Visit Morriscastle Beach and see the spectacular strand unfold before you. The golden strand runs uninterrupted for over 20km along the east coast of Wexford and is said to be the longest unbroken stretch of beach in Europe. Plan a gorgeous walk along the sand dunes or enjoy a swim in the glimmering blue sea.
Explore the world’s first virtual reality Viking experience in Ireland’s oldest city – in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Make sure you check out King of the Vikings in Waterford and learn about these blood-thirsty enslaving raiders, town builders and international traders.
If you don’t like the local religious persuasion, you can just start your own religion. That’s exactly what they did in Huntington Castle in Carlow in the 1970s. The temple in the castle dungeons celebrates the ‘Divine Feminine’ and is a place of worship dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Isis. Visit today and step into the world of great houses and stately homes.
Newgrange, with its illuminations on the winter solstice, is a well-known and incredible place, but what about Loughcrew Cairns? This ancient site in Meath is a real hidden gem and welcomes the sun into the tomb at sunrise on the spring and autumn equinoxes. See the incredible, decorated back stone become drenched in morning light in an experience that is the same today as it was over 5,000 years ago.
The island once known as ‘Ireland’s Hell’ (but known to the locals today as simply ‘Spike’) Spike Island in Cork has been home to monks and convicts over the last 1,300 years. Take the ferry over from Kennedy Pier in Cobh and explore the mystery and magic of this unique island – or for the braver ones out there, explore this former place of punishment after dark.
The expression ‘by hook or by crook’ is said to originate from the names of the villages of Hook Head in Wexford and the nearby Crooke in Waterford. Oliver Cromwell is thought to have said that Waterford would fall 'by Hook or by Crooke' – by landing his army at one of these two places during the siege of the town in the 17th century.
Check out nearby Hook Lighthouse, the world’s oldest operational lighthouse, or simply enjoy exploring these two seaside towns.
Explore the stunning scenery along the 46km long Waterford Greenway on foot or by bike as you follow the trail of the old railway from Waterford City to Dungarvan. With viaducts, Norman ruins, old workhouses, mountain views and stunning coastline to enjoy, what better way to spend some time on your short break?
Visit the Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern and you’ll meet McCoillte, who’ll tell you about the last leprechauns of Ireland from this underground grotto filled with all kinds of treasures. Known as a Leprechaun Whisperer, McCoillte has plenty of tales all about his mythical sightings from this spot on the shores of Carlingford Lough.
We’ve all heard of Santa, but did you know that the remains of his predecessor, and some say his inspiration, are located in Jerpoint Park in Thomastown, Kilkenny? St. Nicholas’s tomb is there, along with the remains of a lost medieval town.
Stunning and tranquil - that’s how many would describe the sacred site of Glendalough. But apparently, it wasn’t always so. When the pope declared that seven visits to Glendalough would equal one visit to Rome in terms of holy pilgrimages, the popularity of St Kevin’s serene valley in Wicklow soared.
The huge surge of pilgrims ended up causing great trouble for peaceful Glendalough, but thankfully this was over 150 years ago and the stunning valley has since returned to its former, idyllic glory.
This is just a taste of some of the wonderful experiences to enjoy in this historic region, head over to our Ireland's Ancient East page to start planning your trip.