Tourist Attractions in Ireland: Ireland’s Ancient East
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Arches at the Glendalough Monastic Site entrance
Destinations > Europe > United Kingdom > Ireland > Tourist Attractions in Ireland: Ireland’s Ancient East
Tourist attractions in Ireland from Newgrange to Glendalough
Leprechauns, St. Patrick’s Day, Guinness Beer, and even Dracula are associated with Ireland, a country in the northwestern part of Europe. The Republic of Ireland is also considered the second biggest island on the European continent and is known as the Emerald Isle due to its green valleys and rolling hills which occupy most of the country.
You can find a vast amount of tourist attractions in Ireland, including castles and historical buildings still standing strong after hundreds of years.
If you’re planning a holiday to this lively country, or even day trips from Dublin, you can find other tourist attractions in Ireland in this article to help fill in your Ireland itinerary. Additionally, check out our other articles to learn more about other areas!
Dublin Historical Walking Tour, The Guinness Storehouse, and Irish Music & Dance Shows
Giants Causeway, Coastal Highlights, and Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael, Killarney & More
#FunFact: The famous Guillotine was first used in Ireland back in 1307.
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
Cailín Sásta at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, edited from its original version
Best Places to Stay near Dublin
If you really want to experience Ireland’s History, then what better way to do it than staying in a Castle Hotel? One of the most striking castles is the Clontarf Castle Hotel. You can also use the maps below to find other castle hotels in the Dublin area or even search lower, near Glendalough, to see the best options down there.
Looking over Laugh Tay from a road high above
Lough Tay
Located in the heart of the Wicklow mountains is a scenic lake commonly known as the Guinness Lake. There are two reasons behind the name - one is because it is owned by the Guinness family, making it one of the more interesting tourist attractions in Ireland. Another reason is because of its frothy white sand and the dark water that resemble a large pint of Guinness when viewed from above.
Since Lough Tay is set on private property, you can only admire the lake from above. So, to begin your Guinness Lake tour, you can head to its best lookout points: the car parks along route R759. From there you’ll have to go through a short hike on the grassy path to the summit of Djouce mountain until you can see the memorial stone of J.B. Malone.
As soon as you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular view of the lake surrounded by green mountains.
This is one of the stops on the affordable Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Day Trip!
The Round Tower at Glendalough Monastic Site rising high above
Glendalough Round Tower
Translated to the Valley of Two Lakes, this glacial valley is situated in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. The Glendalough monastic site is what makes this spot special - as this early Christian settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century!
Located in the forested valley is the 30-meter high Glendalough Round Tower. It has a conical roof that was rebuilt in 1876 after the original one was struck by lighting. The iconic tower was built in the 9th century and is divided into six storeys, each with timber floors. During the medieval period, these kinds of towers were used as a guide for the pilgrims. Some even believed that it was a place of refuge from the Viking raiders!
This is one of the stops on the affordable Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Day Trip!
Glendalough Monastic Site tombstones
Glendalough Monastic Site
Having been built as a Christian monastic settlement, this area is packed with a total of seven churches. One of them is St. Kevin’s Church Glendalough which is a stone-roofed church that is also known as St. Kevin’s Kitchen due to the small bell tower that looks like a chimney - however, no food was ever cooked here!
Out of all the churches found at the ancient ruins, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is the largest of them. It was first built in the 10th century and went through a few phases of construction between the 12th and 13th centuries. Despite the roofs being destroyed many years ago, you can still see the many grave slabs, the remains of a decorated arch, and a basin used to wash sacred vessels here.
For exhibitions and audiovisual shows it would be wise to visit the Glendalough Visitor Centre, where you’ll also learn more about the monastic settlement.
This is one of the stops on the affordable Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Day Trip!
View of Glendalough’s smaller southern lake
Glendalough Lake
Glendalough is a peaceful and tranquil place for you to take a short walk around the ancient monastery. If you’d like a challenge, try the Glendalough Lake walk to reach the Glacial Lake! Grab trail maps from the visitor centre to explore the nine hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to hard.
The view of the lake is absolutely remarkable as you can see the lush greeneries and rolling hills surrounding it - some would say that this is the best spot in Ireland to enjoy the beauty of mother nature! There is also a small church named Temple-na-Skellig standing close to the southern shore of the lake. However, it is only accessible by boats. You can also find St. Kevin’s bed, a cave, in the nearby cliffs.
This is one of the stops on the affordable Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Day Trip!
View of Glendalough Lake and the green hills while on the Glendalough Miners Walk
Glendalough Miners Walk
The Miners Road Walk, also known as the Purple Route, is an easy trail that will take you through the beautiful valley of Glendalough. You’ll get to explore the old mining area while passing the rugged mountains surrounding you.
This trail starts at the Upper Lake of Glendalough and leads you through the soaring pines of the Scots Pine Woodland while breathing in the fresh air.
The Miners Walk is also suitable for those travelling with families as the paths are mostly flat. The trail is only 5 kilometres in total which will takes an average of about an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Also, don’t forget to look for a glimpse of St. Kevin’s Bed on the opposite side of the lake - you should be able to see it!
This is one of the stops on the affordable Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains and Kilkenny Day Trip!
Bridges, trees, and water at the Powerscourt Japanese Garden
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Another one of the best tourist attractions in Ireland is the Powerscourt Estate, located in Wicklow County about 20 kilometres south of Dublin. The Estate is famously known for its house that was once a 13th-century castle as well as its stunning landscaped garden, which spans over 19 hectares of the land.
Inside the beautiful house is store worth wandering around to check out some authentic Irish clothing, souvenirs, gifts, and even some furniture. Enjoy the lovely Avoca Terrace Cafe while enjoying a cup of hot tea or coffee, and a scrumptious cake, while admiring the jaw-dropping panorama of the garden against the backdrop of the magnificent Sugarloaf Mountain!
The Powerscourt Garden has many interesting features that you shouldn’t miss. Explore the ornamental lakes and statues, including two statues of pegasus at Triton Lake. To see the full extent of the gardens, including the Walled Gardens, the Italian and Japanese Gardens, the lakes, and Pepperpot Tower, it is highly recommended to spend at least a 2-3 hours here.
See our full writeup on Powerscourt House, Gardens, and Waterfall here:
Stop at the Powerscourt House and Gardens on the Wicklow Mountains National Park day tour.
The Powerscourt Waterfall from the base
Powerscourt Waterfall
The highest waterfall in Ireland goes to the Powerscourt Waterfall which is 121-meters high and located on the Powerscourt Estate but in a separate area from the Powerscourt House & Gardens.
You can have a nice picnic around the waterfall area and there is also enough space to keep your kids entertained - there’s even a playground for them! Since the place is surrounded by nature, you might also spot a bit of wildlife here such as the Willow Warbler, Cuckoo, and possibly even some Sika Deer!
Refreshment kiosks are available around the area which sell coffee, tea, hot dogs, ice-creams, and more. There is a separate, but small, entrance fee charged to gain entry to the waterfall.
View of the outside of Johnnie Fox’s Pub with an Historic Vintage Car parked for display
Johnnie Fox’s Pub
Situated in the Dublin Mountains at 910 feet is one of the oldest traditional pubs in Ireland, Johnnie Fox’s, and one of the most authentic tourist attractions in Ireland. The pub is only 30 minutes away from the city centre of Dublin and it is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the countryside.
Since it was established in 1798, the cooks at the pub have been tweaking their traditional Irish dishes for a very long time - so, if you wish to enjoy original and delicious Irish cuisine, Johnnie Fox’s Pub will not disappoint!
Additionally, they use fresh ingredients straight from the farm! We highly recommend trying Johnnie Fox’s brown bread that is rich in flavor and texture to accompany your main dish - possibly bacon and cabbage.
The pub also hosts live music 7 nights a week. Enjoy your food while watching the famous Johnnie Fox’s Irish Dancing Hooley Show and learn about the country’s history in the most fun and relaxing way!
Enjoy a 3-course lunch at Johnnie Fox’s Pub on the Wicklow Mountains National Park day tour.
The Bacon and Cabbage meal at Johnnie Fox’s Pub
Corned Beef & Cabbage - Bacon and Cabbage
On March 17th every year, the Irish will throw a feast to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. On that day, they will be wearing shamrocks, go to parades, having pints of Guinness and cooking traditional Irish dishes like bacon and cabbage.
Some people may be confused about this dish - do the Irish use bacon, instead of corned beef, to prepare this traditional meal. Irish Americans typically substitute the bacon with corned beef.
A little history: When the Irish first arrived in America, they used corned beef instead of bacon to prepare the dish - due to availability and cost - which has now become the traditional meal for generations of Irish Americans.
So, if you feel like trying out this traditional Irish dish - be it corned beef or bacon - you can head to The Boxty House in Dublin or Dig In that serve mouth-watering local dishes including the corned beef and cabbage!
Learn more about Corned Beef & Cabbage vs Bacon & Cabbage here:
Sunset at the Rock of Dunamase as viewed from the sky with the backdrop of farms and the village nearby
Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is a limestone outcrop located in County Laois. On top of it is the ruins of the Dunamase Castle which was first built as an early Christian settlement. However, the settlement was plundered by the Vikings in 842 and was refortified in the 12th century by the Normans. The castle survived through the ages until it was finally destroyed in 1650, during the Cromwellian invasion.
To begin your Rock of Dunamase walk, follow the gravel path that leads you to the entrance gate of the ruined castle. Since it was built on top of a hill, the walk is accompanied by a spectacular panoramic view. The walk will only take you about 15 to 20 minutes, so it is quite easy for anyone to enjoy!
#FunFact: One of the filming locations for Leap Year, starring Amy Adams, was at the Rock of Dunamase!
See this majestic castle on the 3-Day Dingle, Killarney and Wicklow Tour.
Turtle with a Guinness stout on its shell at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Area
The capital of Ireland, Dublin, sure does have a lot to offer - the city is packed with amazing architecture, numerous pubs and interesting museums. It’s also home to the famous Guinness Storehouse where you can try a home-brewed Guinness straight from the source!
However, there are also a bunch of things to do outside Dublin! Try a few short day trips from Dublin to get fresh air in your lungs. A few great recommendations are to climb the Great Sugar Loaf and walk along the 4 kilometer stretch of Brittas Bay!
Learn more about an amazing, yet free, Historical Walking Tour, the Guinness Storehouse, and other unforgettable Irish music and dance shows in our other article:
Newgrange by FiazFarrelly, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Newgrange
Newgrange, or Brú na Bóinne in Irish, is an outstanding prehistoric monument built in 3200 BC, making it even older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza!
This Neolithic grand passage tomb consists of a huge circular mound with inner stone passageway and chambers. It has an impressively decorated carved stone entrance and twelve standing stones around the perimeter of the mound that archaeologists believe to function as a calendar.
Based on ancient Irish Mythology, this unique tomb was built by a supernatural race, the Tuatha Dé Danann, and was built for their chief, Dagda Mór, and his three sons. What makes this tomb special is that on the winter solstice, the sun rays pour into the tomb and light up the burial chamber - it’s unbelievable how highly skilled these ancient builders were!
You only need to drive about 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre to start your Brú na Bóinne tour.
Visit Newgrange, Knowth, Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara (amazingly affordable rate)!
Dundrum Town Center located just south of Dublin
Dundrum Town Centre
The Dundrum Town Center is a great destination for shopaholics. Situated in Dundrum, about 30 mins away from Dublin, this town center has over 160 shops!
The shopping center is divided into four main levels. There are about 40 restaurants and cafes, 12 cinema screens, and two nightclubs in the giant center. In 2005, when it was first opened, the shopping centre had more than 5,000 people queueing in front of its doors. Now, it welcomes over 18 million visitors each year!
This is the biggest shopping centre in Ireland and was awarded with the Most Family-Friendly Shopping award. To get here, you can either drive or take the Dublin Bus.
Mount Usher Gardens by Simon, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, via Flickr
Avoca Mount Usher Gardens
Mount Usher Gardens is located in Ashford, about one hour away from Dublin. It was first laid out in 1868 and is runs about 22-acres long on the banks of River Vartry. Avoca Mount Usher is a stunning example of a Robinsonian style garden.
See over 5,000 species of exotic plants growing naturally in the gardens. The colorful plants, combined with the serene ambience and clean water flowing through the low cascades, will make you feel as if you’re in a fairytale land!
The garden also houses the Avoca Garden Cafe that serves a variety of tasty meals - including a plate of delicious blueberry & macadamia pancakes - while being surrounded by mother nature. You can also find a store at Mount Usher that sells scarves, candles, mugs, and homewares.
The Dark Hedges of Armoy - The Kings Road from Game of Thrones, Bregagh Road, Ballymoney
Game of Thrones Tour
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Game of Thrones series, you must not leave Ireland without visiting the filming locations of Winterfell, the series’ capital Kingdom of the North.
Winterfell was actually filmed in Northern Ireland, so if you’re joining the Game of Thrones tour from Dublin, you will depart from the City Center early in the morning via a bus tour and arrive at the 1,600-acre Tollymore Forest Park where you’ll be going for a morning trek - this is the very location where the Starks found a dead dire-wolf and her pups.
After lunch, the tour stops at the 16th-century Castle Ward which is the exact location of Winterfell. There are nine major film locations of Game of Thrones on this site, and a few minor ones, which you’ll go through one by one.
Before ending the tour, you’ll get a chance to pose for a photo or two at the ruins of the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey while wearing Stark cloaks and holding swords!
The tour ends with a journey back to Dublin by going through a scenic drive through Ballynahinch and Dromore. For more information about this fun tour, visit here. To learn about other filming locations in Northern Ireland, check out this article instead:
Pepperpot Tower Powerscourt, Tower Valley in the Wicklow Powerscourt Gardens
Must See Places in Eastern Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is full of iconic sights which makes it an ideal holiday destination. With green valleys and rolling hills, the Ancient East of Ireland is perfect for road trips. You can fill your itinerary with plenty of hikes, castles, music and dance, or simply just wander around the quaint countryside with jaw-dropping landscapes.
Our top recommendations are:
The hikes of Glendalough
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Johnnie Fox’s Pub
and the Game of Thrones Tour
We know you’ll love your trip and that it’ll be one for the books that you’ll never forget!
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel and what are some of the best stops along the way?
The driving distance from Dublin to the Rock of Cashel is about 160 km and it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes without traffic. However, you may want to make some stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and the attractions of Ireland's Ancient East. Some of the best stops are:
- Kilkenny: A medieval city with a beautiful castle, a cathedral, and a vibrant cultural scene. You can explore the history, the art, and the craft of this heritage town.
- Cahir: A charming town with a stunning castle on an island in the river Suir. You can also visit the Swiss Cottage, a picturesque cottage orné, and the Mitchelstown Cave, one of the largest and most complex cave systems in Ireland.
- Cashel: The home of the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular fortress that was once the seat of the kings of Munster. You can also see the Hore Abbey, a ruined Cistercian monastery, and the Bolton Library, which houses a rare collection of books and manuscripts.
What are the opening hours and admission fees for the castles and historical sites mentioned in the article?
The opening hours and admission fees for the castles and historical sites mentioned in the article are as follows:
- Rock of Cashel: Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm). Admission fee is €8 for adults, €6 for seniors and students, €4 for children, and €20 for families.
- Cahir Castle: Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at 4:45 pm). Admission fee is €5 for adults, €4 for seniors and students, €3 for children, and €13 for families.
- Kilkenny Castle: Open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm (last admission at 5 pm). Admission fee is €8 for adults, €6 for seniors and students, €4 for children, and €20 for families.
- Dublin Castle: Open daily from 9:45 am to 5:45 pm (last admission at 5:15 pm). Admission fee is €8 for adults, €6 for seniors and students, €4 for children, and €20 for families.
What are some of the best places to stay and eat in the Ancient East region of Ireland?
There are many options for accommodation and dining in the Ancient East region of Ireland, depending on your budget and preference. Some of the best places to stay and eat are:
- Jurys Inn Parnell Street Dublin: A contemporary hotel located in the heart of Dublin, with comfortable rooms, a fitness room, an Italian restaurant, and a bar. It is close to many attractions, such as the Temple Bar, the Trinity College, and the Dublin Castle.
- Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport: A relaxed hotel near the Dublin Airport, with free Wi-Fi, a gym, a restaurant, and a coffee shop. It offers a shuttle service to and from the airport, and is a short drive from the city center.
- Crover House Hotel & Golf Club: A historic hotel on the shores of Lough Sheelin, with elegant rooms, a golf course, a spa, and a restaurant. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers a tranquil and romantic getaway.
- Drury Court Hotel: A boutique hotel in the cultural quarter of Dublin, with stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a bar. It is within walking distance from Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
- Cabra Castle Hotel: A castle hotel in Kingscourt, with luxurious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a garden. It is a 4-star hotel that mixes original character with modern amenities, and offers a unique and memorable stay.
- PJ's Oyster Bar & Restaurant: A cozy pub and restaurant in Carlingford, established in 1777. It serves fresh seafood, especially Carlingford oysters, and local craft beers, such as Taaffe's Red Ale. It also features live music and a friendly atmosphere.
- Indigo Indian Asian Restaurant & Bar: A fine dining restaurant in Denarau Island, serving authentic Indian and Asian cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes, such as fish suruwa, tandoori chicken, and biryani, and a selection of wines and cocktails.
- Solis Restaurant & Suka Bar: A modern restaurant and bar in Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, serving international and local dishes, such as rourou, kokoda, and grilled seafood. It also offers a stunning view of the ocean and the sunset.
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
Rock of Dunamase
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