Step back in time and explore Ireland’s Ancient East, where history, legends, and culture come to life.
Ireland’s Ancient East is a well sign-posted route through the east and south of Ireland, stretching from Newgrange and the Boyne Valley in the north east, traveling through the Midlands all the way down to Waterford’s Viking Quarter and Cork’s many cultural attractions. With Ireland’s abundance of historical attractions, visitors can tread where legends were born and see the amazing historical sites that are an integral part of the beauty of Ireland today.
The east and south of Ireland showcases their wonderful historical touring region, stretching from Meath to Cork. As part of the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ experience visitors can also enjoy the stunning Irish countryside, stop off and explore Ireland’s friendly towns and villages, take in a festival, sample local cuisine and stay in accommodation run by local Irish families.
Breakfast each morning except day of arrival
Hertz manual compact car with unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), value added tax (VAT), third party liability and location service charge (LSC)
Price is per person based on double occupancy during low season and is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Touch down in Dublin and head north to County Meath, where Ireland’s rich history comes to life. Your journey begins at the Battle of the Boyne site, home to the largest troop deployment in Irish history. Step into the past at the visitor center, set within the beautifully restored 18th-century Old Bridge House.
Next, travel back even further in time to Newgrange, a breathtaking Megalithic Passage Tomb dating to 3200 BC. Wander around its massive, art-adorned kerb stones before stopping for a relaxing lunch at the tearoom. Then, continue to Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Norman stronghold, for a fascinating 45-minute guided tour. Wrap up your day in Navan, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and lively conversation with the welcoming locals.
Feeling refreshed, set out west to explore the fascinating Loughcrew Cairns, a collection of over 30 ancient tombs scattered across Carnbane East and Carnbane West. Dating back to 3200 BC, these tombs were built to measure time, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past. After taking in the breathtaking views, stop in Navan for a well-earned lunch to recharge for the next adventure.
Continue to the legendary Hill of Tara, once the seat of Ireland’s High Kings and an important site since the late Stone Age. Explore its ancient landscape, enjoy a guided tour, and watch an engaging audio-visual presentation that brings its history to life. After an inspiring day, return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening and a delicious meal, resting up before heading south to the lush green pastures of the midlands.
After an early rise, head south through the flat plains of the midlands, where history unfolds at every turn. Your first stop is Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly, a remarkable monastic site featuring the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th–13th century), two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian graves in Western Europe.
Next, travel to Birr Castle, a site synonymous with ancient Ireland yet equally captivating for its stunning demesne. Beyond the castle, explore formal gardens boasting the world’s tallest box hedges, wisteria, and old roses. Terraces offer breathtaking views, especially in summer, while waterfalls, lakes, and rivers enhance the serene beauty of the grounds. From here, continue to Holy Cross Abbey, Co. Tipperary, a hidden gem with a fascinating history. For over 800 years, pilgrims from across Europe journeyed here to see the relic of the ‘True Cross,’ from which the abbey takes its name.
A short drive away, the iconic Rock of Cashel awaits. This striking limestone outcrop is home to an extraordinary collection of medieval buildings, including a 12th-century round tower, High Cross, Romanesque chapel, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century castle, and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Cashel is also your final stop for the day, so settle into your hotel and relax in its historic surroundings.
Head toward the sunny southeast, stopping first at the stunning Lismore Castle before continuing to the legendary Blarney Castle. Along the way, take in the scenic coastline—cruise the Blackwater River in Waterford or cast a line in picturesque Dungarvan.
In Waterford, visit the famous Crystal Factory to see master craftsmen at work before reaching your overnight stop in Kilkenny. Settle into your hotel, then soak up the city’s charm with an evening stroll and a visit to its lively pubs.
This morning, head further southeast to Co. Wexford, renowned for its strawberries and potatoes. Start with a visit to The Kennedy Homestead, the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather, Patrick Kennedy. The homestead celebrates five generations of the Kennedy family, still farmed by his descendants.
Afterward, enjoy a coastal drive to Hook Lighthouse and along Rosslare Europort before returning to Kilkenny for your second night. Explore Kilkenny’s famous Norman Castle, home to the Butlers of Ormonde for nearly five centuries. Take a guided tour through the Picture Gallery Wing and the library’s charming nooks, or watch a 12-minute film about 500 years of history in the Medieval Room of the South Tower.
Your final full day of adventures will lead you towards the east coast up to Co. Wicklow. En route you can stop at various ancient Irish sites. It is highly recommended to Visit Wicklow Gaol which has more of an action story associated with it than many previously visited sites; this historic prison tells a gripping story of crime, exile, and suffering, highlighting the harsh realities of 18th-century life, the 1798 rebellion, and the brutal transportation ships to Australia.
Next, visit the stunning Glendalough, an early Christian settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Nestled in a glaciated valley, its monastic ruins include a round tower, stone churches, and decorated crosses. Stop at the Visitor Center for an exhibition and audio-visual show, and if the weather’s nice, enjoy a snack along the Glendalough walkway. End your journey in Wicklow town, where you can relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Your Irish adventure concludes with a final breakfast. Following your meal, make your way to the airport for your onward journey.
(For all Trans-Atlantic flights, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.)
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
The tour package does not include flights to and from the tour’s starting location, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip to Ireland, along with travel protection for the duration.
Although booking flights might seem straightforward, hidden fees or service classes without seat assignments, meals, or checked bags can arise. With our experience since 1985, we are familiar with the best routings and have access to great contracts, often offering better prices than those available online.
If you would like to create a custom itinerary before or after the tour to extend your trip, we would be happy to assist with this.
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