Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
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Top 10 Historic Sites in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Ballinacarriga Castle, Jerpoint Park, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Glendalough Monastic Settlement, Russborough House, Adare Castle, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Cork City Gaol, Charles Fort.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. Ballinacarriga Castle
2. Jerpoint Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
Welcome to Jerpoint Park, where we strive to immerse you in a unique experience of heritage and culture in a very special destination Thomastown in Kilkenny , south east of Ireland. Unearth the history of Jerpoint Park with a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town. When it was founded near a crossing point on the River Nore near the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey. The site also contains the Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) plus the Church of St. Nicholas. "One of Irelands's best examples of a deserted 12th century medieval town" a quote from The Heritage Council of Ireland. Angling on the River Nore for wild salmon & wild brown trout from March - September ( rods & bait available for hire). Sheep dog demonstrations is a wonderful event to see. Tour times daily at 10.30am & 2.30pm from 1st April - 28th Ocbotber 2018.
Reviewed By S1355SKmarieg
A most intriguing and memorable historical tour in the company of Joe, the owner of Belmore, who was a welcoming and entertaining guide to the ancient church, graveyard and lost medieval town on his lands. He explained that the thriving town once boasted houses, inns, water mill, brewery, woollen mill, tannery, holy well, courthouse and even a tolled bridge across the river, but that its real claim to fame was its renown as a site of pilgrimage to the man we know as Santa Claus. The crusading knights who brought the relics of St. Nicholas of Myra to Jerpoint Park some 800 years ago can still be seen in the tomb effigies in the old graveyard which show the saint with his hands raised in prayer, flanked by two crusader heads. Walking the land, it is possible to see where the old streets ran towards the marketplace, with the ruined remains of houses giving a sense of the scale of this once prosperous town. Over time, religious upheavals, plague and war all took their toll, and Jerpoint Park fell into decline. Laying still and silent for hundreds of years, it is now being rediscovered, and recognised for the richness of its history and its yet-to-be-unfolded secrets. I will be following developments as historians and archaeologists study the site, and in the meantime, I promised Santa to be a good girl and spread the word about it!
3. Kilkenny Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,363 reviews
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle
Reviewed By M4474IDtomk
A must see in Kilkenny ....really great experience. Very friendly welcoming staff....who managed visiting during Covid really well. The castle itself is magnificent ...we were on a self guided tour and I would strongly recommend engaging with the staff in the rooms ...very knowledgeable and made our visit a truly memorable one.
4. Rock of Cashel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,052 reviews
A majestic medieval fortress now in ruins: contains the Hall of Vicars and a 13th century cathedral.
Reviewed By Kelly-Irishlove
Our visit to the Rock of Cashel was intriguing The views are spectacular Explore the site on your own and with the guided tour, each offers a plethora of experiences and views The guides are very knowledgeable and have a great sense of humor as well. There is plenty of parking in the car park, there are also gift shops near by.
5. Glendalough Monastic Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,114 reviews
This historic site, whose Gaelic name translates to “valley of the two lakes,” consists of the 6th-century monastery founded by St. Kevin and the famous round tower, standing 112 feet high with a base measuring 52 feet in circumference. Visitors: There is a car park at the Visitor Centre. It is recommended to see the informational video at the Visitor Centre before starting your explorations.
Reviewed By 296ashleel
We went on September 25th and it was our first stop after arriving in Dublin. It was the perfect way to kick off our Ireland vacation. It takes a little over an hour to get from Dublin airport to Glendalough (slightly more if you are learning to drive on the opposite side!), so you can definitely do this as a day trip from Dublin. There is parking lot and a small visitor center which contain restrooms. The people at the V.C. desk were able to direct us to the walkway. You can walk around the cemetery and ruins. There were smaller pathways that you could take, so we took one that seemed less traveled. Mainly because there was a large group of students on a field trip which were being quite loud (as high schoolers do). The path we took had benches scattered throughout to stop and really immerse yourself in the quiet and beauty of it all.
6. Russborough House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 569 reviews
A beautifully refurnished 18th century mansion housing the world-famous Albert Beit collection of art.
Reviewed By bethd60 - Fairview, United States
Our tour guide, Charles, was informative and more than willing to part with the family secrets as we made our way through this beautiful home filled with the most amazing furniture and art. This is the longest house in Ireland (700 fee of frontage) and given to the people of Ireland by the Beit famiy (heir to a portion of the DeBeer diamond fortune). Be sure tocheck out the interactive displays and 3D film in the basement. BTW we had a decent lunch in the cafe.
7. Adare Castle
8. Blarney Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,308 reviews
Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited
Reviewed By rulesnations - Tuscaloosa, United States
Our family had a great trip to Blarney, perfect weather and beautiful grounds are beyond what I expected. I imagine the busy travel season might be tougher on kissing the stone but we only waited 20-30 mins and the walk up is interesting as you read each plaque. The Stone was fine but I never expected the amount of other opportunities to be so good. Kids absolutely loved it, would highly recommend a full day there.
9. Cork City Gaol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,784 reviews
Corks Most Captivating Experience:A step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like-inside and outside prison walls. Historical experience brought to life with amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects & fascinating exhibitions. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages.
Reviewed By 203sylvanah - Ireland, null
Brilliant activity to do, cool to see the history of the place, very interesting place to see. You are given headphones on this tour so you can take your time looking around pause and play again when ready.
10. Charles Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,197 reviews
Reviewed By JackWhite - Arklow, Ireland
Thoroughly enjoyable visit, well handled by OPW staff, informative guides and map, really worth a visit and to give an insight into the town’s history
