many castles, historical
sites and other features which
are not to be found anywhere
else in the world.
With many of the key
attractions from Ireland’s
Ancient East located right on
Dublin’s doorstop, there are
plenty of options to fit in a quick
adventure before or after your
business meeting or conference.
Main attractions:
GLENDALOUGH
Explore the remains of this
early Christian site, buried
in the Wicklow Mountains.
Discover round towers, valleys
and stunning landscapes at this
world famous historical monastic
settlement. Glendalough is a
remarkable place that will calm
your mind, inspire your heart and
fill your soul.
NEWGRANGE
Newgrange in Co. Meath is the
best known Irish passage tomb
and dates to 3,200BC. It is the
oldest known deliberately solar-
oriented structure in the world.
TRIM CASTLE
Trim Castle in Co. Meath is
Ireland’s Largest Anglo-Norman
Castle. It is also the place where
the film Braveheart was shot.
HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
Ireland’s earliest known
lighthouse is at Hook Head,
Co. Wexford. It was first built in
the thirteenth century, where it
was maintained by local monks.
LOCKES DISTILLERY
Lockes Distillery in Kilbeggan,
Co. Westmeath was licensed in
1757 and produced whiskey for
over 200 years. Now open as a
museum, it is the only sample
left in Ireland of a typical small
pot distillery.
CLONMACNOISE
This ancient monastic site near
Shannonbridge, County Offaly,
and a top visitor attraction
in Ireland. A walk amongst
the peaceful stone ruins of
this famous place will conjure
images of the saints and
scholars of Ireland’s renowned
Golden Age of learning.
BIRR CASTLE
This fabulous castle and
adjoining gardens in Co Offaly
offer a historic and beautiful view
of the Irish midlands. Comprising
award-winning landscapes
and set in Birr, one of Ireland’s
beautiful Georgian heritage
towns, the gardens are abundant
in exotic trees and flowers.
BORRIS HOUSE
This building is steeped in Irish
history, home to former Kings of
Leinster since 1500. The house
was rebuilt in 1731 and offers
guided tours to visitors. Situated
between Mount Leinster,
Blackstairs Mountains and River
Barrow, this luxurious venue
is considered the jewel in the
crown of Carlow
ARDMORE
From a majestic headland to
an idyllic bay, the coastline of
Ardmore surrounds a village
that is full of culture, creativity,
music, adventure, unforgettable
experiences and great escapes.
Activities:
„ Cookery demonstration at
Ballymaloe Cookery School
„ Experience life as a Lord
or Lady at Wells’ House
with a private tour and
afternoon tea
„ Tour and dine at the
fabulous Russborough
House, another one of the
many stunning houses in
Ireland
For sample itineraries and
guides of upcoming events, see:
XX17
EXTEND YOUR STAY IN
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST