Ireland’s Ancient East takes center stage in guide to Ireland’s must-see heritage

From Newgrange and Glendalough to Cobh, Waterford’s Viking Triangle, and the Rock of Cashel, the guide points travelers toward some of the most storied stops in Ireland’s Ancient East.  The list also includes Powerscourt Estate, Hook Head Lighthouse, the Dunbrody Famine Ship, and the Irish National Stud, offering plenty of inspiration for a heritage-focused trip in Ireland.

Planning a trip to Ireland? You’ve probably heard of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, which runs along the western coast of Ireland, but maybe you’re not as familiar with Ireland’s Ancient East, the locales around the eastern portion of Ireland that tell fantastic stories from Ireland’s long and rich history.

Discover Ireland has put together some of the best spots to visit in Ireland’s Ancient East - check them out here:

Powerscourt Estate

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Powerscourt Estate (Getty)

Located in Co Wicklow, the stunning Powerscourt Estate has 47 acres of gardens for you to explore.

Newgrange

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Newgrange (Getty)

Older than the pyramids in Egypt and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monument from the Neolithic Era in Co Meath is one of Ireland's most popular sites.

Glendalough

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Glendalough (Getty)

The home of a 6th-century monastic site in Co Wicklow, Glendalough, and its plentiful walking trails are one of the most scenic areas in Ireland.

Cobh

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Cobh (Getty)

A port village in Co Cork, Cobh, was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, as well as many of the famine ships that departed from Ireland in the 1800s.

Waterford Viking Triangle

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Waterford Viking Triangle (Ireland's Content Pool)

This cultural and heritage quarter in Waterford City is a perfect family-friendly day trip in Ireland.

Hook Head Lighthouse

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Hook Head (Getty)

This Irish lighthouse in Co Wexford is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world.

Dunbrody Famine Ship

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Dunbrody Famine Ship (Ireland's Content Pool)

Also in Co Wexford, this historic site offers an authentic reproduction of a 1840s emigrant vessel.

Kilkenny

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Kilkenny (Getty)

Co Kilkenny blends history and modernity through its annual arts festival and its fascinating witch-trial history.

Rock of Cashel

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Rock of Cashel (Getty)

This ancient site in Co Tipperary holds the history of some of Ireland's most famous high kings.

Irish National Stud

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Irish National Stud (Ireland's Content Pool)

This thoroughbred breeding facility in Co Kildare is a must-see for any equestrians visiting Ireland.

Learn more about Ireland's Ancient East from Discover Ireland here:

Are you planning a trip to Ireland? Let us know in the comments!

* This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in June 2026.