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Stunning Photos of Ireland's Ancient East

Tour guide and expert on southern Ireland, Brian, just couldn't resist showing you these jaw-dropping photos of the Ireland's Ancient East region.

Ireland's Ancient East At A Glance

⛰️ Ireland's Largest Upland Wilderness

🌊 The World's Oldest Operating Lighthouse

πŸ¦€ Ireland's Secret Gourmet Capital

πŸ›‘οΈ The Medieval Capital of Ireland

🐚 A Spectacular (But Undervisited) Coastline

🏰 Medieval Ruins & Lost Villages

βš”οΈ Ireland's First City, Founded By Vikings

πŸ₯ƒ The Most Famous Irish Whiskey Distillery


By Brian

Brian Barry combines the roles of Marketing Executive and Tour Guide at Vagabond Tours. As an award-winning travel blogger and a published Lonely Planet author, he knows a thing or two about Ireland.

I πŸ’š the south and southeast of Ireland!

How do you know? Because that's the region where I'm from!

It's also where you'll find a little bit of everything that makes Ireland great:

  • Gourmet food in Cork & Kinsale
  • Mountains and beaches in Wicklow
  • Cliffs in Waterford and islands off Wexford
  • Historic castles and rolling green countryside are everywhere!

To experience all of the above, simply by take our 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour.

Now, read on, for some eye-popping scenery and jaw-dropping historical sites from southern and southeastern Ireland!

⛰️ Glendalough and Wicklow Mountain National Park

Snow capped Sugarloaf mountain in Wicklow

Wicklow Mountains National Park is located only 32km (20 miles) south of Dublin.

Wicklow is known as the 'Garden of Ireland'. It feels like a world away from the bustle of the capital city.

As you head southward, you'll pass between the Sugarloaf hills. The conical Great Sugarloaf and lower Little Sugarloaf mark your gateway to Wicklow.

Purple heather in Wicklow Mountain National Park

For hundreds of years, Ireland's largest area of uplands provided refuge to rebels, hiding out and fighting British rule.

The Wicklow mountains really are wild!

Reflection of a sunrise on the lake at Glendalough

Nestled in the heart of Wicklow is the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough.

'The valley of the two lakes' is an ancient pilgrimage site located in a steep glaciated valley.

The stone round tower is the first thing you'll notice in Glendalough.

A landmark for many Irish monasteries, these towers were tall for a reason, providing refuge during medieval Viking raids. Monks would climb a ladder to the upper floors before pulling it up behind them.

You're In Glendalough? Don't Dare Miss...

A popular hike leads past Kevin's Bed, a cave above the upper lake where Glendalough's patron saint Kevin reputedly lived. Follow the steep 'Spink' steps for spectacular views, looping around the valley, past abandoned mines and miner's cotttages.

🌊 Hook Head & Lighthouse (Wexford)

Hook head lighthouse in Wexford

Black and white striped exterior. Distinctive silhouette. There's nowhere like Hook Head lighthouse.

Believe it or not, this is the oldest working lighthouse in the world. The current structure is over 800 years old. Legend has it that monks lit beacons here to warn off sailors as far back as the 5th century.

Hook Head is the endpoint of the Hook peninsula. Cut off from the rest of Ireland's Ancient East by the Celtic Sea, locals even have a special accent. Chat to anyone and you'll notice a peculiar Hook twang.

You're on the Hook? Don't dare miss...

Owing to its position, thrust out into the ocean, Hook Head is one of Ireland's best spots for whale and dolphin watching from land. Grab a coffee - or a pint - sit back, and wait for the humpbacks to breach!

πŸ¦€ Kinsale - Ireland's Gourmet Capital (Cork)

Colourful shop fronts on the streets of Kinsale

Seafood fans rejoice! Kinsale is a maritime town that carries a strong culinary rep. Enjoy a local menu of vibrant restaurants, atmospheric pubs and abundant craft shops in the gourmet capital of Ireland. Wander the town's colourful and narrow streets, where youre never far from the waters edge.

The Old Head of Kinsale, with lighthouse and golf course

Kinsale has a rich maritime and military history. In 1601, the town played host to the Battle of Kinsale. With the help of Spanish forces, Irish chieftains attempted to regain control of Ireland from Elizabethan England.

You're in Kinsale? Don't dare miss...

History buff? You'll love the dramatically-sited Charles Fort. Weather allowing, a hike out to the star-shaped fortress along Kinsales harbour edge is a grand use of your time. Make sure you stop for the odd photo and - just maybe - a swift pint in one of the characterful Irish pubs you meet along the way.

πŸ›‘οΈ Kilkenny, Ireland's Charming Medieval Capital

Exterior of Kilkenny Castle with lawn

Kilkenny offers relaxed charm. The most striking feature of the city is Kilkenny Castle.

Built in the 12th century, the castle was later re-modelled in the Victorian style. It stands dramatically over the river Nore in Kilkenny city centre.

Interior of Kilkenny Castle

You've heard of the Miracle Mile. Well, Kilkenny has Ireland's answer: Medieval Mile.

The city was Ireland's capital in the medieval era. The historic wealth of the 'Marble City' is still visible in its architecture. Visit Rothe House to see a beautifully preserved medieval townhouse and garden.

Facade of medieval Rothe House in Kilkenny

Fabulous marble decorates many of the landmarks along Medieval Mile in the city centre.

Dark worn limestone on Kilkenny's pavements, especially after rain, give the impression the city is paved in marble.

You're in Kilkenny? Don't dare miss...

Kilkenny is a haven for lovers of Irish craftwork. Step into open studios to see master craftspeople at work in the National Design and Craft Gallery. Shop for souvenirs in the nearby Kilkenny Design Centre, or at the city's many open street markets and characterful antique stores.

🐚 Copper Coast and Ballycotton (Waterford & Cork)

Evening light catches waves on Waterford's Copper Coast

The Copper Coast is perhaps Ireland's best kept secret.

This stunning stretch of coastline in Waterford offers miles and miles of beautiful vistas, patchwork fields and picture-postcard cottages.

Sea, cliffs and patchwork green fields along the Copper Coast in Waterford

While on the Waterford coast, a great option for lunch or an overnight stay is Ballycotton.

Gaze out across the Celtic Sea from this quaint and authentic Irish fishing village.

Ballycotton harbour at sunset with boats in the foreground, including a lifeboat

You're near the Copper Coast? Don't dare miss...

The Comeragh Mountains. A short loop from the Copper Coast offers stunning mountain scenery. An easy hike leads to Mahon Falls, an 80 metre high waterfall; especially impressive after heavy rains.

🏰 Medieval Cistercian Abbeys: Jerpoint & Tintern

Unearth history with characterful guide, Joe O'Connell, at Jerpoint Abbey.

Hear amazing stories about the purported grave of Saint Nicholas.

Tintern Abbey as seen from battlements

Anglo-Norman lords built the gorgeous Tintern Abbey in Wexford.

Its stunning ruins and landscaped gardens are yours to explore.

Love Irish churches? Don't dare miss...

Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny city. Ramble the graveyard, read the history, then climb the round tower and admire the beautiful stained glass.

Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny

βš”οΈ Meet the Vikings in Waterford

Waterford quays with reflection on the river

Waterford city has numerous claims to fame.

Not only was it Ireland's first city, settled by medieval Viking traders, Waterford was also Ireland's first capital.

Reginald's Tower and a Viking longship in Waterford city centre

Dive into Waterford's rich history in the the Viking Triangle area, conveniently located right outside your hotel's front door.

Waterford's compact city centre offers four linked visitor experiences, covering different historical periods: Viking, Medieval and Georgian.

 

πŸ₯ƒ Taste Irish Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery (Midleton)

Giant copper whiskey still at Jameson Experience in Midleton

You can't come to Ireland and not try our smooth, triple-distilled whiskey.

And you can't come to Ireland's Ancient East and not visit Midleton!

Happy tour group at Midleton Whiskey Experience in Ireland

Whiskey lovers and novices alike will find something to entertain them at the Jameson Whiskey Experience.

Even if you really, really, really don't like whiskey, the history, architecture and craftmanship on display here is guaranteed to amaze.

Like what you saw? You can explore this amazing region with us on our 6 Day Driftwood Great Southern Ireland Tour

Irelands Ancient East, spread across the south eastern corner Ireland, really has it all. Explore a rich tapestry of history amid gorgeous scenery. Savour amazing cuisine, crafts and culture in quaint villages.

Curious? Contact us directly on enquiries@vagabond.ie

 

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