Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Sheep's Head Peninsula, Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, Kilcrea Friary, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Russborough House, Saint Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Cork City Gaol.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. Sheep's Head Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
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. Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
The tour includes 15 minutes of storytelling and an introduction to how the last leprechauns of Ireland became a protected species by the E.U..This is done in the story room across from the cavern at Shalom B.B.You may park there. This is followed by a visit below the ground where leprechauns and fairies converge in the morning as the sun rises. The visit is predominately indoors and definately great for a rainy day. It is not really suitable for children under 5 or who have not lost a tooth.If children are crying or disruptive, parents may be asked to leave with them till quiet, to allow other attendees to enjoy the whole experience. Adults should enjoy it at any age!
Reviewed By EleanorUiChathain - Dungarvan, Ireland
While the leprechaun cavern is closed due to COVID-19, it is still a lovely family stroll. There are nice monuments in the garden which provide lovely little photo opps with the kids. I’d say it’s a lovely spot when it’s fully functioning. I’ll definitely be heading back the next time I’m in Carlingford.
3. Kilcrea Friary
4. 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.
5. 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.
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. Saint Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 527 reviews
Saint Mary's Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick and stands in the heart of the medieval city, looking over the majestic River Shannon. Originally the Royal Palace for the Kings of Thomond it was gifted to the church in 1168. It is a living church where worship is offered daily, as it has been for the last 850 years. Please come and visit us at Saint Mary's Cathedral. You will be most welcome !
Reviewed By madigan24 - Knoxville, United States
I love cathedrals and have to visit every one I come across. This one was a gem! Beautiful architecture and gorgeous stained glass. It felt very much like a living, breathing worship community while still preserving its history. The cemetery was also very interesting to view. If you are going to visit King John’s Castle as well while you’re in town, I would suggest visiting the cathedral first, as it will give you a good mental image and context when you come across mention of it in the castle exhibits.
8. King John's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,522 reviews
This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
Fantastic castle, a wonderful museum that really brings the history of Limerick to life with a combination of audio visual displays, interactive exhibits, artefacts and really interesting story-boards. The first half of the self-guided tour deals mostly with medieval history, the sieges, treaties and battles for power and what life was like for the people of the city then. There are superb models of the city at its various stages of growth. Then you can go down to the medieval foundations before ascending the towers and waking the battlements. Fantastic place, I was there well over 2 hours and just loved every minute. The staff were so, so helpful as well, it's important for me to mention that.
9. 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.
10. 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.
