Article

You've heard about how amazing the Wild Atlantic Way is and you've probably ticked a few of it's focal points off on your list, but have you travelled around Ireland's Ancient East?

Ireland's Ancient East is made up of charming villages, sweeping vistas and it's framed by the iconic River Shannon. There's so much to see and do and many of the locations are a dream for foodies. If you're a culture vulture or a history nut, you'll find some of the magical heirlooms that mark our heritage and tell the story of our ancestors. Here's 10 unarguable reasons to put this at the top of your travel bucket list:

1. Hook Lighthouse - Wexford

Hook Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country. It's stunningly beautiful and such a spot for a windy stroll.

View this post on Instagram

Never get fed up of this place ???? Hook lighthouse in Wexford ❤️ Pic by @lawless_ireland

A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Aug 31, 2018 at 2:31am PDT

2. The Greenway - Waterford

On of the most picturesque cycling routes in the country. Get that fresh air in your lungs.

View this post on Instagram

Wishing we were here on the beautiful Waterford Greenway today ???? Pic by @wetraveltheworld

A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Oct 27, 2018 at 1:13am PDT

3. Rock Of Cashel - Tipperary

The was the seat of the kings of Munster for over a thousand years. It's a mystical sight and plays a part in many stories of Irish mythology. Brian Boru was crowned King of Ireland here, after he united the country under one leader for the first time in history.

View this post on Instagram

Rock of Cashel . . . . . . . . . #irelandsancienteast #ireland_gram #ireland_passion #ireland #the_full_irish_ #castle #abbey #ruins #failteireland #discoverireland #tourismireland #visitireland #history #architecture #architectural

A post shared by Beano (@beanobehan) on Dec 30, 2018 at 2:13am PST

4. Cobh - Cork

Such a stunning place! Cobh is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912.

View this post on Instagram

Colorful Cobh brightening up our day ???????? pic by @ouririshstory on #lovinireland

A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Dec 12, 2018 at 9:08am PST

5. Newgrange - Meath

This prehistoric monument is one of the most famous around. It's an exceptionally long passage tomb that was built during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptians.

View this post on Instagram

Newgrange is one of the coolest places ever. Our ancestors were super clever and creative ✨

6. Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
This cliff walk is a must. During the summer the fields turn gold with hundreds and thousands of rapeseed flowers. Stop off in The Happy Pear after your stroll for some bangin' coffee and healthy grub.

View this post on Instagram

Greystones is yellow ???? pic by @fearghal

A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on Apr 26, 2018 at 1:30am PDT

7. Japanese Gardens - Kildare
Take a step away from reality, put the phone away and smell the flowers.

View this post on Instagram

Lovely day #garden

A post shared by Pauline (@flowerpoll) on Sep 14, 2018 at 1:03pm PDT

8. The Wonderful Barn - Kildare
The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. Built in 1743, there's quite a few theories for the purpose of this unique looking building. Could it have been a folly, a dovecote or a gamekeepers tower?

View this post on Instagram

The Wonderful Barn in Leixslip is something else! Pic by @celtic_love

A post shared by Lovin (@lovindotie) on May 13, 2018 at 3:10am PDT

9. Glendalough
Nothing beats a hike around one of Ireland's natural beauties. The view from the top is like no other.

View this post on Instagram

Embrace the new year. It's the circle of life ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* FujiX-T2 Fujinon 18-55mm ISO:400 Aperture: f8 Shutter Speed: 1/500sec -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #lawless_ireland #lovindublin #discoverireland #discoverdublin #visitdublin #dublinireland #autumnindublin #dublino #dublin2 #visitmycity #Autumniscoming #coloursofautumn #autumnleaves #fall???? #autumnphotography #leavesfalling #autumnsunshine #irish_daily #ireland_daily #dublinireland #igersdublin #travellingthroughtheworld #map_of_europe #bbc_travel #irishtimes

A post shared by Neville Lawless | Ireland???? (@lawless_ireland) on Jan 1, 2019 at 9:19am PST

10. Kilkenny Castle
This medieval town has so much to offer. From cute cafés to craft shops, pubs to the stunning Kilkenny castle. This is one you won't want to miss out on.

View this post on Instagram

Kilkenny Castle.. Nice!! . #instaireland #insta_ireland #rawireland #failteireland #discoverireland #tourismireland #inspireland_ #irish_daily #ireland???? #ireland #ireland_gram #photooftheday #instagramhub #familyvalues #irishpassion_ #failteireland #wanderireland #instagramhub #irelandsancienteast #discoverireland #kilkenny #kilkennycastle #castlesofinstagram #castles_oftheworld #castleofireland #medieval

A post shared by ????Mark McGuire???? (@mark_mcguire__) on Dec 31, 2018 at 3:30pm PST

Well, time to pack your bags! Header Image: @sergiu.cc READ MORE:IRISH MADE: This Stunning Irish Jewellery Brand Needs To Be On Your Radar For 2019

explore-ireland

You've heard about how amazing the Wild Atlantic Way is and you've probably ticked a few of it's focal points off on your list, but have you travelled around Ireland's Ancient East?

1. Hook Lighthouse - Wexford

2. The Greenway - Waterford

3. Rock Of Cashel - Tipperary

4. Cobh - Cork

5. Newgrange - Meath

6. Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk

7. Japanese Gardens - Kildare

8. The Wonderful Barn - Kildare

9. Glendalough

10. Kilkenny Castle