Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
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What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Sheep's Head Peninsula, Waterford Greenway, King of the Vikings, Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Russborough House, Cahir Castle, Blarney Castle & Gardens, St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower, Bantry House & Garden.
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. Waterford Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 646 reviews
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
3. King of the Vikings
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
King of the Vikings - The World's First Viking Virtual Reality 3D Adventure, bringing you up close and personal with the Viking warlords who founded Waterford Ireland's oldest city! Housed in a replica Viking house within the atmospheric ruins of a medieval monastery in the heart of the Viking city. Next to Reginald's Tower where the Treasures of Viking Waterford and a fullsize Viking longship. Available in English, French and German. Cost of admission is only €5.00 for an Under 12 and only €10.00 for an adult. Currently CLOSED for annual maintenance, from 6th January till Fri.13th March 2020.
Reviewed By Seehanes
Visitors are strongly advised to book in advance for this virtual reality experience due to limited capacity - visits last thirty minutes and only ten people can be accommodated during each session. Within the Viking Triangle, so rich in history and museum experiences, this novel format brings that Viking history to life in an unforgettable manner that should be greatly enjoyed by people of all ages and interest levels - you cannot help but feel thoroughly engaged. With a son who suffers from travel sickness, this virtual reality experience posed no problem for him. Situated in a replica Viking house within the ruins of the Franciscan friary, the costumed staff skilfully aided visitors to use the apparatus effectively. In fact no skill was needed - the staff ensured that everybody's experience was optimised. Potential improvements, in my opinion, would include greater sensory engagement such as water spray (from the sea or discarded waste), blasts of heat when there are fires, or release of smells to coincide with cooking, other domestic situations, or proximity to livestock. Apart from the brief thrill (or horror?) of seeing rats at your feet, I think the fear / shock factor could have been considerably heightened. If there is concern for the welfare of younger children, then perhaps headsets could have two different settings (one milder experience, and one more dramatic one). Nevertheless this is unquestionably a worthwhile addition to Waterford's attractions.
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. Cahir Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 795 reviews
This imposing 15th-century castle was long a military stronghold.
Reviewed By LenSydneyAustralia - Glenbrook, Australia
Self toured this castle with some narrow staircases. It had some very interesting history which is on display plus different rooms as it was. Worth a visit.
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. St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,582 reviews
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century.The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland. Opening times from 29/11/2011 to 23/11/2011. Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm. Sunday 2pm to 4pm. Round Tower Climb Time at 12 noon and 3pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 3pm. Weather and staff permitting. Admission fee applies for visit into Cathedral and Round Tower. From 24/12/2011 to 02/01/2012 the Cathedral and Round Tower is closed for visiting. PLease check our website for services during the Christmas period.
Reviewed By longandshortofit - Overland Park, United States
Eager to climb a round tower during our time in Ireland, we were happy to find we could do just that in Kilkenny. A bit scary for anyone afraid of heights, the views at the top were expansive and worth the climb. (Their are good railings the whole climb.) There isn't much room at the top so we were glad to go when it wasn't crowded. It also helped to not have too many people trying to climb either up or down at the same time in the narrow space of the tower. The cathedral was lovely and had a very informative self-guided tour with lots of points of interest. We actually preferred it to St Patrick's and Christ Church in Dublin.
10. Bantry House & Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
Bantry House and Garden is a stately home in southwest Ireland situated right on Bantry Bay with panoramic views of the bay and the caha mountains. The estate is owned by Egerton and Brigitte Shelswell-White and is managed by their daughter Sophie and her partner Josh. It has been in the family since the 1700s. The house contains original furniture and objects d'art. The garden is laid out over 7 terraces with a fountain, large wisteria circle and 100 steps leading up to the woodland. The house, garden and tearoom is open to the public daily from easter to october. The estate hosts weddings, music festivals and fairs. We have a separate review page for our B&B accommodation.
Reviewed By OttawaTrekker
We spent a couple of hours touring the gardens and the public rooms inside the house. My partner and I are both decoration and history buffs, so we took our time discovering the lovely interiors and really enjoyed ourselves. Outside, the views from the main terrasse overlooking the bay are fantastic and climbing all the way to the top is worth the exercise. The gardens and the grounds are quite pretty and a lot of fun to explore. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
