10 Ancient Ruins in Ireland’s Ancient East That You Shouldn't Miss

December 18, 2021 Tambra Mccollister

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Three Castle Head, Kilwirra Church Ruins, Termonfeckin Castle, Kilcrea Friary, Athassel Abbey, Drombeg Stone Circle, Doneraile Court, Monasterboice Monastic Site, Four Knocks, Athassel Priory.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East

1. Three Castle Head

Dunlough Ireland +353 28 71766 http://www.threecastlehead.ie
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 120 reviews

Three Castle Head

Reviewed By Slainte1969 - Seattle, United States

Family roots took me to this location and the historic castle, and it was a highlight of my life. The path in was somewhat confusing to me - just know when you park in the area overlooking the ocean, you’ll follow the signs that lead you away from the private property. The walk to the caste was grand, not too hard, but wet during rainy periods. The views of the ocean are spectacular and then when you crest the last hill before the castle, what an amazing site to see! It was breathtaking and I spent a lot of time here before continuing further along the path to the highest point where you can see all the coastal area in that part of Ireland. Walking further (with the extreme wind!), you see amazing views, lush grasses, because fauna and lots of rocks. It’s an amazing hike/walk and I will never forget this experience. Could not more highly recommend it!

2. Kilwirra Church Ruins

R175 Templetown, Carlingford Ireland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Kilwirra Church Ruins

3. Termonfeckin Castle

Termonfeckin Ireland
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Termonfeckin Castle

4. Kilcrea Friary

Abbey Rd. Garryhesty Ireland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Kilcrea Friary

5. Athassel Abbey

Cashel Ireland
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Athassel Abbey

Reviewed By rc208 - Moscow, United States

We couldn't get enough of these incredible ruined pieces of Ireland's past. So much to see, I could spend a trip just going through them all.

6. Drombeg Stone Circle

Drombeg Off R597 between Rosscarbery and Glandore, Skibbereen Ireland +353 28 71766 http://www.glandorevillage.ie/Drombeg-Stone_Circle.html
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 446 reviews

Drombeg Stone Circle

Reviewed By Chrisyberg - Canton, United States

We finally found this lovely stone circle. Someone spent much time making the walkway to it covered with Fusia. Very interesting and there is almost no one here. You almost have the place to yourself. Very interesting to explore

7. Doneraile Court

Doneraile Ireland +353 21 427 3251
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Doneraile Court

Reviewed By mflynn0203 - Dublin, Ireland

Very interesting tour of Doneraile Court, the restored portion is amazing. Wonderful walk and landscape in the surrounds.

8. Monasterboice Monastic Site

1 Off the N Ireland +353 42 983 7070 http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/monasterboice
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 308 reviews

Monasterboice Monastic Site

Reviewed By Maxwkaren

There are many examples here of Celtic art on the gravestones and crosses here, including the Muiredach's High Cross and several smaller crosses. The docent at the main entry point was amazing!! full of history, stories and just in general a lovely man that we stayed to talk to for about a half hour about more than just the site. Such an unexpected delight.

9. Four Knocks

Ireland http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/fourknocks
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Four Knocks

Reviewed By 319jayh - Perth, Australia

We had planned to go to the large, well known, megalithic burial tombs at Bru Na Boinne. But, as well, my partner found out about Four Knocks on the web, so we thought we'd check it out. Glad we did. This is not easy to find on the winding back roads of Ireland, but persist. Then, when you get there you get instructions to a local farmers house to pay a 20 Euro deposit to get a key to go inside. Stick with it and do it. This is a little baby compared to Newgrange and Knowth, but it is almost a 1,000 years older. The carvings are all there to be touched. You can climb around and on a structure that is older than the Pyramids. This is a quirky and fun piece of history that you can't help but be moved by. Strongly recommended.

10. Athassel Priory

Golden, Tipperary Ireland http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/athassel-abbey/49150
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Athassel Priory

This is the largest medieval priory in Ireland.

Reviewed By Chucky-ArLa

In a field just outside Golden, was originally a small town back in the 1300's. Open to the public al year round with free entry. Mind the cows on the way in and out. Stunning architectural features to be seen inside and out. definitely worth a visit.

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