10 Free Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East That You Shouldn't Miss

July 4, 2021 Janette Largent

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Sheep's Head Peninsula, The Wicklow Way, Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, Waterford Greenway, The Milk Market, The English Market, University College Cork (UCC), Lough Gur Visitor Centre, Cobh Cathedral, Drombeg Stone Circle.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East

1. Sheep's Head Peninsula

Bantry Ireland http://www.thesheepsheadway.ie
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5.0 based on 509 reviews

Sheep's Head Peninsula

Reviewed By 223aineb

This was a walkers paradise. It was worth the long drive on the narrow road to the end of the peninsula. Some short walks as well as more challenging for the avid walker.

2. The Wicklow Way

Wicklow Ireland +353 1 280 1899 http://www.wicklowway.com/
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5.0 based on 215 reviews

The Wicklow Way

Reviewed By Familiaturner

This area of Ireland is not to be missed. Very different from anything else we saw. If you start in Roundwood and take highway R759 you will go through some amazing countryside. Stop near Lough Tay and find the trailhead. (There are a few parking areas). You can take a spectacular hike on a beautifully maintained trail (much of which is raised boardwalk) and see amazing views in every direction. Then, drive towards Sally Gap. It's hauntingly beautiful and unique. So worthwhile. You can continue on to Dublin from there. Country roads (narrow) but typical of those in Ireland.

3. Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

Ringfinnan, Kinsale Ireland +353 86 864 7028 http://www.facebook.com/ringfinnan
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5.0 based on 122 reviews

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

This garden is located in the townland of Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork in the south of Ireland and is dedicated to the memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their live in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. This garden of Remembrance was established by Kathleen Murphy in November 2001. Kathleen grew up in Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork which is located in the south of Ireland. Following her training as a nurse in England she moved to New York where she worked as a staff nurse for 40 years in Lennox Hill Hospital. Kathleen always admired the brave and courageous work of firefighters. Following the 9/11 attacks she decided to establish the garden of remembrance in memory to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th 2001. Kathleen passed away in March 2011 in New York following a battle with cancer and is buried less than 2 miles from the garden.

Reviewed By bsa819 - Lynnfield, United States

Worth a stop and a chance to remember. We forget how the entire globe was afftected by the events in the US on 9/11

4. Waterford Greenway

46 klm of old disused railway line now a cycle and pedestrian route between Waterford and Dungarvan., Waterford Ireland +353 58 45273 [email protected] http://www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com
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5.0 based on 646 reviews

Waterford Greenway

Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay.

Reviewed By renaultwrc - Waterford, Ireland

Absolutely fabulous, walking or cycling it's a pleasure, coastal and inland old railway line converted to this stunning Greenway, try pint in old world pub along the way or coffee or tea and scones in Kilmacthomas old workhouse ,you will return many times guaranteed

5. The Milk Market

The Milk Market Market House, Mungret Street Limerick City Center, Limerick Ireland +353 61 214 782 http://www.milkmarketlimerick.ie
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4.5 based on 289 reviews

The Milk Market

An outdoor flea market selling everything from produce to secondhand jewelry.

Reviewed By Paulo5678 - Limerick, Ireland

A visit to the Saturday Market located in the Milk Market should be on your agenda if you are visiting Limerick. Given the current circumstances the number of stall holders is slightly reduced but the quality of the food and other produce on offer is second to none. The market is open from about 8am - 2pm. Bring a big bag - you will need it!

6. The English Market

41 Princes Street, Cork T12 RW26 Ireland +353 21 492 4258 http://www.englishmarket.ie/
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4.5 based on 3,016 reviews

The English Market

Reviewed By 602ruairim - Cork, Ireland

The Old English Market is well worth a visit with a huge variety of stalls / stores from the good auld Irish Breakie to the more discerning flavors, for coffee lovers and foodies alike and for the ever changing tastes of Cork. Take a wander down the many isles of this fascinating indoor market or have a cuppa and watch the world go by. Come along you wont be disappointed

7. University College Cork (UCC)

University College Cork Western road, Cork T12 HY8E Ireland +353 21 490 1876 [email protected] http://www.ucc.ie
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4.5 based on 938 reviews

University College Cork (UCC)

University College Cork is one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities. It boasts a vibrant, modern campus with a student experience second to none in Ireland. A learning community where the student is at the heart of everything and the special relationship between student and lecturer is primary to our unique ethos. The campus is located a mere ten minutes walk from the heart of Cork city, a former European Capital of Culture. Cork is listed as a top ten location in the Lonely Planet guide which states it “has always had an unshakeable self-confidence and innate sense of pride”, a description which is equally applicable to the University itself

Reviewed By L7349ADroberto - Green Bay, United States

For the past five years, I've lead a study abroad program in Ireland that involved living and studying at UCC for a week. The summer accommodations on campus are open to the public and are an easy walk to downtown. The Student Center is open Mondays thru Fridays during the summer offering an affordable and pleasant place for breakfast and lunch. We always start our week by taking the campus walking tour provides a good overview of the college and its unique history.

8. Lough Gur Visitor Centre

Lough Gur, Limerick Ireland +353 61 385 386 [email protected] http://www.loughgur.com/home/lough-gur-heritage-centre/
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4.5 based on 533 reviews

Lough Gur Visitor Centre

Lough Gur Heritage Centre is a community run tourist attraction telling the story of 6,000 years of habitation in the Lough Gur area. From Neolithic house sites to medieval castles Lough Gur has monuments from every era and the heritage centre ensures that visitors get the history/folklore and archaeology of the area from trained guides.The Centre also houses a retail space where take away tea/coffee, minerals, ice-cream and chocolate are available for purchase as are books and merchandise of the area.Summer opening hours are 10 to 5pm Monday to Friday and 12 to 6pm Saturday and Sunday from March to October and every Sunday during winter hours.The centre is staffed by volunteers and all monies raised goes back into community initiatives at Lough Gur.

Reviewed By LJC2013 - Ardrossan, United Kingdom

Visited here with my husband, along with the stones and a leisurely drive round the area. Been to many tourist sights in Ireland but this was one of our favourites. There is such a peaceful atmosphere at Lough Gur and not many tourists when we were there. Brian shares his knowledge of local history and brought it all to life. We enjoyed the guided walk. I bought a book based on memoirs of a lady who lived at the farm there. Great to read about a place I have visited. Highly recommend taking a few hours to stop here.

9. Cobh Cathedral

Cathedral Terrace, Cobh None Ireland +353 21 481 3222 [email protected] http://www.cobhcathedralparish.ie
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4.5 based on 1,278 reviews

Cobh Cathedral

Reviewed By lucyb00 - Cobh, Ireland

A beautiful peaceful must see cathedral. Stunning architecture with great views. Free car park across the road too.

10. Drombeg Stone Circle

Drombeg Off R597 between Rosscarbery and Glandore, Skibbereen Ireland +353 28 71766 http://www.glandorevillage.ie/Drombeg-Stone_Circle.html
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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

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