I 💚 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
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.
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!
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)
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!
🦀 Kinsale - Ireland's Gourmet Capital (Cork)
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.
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.
🛡️ Kilkenny, Ireland's Charming Medieval Capital
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
⚔️ Meet the Vikings in Waterford
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.
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.
🥃 Taste Irish Whiskey at the Jameson Distillery (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!
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
