Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast...See inside for stories, things to do, festivals and all the information you need to plan your trip to Ireland’s Ancient East. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

See inside for stories, things to do, festivals and all the information you need to plan your trip to Ireland’s Ancient East.

Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

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INTroduction. Wander through 5,000 years of history in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Plot twists, cliffhangers, murder and passion; Ireland’s Ancient East has more than a few stories to tell. From Irish High Kings to Scandinavian Vikings, discover ancient towns and cities built on tales 5,000 years in the making. A nation of storytellers, we are celebrated throughout the world for our magical way with words. It’s in our blood.

Listen to the locals as they recount captivating stories including Viking invasions, big houses and hard times and the maritime gateways of the coast. These are the stories passed on from generation to generation, stories of castles and conquests, sacred grounds and our passion for horses. These tales are just a taste of Ireland’s Ancient East; we’ve barely scratched the surface. To dig deeper and unearth the secrets of this spectacular part of Ireland, you need to experience it for yourself. From Cork to Cavan and everywhere in between – take a few days and discover the hidden secrets of places you thought you already knew.

Here’s a taste of some of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you in Ireland’s Ancient East.

For loads more holiday inspiration visit IrelandsAncientEast.com.

Take a journey of discovery in Ancient Ireland. The legacy of our country’s earliest inhabitants reverberates to this day throughout Ireland’s Ancient East.The remarkable engineering feats of Neolithic people can be found at the extraordinary passage tombs, the largest of their kind in Europe at Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange in Co. Meath. The archaeological landscape of Brú na Bóinne was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Built more than 5,000 years ago, up to 40 passage tombs have been discovered on the 780-hectare site on the River Boyne which pre-date both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Newgrange, with its huge, 85m diameter passage tomb, is deservedly well-known, and people apply in their tens of thousands for an elusive ticket to see the sun light up its central chamber around December 21st. Meath boasts some of the oldest man-made structures in the country, including Loughcrew Cairns which feature approximately 30 tombs. Legend has it that they were formed five millennia ago when a witch dropped an apron-full of rocks when she was leaping across mountains. Jump on board the road train at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park in Co. Kildare and explore the peatland trail, stone age settlements and Famine Mudwall Cottage.On the other side of the country, at Lough Gur in south-east Co. Limerick, lie an evocative collection of stone circles, ancient burial grounds and Megalithic tombs. Its earliest inhabitants are said to have settled here more than 6,000 years ago. Head eastwards from Lough Gur to find one of the country’s most magnificent dolmens at Brownshill, just outside Carlow town. Its capstone is reputed to weigh 100 tonnes.

Did you know? Croghan Hill, Co. Offaly, is the site of an ancient - and much to the relief of locals - extinct volcano.

SPOTLIGHT ON The Cavan BurrenLocated just outside the village of Blacklion, the Cavan Burren is one of the most unique landscapes in Ireland’s Ancient East. Habitation sites and funeral monuments survive from prehistoric times, and the fossils embedded in its limestone rock have been identified as the coral of a tropical sea of 350 million years ago. It’s an area where the layers of history tell the story of Ireland in microcosm: neolithic tombs, hut sites and ancient rock art coexist alongside 19th century ruins. Its visitor centre offers the perfect introduction, while four specially created walking trails are designed to help you get the most out of your time here.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Pay a visit to the Shannon Pot, source of our longest

river, the Shannon, in Cuilcagh Mountain, Co. Cavan.

➤ Make a wish at the magnificent Proleek Portal Tomb situated in the grounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel on the Cooley Peninsula.

➤ Call to the Cavan County Museum at Ballyjamesduff, whose artefacts include a 1,000-year-old log boat.

➤ Enjoy a magnificent walk among the relics of millennia past, taking in Lough Gur and the Red Bog in Co. Limerick.

➤ Join The Kells Experience Tours for an adventure across 5,000 years of history with daily walking tours of Kells and scheduled tailor-made adventures in the Boyne Valley.

ANCIENT IRELAND

Brownshill Dolmen, Co. Carlow.

GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

The story of sunlight that still inspires after 5,000 years.

Loughcrew, Co. Meath.

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contents2 ANCIENT IRELAND 3 CASTLES AND CONQUESTS 5 BIG HOUSES AND HARD TIMES 6 HIGH KINGS AND HEROES 7 IRELAND’S MYSTICAL WATERWAY 8 MARITIME GATEWAY 9 SACRED IRELAND 11 THE SPORT OF KINGS 12 VIKINGS 13 festivals

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Explore the imposing castles and fortresses of Norman Country. There is no shortage of fine castles in Ireland’s Ancient East and one of the most celebrated is Kilkenny Castle which has stood by the banks of the Nore for 900 years. It was the seat of the Butler dynasty until well into the 20th century.

Kilkenny Castle housed the Confederate Government of the 1640s, a short period when Ireland was self governed. The castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for the sum of £50. Today, it’s a highly popular tourist attraction and a key part of the city’s Medieval Mile, an area brimming with historic buildings, fine restaurants and atmospheric pubs.

Further south, in Co. Wexford, Enniscorthy Castle dates from 1205, although its imposing keep was built in the 17th century. The town will be forever associated with the doomed 1798 rebellion; the distinctive, pudding-shaped Vinegar Hill that overlooks Enniscorthy was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting.

Another former Norman stronghold, Athlone Castle, enjoys a commanding location in the centre of this midlands town and is built on the banks of the Shannon. It was the focal point of the Siege of Athlone in 1690-91 during the fierce Williamite-Jacobite War.

The story of a family who explored the universe from the middle of Ireland.

Birr Castle, Co. Offaly.


Did you know? Both New Ross port and Tintern Abbey were founded by William Marshall, reputed to be “the greatest Knight who ever lived”.

SPOTLIGHT ON The Rock of CashelRearing up from the fertile plain of the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel is a movie set designer’s dream: a bristling vision of a medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral within a wall high on a grassy outcrop. For more than 1,000 years, the Rock was a symbol of royal and religious power; it was the seat of the Eóganacht Kings of Munster until rivalries saw Brian Boru, future High King of Ireland, take over in the 10th century. It was later granted to the Church and used even after the 17th century sacking by Cromwellian troops.

CASTLES AND CONQUESTS

THINGS TO DO ➤ Learn the secrets of ‘life below stairs’

on the Victorian Tour of Tullynally Castle, Co. Westmeath.

➤ Float through time on a raft around medieval Trim, Co. Meath and hear stories about what life was like for our ancestors.

➤ Fancy a spot of afternoon tea in a castle?

Monaghan’s Castle Leslie Estate is the ideal place to relax and enjoy tea and cakes.

➤ Discover what was once the world’s largest telescope at Birr Castle, Co. Offaly and take a walk in the surrounding manicured grounds.

Enniscorthy Castle, Co. Wexford. Trim Castle, Co. Meath.

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Ireland’s Ancient East is a region teeming with magnificent country estates and Anglo-Irish manors that speak of our colonial past. One of Ireland’s grandest Palladian Mansions, Castletown House, at Celbridge, Co. Kildare, was built for William Conolly, the speaker of the Irish House of Commons in 1722. The grounds feature a striking 42m-high obelisk-type structure known as ‘Conolly’s Folly’.The Garden County has its fair share of big houses, and Powerscourt, near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow is one of its most popular visitor attractions. The house was greatly damaged by fire in 1974, but has been sensitively brought back to its original glory. Ireland’s tallest waterfall is to be found on its estate.In Blessington, another magnificent Big House speaks of another time. Russborough, reputed to be the country’s longest house with a frontage measuring 210m, was owned by the Beit family in the second half of the 20th century. They were celebrated for their patronage of the arts, and several artists are in residence there today. While these fine buildings speak of a wealth and privilege, Ireland has also experienced hard times, especially in the 1840s when the Great Famine forever changed the make-up of the country.

Did you know? Carrickmacross Lace is 200 years old this year and many brides, including the duchess of cambridge, have chosen it for their big day.

SPOTLIGHT ON Wicklow GaolFrom 1702 to 1924, the brooding edifice of Wicklow Gaol in Wicklow town shut away people deemed to be on the wrong side of history – rebels from the 1798 Rising, convicts to be transported to colonies in America and Australia and desperate women and children who stole simply to feed themselves during the Great Famine. Tales of the inhumane conditions live on today. Visitors can see the prisoners’ graffiti and read thoughts they left in a notebook only rediscovered in 1923. You can hear their stories from costumed characters, sound-bursts of voices and dramatic exhibits. Erskine Childers - son of our former president of the same name - was incarcerated here before his execution during the Civil War.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Visit Huntington Castle in Co. Carlow: it

played a role in the War of Independence and has a 500-year-old yew tree in the gardens.

➤ Experience luxurious afternoon tea in the elegant environs of Wells House and Gardens in Co. Wexford.

➤ Find out why the butlers had to whistle when serving food at the Regency-style Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens in Co. Cork.

➤ Marvel at the gothic romantic folly of the Jealous Wall at Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath - the former home of the infamous Robert Rochford.

➤ Learn about the hardships of the Great Famine at the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum in Co. Laois.

Learn about castles and manor houses, famine roads and emigration.

Wicklow Gaol, Co. Wicklow.

BIG HOUSES AND HARD TIMES

Castletown House, Co. Kildare.

Step back to our regal past with the High Kings of Ireland.

Did you know? The old monastic graveyard in Clones, Co. Monaghan, is the traditional burial place of the McMahon chieftains.

SPOTLIGHT ON The Hill of TaraThe High Kings’ regal seat was at the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath, and its summit affords generous views over the lush, flat plains of the county. An ancient boulder stands upright here: it’s the Lia Fáil - the Stone of Destiny - and legend has it that it was brought to the site by the semi-divine race, the Tuatha Dé Danann. Fact and myth are interwoven when it comes to this magical place, and it’s said that the Pagan Gods lived on the hill until the arrival of St. Patrick.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Savour the clash of

the ash at the Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience, a visitor experience dedicated to our beautiful game.

➤ Journey to the Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath, a place associated with the High Kings that’s seen by many as the spiritual heart of the country.

➤ See the impressive display of weaponry at The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath.

➤ Go for a cycle in the Golden Vale, south Tipperary - the High Kings ruled this land from their base in Cashel.

HIGH KINGS AND HEROES

Meath is still known as the Royal County, and with good reason. It’s an area that will be forever associated with the High Kings of Ireland.

Remnants of the distant past are visible around the Hill of Tara, where there are several ring forts, including Laoghaire’s Fort, in which a King of the same name was reputed to be buried upright. Close-by, you will find a well-preserved Neolithic passage grave, evocatively titled the Mound of the Hostages: it was built in the same style as Newgrange, but on a much more modest scale.

Ireland’s Ancient East is full of storytellers, and their stories of heroes - like the High Kings - have been passed on through the generations. But there are heroes of a more recent vintage too, including the slain US President John F Kennedy.

The Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford, which he visited on his tour of Ireland in 1963, features the John F Kennedy Museum and provides an intriguing overview of his lasting legacy and also achievements of several generations of the Irish-American family who captured imaginations both here and on the other side of the Atlantic.

Kennedy Homestead, Co. Wexford. Boyne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath.


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Take a journey of discovery along the Shannon’s fabled waterway.

Did you know? The Iron Age oak road, Corlea Trackway, was found crossing the boglands of Longford: it’s the largest such road ever uncovered in Europe.

SPOTLIGHT ON Athlone CastleThis former Norman stronghold enjoys a commanding location in the centre of the midlands town and is built on the banks of the Shannon. It was the focal point of the Siege of Athlone in 1690-91, during the fierce Williamite-Jacobite War.Its striking keep was reopened to the public in 2012 after extensive refurbishment. It offers a multi-sensory visitor experience that captures the castle’s chequered history. The illustrations that tell the story were drawn by Victor Ambrus, best known for his work on Channel 4’s Time Team.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Hire a river cruiser to enjoy the stunning scenery,

ancient history and colourful towns along the River Shannon.

➤ Pay a visit to the Shannon Pot, source of our longest river, the Shannon, in Cuilcagh Mountain, Co. Cavan.

➤ Visit the monastic village of Lorrha, Co. Tipperary, and book a guided tour to hear stories of peaceful monks and marauding Norsemen.

➤ Journey through time at Westmeath’s Dun na Sí amenity and heritage park, a fusion of traditional music, song, dance and stories.

IRELAND’S MYSTICAL WATERWAY

Voyage through time to our seafaring past. As an island nation, it’s little wonder that we have had such a strong connection with the sea. Irish history is a tale of comings and goings, of famine ships and doomed ocean liners, of conquerers travelling from distant shores and spices arriving from even further afield.

A county that has a special maritime relationship is Cork, and one of the most spectacular coastal fortresses is to be found on the craggy Crosshaven coast: Camden Fort Meagher has stood here for 400 years and its virtually impassible moat took 500 men some 40 years to build.

Further up the south-eastern coast lies the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience - a permanent nautical museum in New Ross harbour - and this very vessel was one of many that brought impoverished people the promise of a new life in the New World.

Move south along the Wexford coast to Hook Lighthouse, reputedly the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. It has been guiding ships for 800 years.

Did you know? Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have planted the first potato in Ireland near his home at Youghal, Co. Cork, in 1588.

SPOTLIGHT ON Cobh HarbourA place with a special maritime relationship is Cobh, Co. Cork, and its heritage centre boasts an immersive exhibition entitled The Queenstown Story, which documents the remarkable history of this harbour town.It was from here that many people fleeing the Great Famine of the 1840s saw their last glimpse of Ireland. And it was from this, the country’s most southerly port, that the Titanic set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage to America in 1912. The Titanic Experience Cobh brings to life the story of this most celebrated of ocean liners.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Take a boat trip to visit Ballycotton Lighthouse, which

stands on top of the unspoilt island of the same name.

➤ Take a tour of historic Youghal, whose medieval walls lend the east Cork town its distinct character.

➤ Experience a traditional butter-making demonstration at the Cork Butter Museum, near the famous Shandon Bells.

➤ Get a sense of the country’s proud whiskey-distilling tradition at the Jameson Experience, Midleton, Co. Cork.

MARITIME GATEWAY

Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon, is the country’s ancient and fabled waterway. Legend has it that Síonnan, granddaughter of Lír, Celtic God of the Sea, visited the beautiful circular pool now known as the Shannon Pot in Co. Cavan, and angered the great Salmon of Wisdom living there. The pool overflowed, to become the source of this great river – and Síonnan drowned in the waters that took her name.

The river flows through the heart of the country, touching several counties in Ireland’s Ancient East, including Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. Several sites and attractions are located at its banks or in its hinterland.

One of the most impressive is Birr Castle in Offaly, home to the Earls of Rosse since 1677. Its manicured grounds boast one of the wonders of 19th century Ireland: a world-renowned telescope that helped advance knowledge of astronomy. Built in 1845, it was the world’s largest telescope for 70 years.

Just up the road in Tullamore, Lough Boora Discovery Park is an oasis for bird-watchers: there are countless species here. What was once a commercial bog is now a 2,000-hectare nature lover’s paradise boosting remarkable biodiversity. It’s also the site of one of the country’s Mesolithic sites - an ancient settlement, discovered almost 40 years ago, and dating back 15,000 years to the end of the Ice Age.

River Shannon, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly

Youghal, Co. Cork.

Hook Head, Co. Wexford.


7. 8.


Follow in the footsteps of monks, saints and scholars. Uncover the story of Saint Patrick and the spread of Christianity, visit evocative monastic settlements and learn about brutal Viking attacks – all in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Clonmacnoise in Co. Offaly dates from 544 when it was founded by Saint Ciarán, and it’s been a place of pilgrimage ever since. When Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1979, he stopped off at this monastic settlement. An ancient pilgrim route travels to here from Ballycumber in the eastern part of the county.

Its round tower is a reminder of the past, and there are several examples dotted throughout the region. One that’s perfectly intact is to be found in the pretty coastal village of Ardmore, Co. Waterford.

An early Christian hill fort of similar age is located in the heart of Co. Laois. The Rock of Dunamase is a ruin today, but its history is intriguing: it was once plundered by the Vikings and later gifted to Norman Lord Strongbow upon his marriage to Aoife, daughter of the King of Leinster.

Walk in the footsteps of the monks of Holycross Abbey, Co. Tipperary, home to relics purportedly from the actual cross Christ was crucified on.

Did you know? In the Laois village of Timahoe, you will find the St. Mochua’s Desk sculpture which features his favourite pets - a rooster, mouse and fly.

SPOTLIGHT ON GlendaloughFurther south, in the Garden of Ireland, lies Glendalough, and it was here, in this beautiful and peaceful place, that Saint Kevin founded his monastery. The round tower, cathedral and priests’ houses made the so-called Valley of the Two Lakes something of a magnet for Viking invaders, and the settlement came under sustained attack. Today, though, it’s possible to walk around this verdant site and feel that the modern world is a long way away.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Climb the Round Tower at

St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, to enjoy the best vantage point of the medieval city.

➤ Discover St. Declan’s Oratory at Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower, believed to be the burial place of its namesake. Inside the house of worship, there are two fascinating Ogham stones and Romanesque sculptures depicting scenes from the old and new testaments.

➤ Take a photo of the West Cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth - Ireland’s tallest remaining Celtic high cross.

➤ Visit the Quaker Museum at Ballitore, Co. Kildare - the country’s only planned and permanent Quaker village.

SACRED IRELAND

The story of 17 churches, 40 invasions, thousands of treasures and the final resting place of Ireland’s last high king.

Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.


Holycross Abbey, Co. Tipperary. Monasterboice, Co. Louth.

St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. Fore Abbey, Co. Westmeath

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Investigate the legacy of our Viking invaders. The Vikings left their mark all over Ireland’s Ancient East and nowhere more so than in Waterford. It’s the country’s oldest city, reputedly founded in 914, although some say its origins are even older and date to the settlement established by the Viking chieftain, Sitric, in 853.

Across the county border in Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel has it’s own connection with the Vikings: it was here that their sworn enemy, Brian Boru, was crowned King of Munster. It’s surely the most dramatically located historical site in the country. Legend has it that the rocky outcrop is, in fact, the bite that the Devil took from a mountain in the north of the county and deposited here. The mountain is known today as the Devil’s Bit. An 8th century gospel book known as the Book of Dimma was discovered in a cave on the mountainside in the 18th century.

There are few remnants of the Vikings on the Cooley Peninsula today, but it was here that they sailed in their longboats into Carlingford Lough. All that remains of them now is the name of the charming medieval town, Carlingford, which replaced its previous name The Bay of the Hag.

Did you know? The Vikings gave us several placenames, not least Waterford, which was derived from the Norse ‘Vadrefjord’ (‘Fjord of the Waters’).

SPOTLIGHT ON Waterford Viking TriangleThe evocatively titled Waterford Viking Triangle is the beating heart of our oldest city, and it’s here that you will find a trio of museums collectively known as Waterford Treasures. Reginald’s Tower, home to the treasures of Viking Waterford, offers the perfect introduction to these Scandinavian invaders, and there are several artefacts from the period on display, including a fearsome warrior’s sword. This 13th century building remains the oldest urban civic structure in Ireland. The Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace - which focus on Waterford’s glorious Georgian past - are well worth a visit, too.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Step back in time and sail from

Athlone to Clonmacnoise in a 21-metre-long replica of a Viking boat.

➤ Experience the theatrical Epic Tour in Waterford which takes you on a journey of discovery to the city’s Viking origins.

➤ Take a trip on the Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage Railway, through the heart of Viking country.

➤ Discover the prehistoric and early Christian treasures of the Glen of Aherlow in south Tipperary.

➤ Go for a scenic drive on the spectacular Cooley Peninsula - once raided by the Vikings.

VIKINGS

Soak up the heritage of a horse-loving nation.

Did you know? The 5,000-acre Curragh is one of Europe’s oldest grasslands. It’s said that 3rd century kings and chieftains raced their chariots here.

SPOTLIGHT ON Irish National StudThe Irish National Stud is a thoroughbred breeding centre in Tully, Co. Kildare, that has produced some of the world’s greatest racehorses. The Horse Museum there boasts several fascinating exhibits, including the skeleton of Arkle - the horse that won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1964 and 1966.Its extensive grounds also include the Japanese Gardens. Laid out by Japanese master horticulturist, Tassa Eida, and his son, Minoru, between 1906 and 1910, their aim was to symbolise the life of man through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Enjoy a horseback trek in the beautiful countryside at one

of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments’ approved equestrian centres.

➤ Learn about the important role that horses played in pulling the barges along the Grand Canal.

➤ Have a day out at one of the 15 racecourses in Ireland’s Ancient East, with race meetings throughout the year.

➤ Visit Berney Bros Saddlery in Kilcullen. Founded in 1880, this place showcases unique craftsmanship, expertise and a wealth of equestrian knowledge.

THE SPORT OF KINGS

It is said we Irish are a nation of sports lovers and here horse-racing, show-jumping and other equestrian pursuits enjoy an elevated status.

That special relationship with the horse can be seen at every meet at the Curragh in Co. Kildare or Gowran Park, Co. Kilkenny, two of the country’s most popular racecourses that have thrilled fans for more than 100 years.

Gowran Park opened for business in 1914, while the Curragh was officially declared a horse-racing training facility by Act of Parliament in 1868 - although there has been racing on the expanse of flat-land there since at least 1727.

Then there’s horse-racing on the beach, an intrinsically Irish pursuit, with a race meeting on Laytown Strand, Co. Meath every year. They come from near and far to see the thrill of racing on the sand at the edge of the Irish Sea waves. It’s one of the few beach races to be held under strict EU racing rules - not that such officialdom mattered in 1868 when the sound of thundering hooves was first heard on the strand.

Curragh, Co. Kildare.

Laytown, Co. Meath.

Waterford City, Co. Waterford.


11. 12.


Immrama, The Lismore Festival of Travel Writing

16 - 19 June

Lismore, Co. Waterford

The only festival of its kind in the world, focusing on travel writing and literature, with a different theme each year.

Cork Midsummer Festival

17 - 19, 21 & 24 - 26

June

Various venues in Cork

A summer explosion of exciting arts events in venues and unusual locations across the city and county.

Hay Festival Kells 23 - 26 June

Kells, Co. Meath

This offshoot of the Hay Festival is a celebration of literature, art, ideas, music, drama, history, debate, food and laughter.

Groove Festival 2 - 3 July

Killruddery House,

Co. Wicklow

Held in the amazing Killruddery House with a line-up that blends genres from ska to rock and everything in between.

Clonmel Junction Festival

4 - 10 July

Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

A family celebration of theatre, music, performance arts, street performers and visual arts in venues of all shapes and sizes.

The Irish Maritime Festival

9 - 10 July

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Be a part of the action at Drogheda Port this summer and enjoy Viking longboats, a pirate parade, yacht races and lots more maritime fun.

Carlow Garden Festival

23 July - 1 August

Various gardens throughout

County Carlow

13 celebrated gardeners over 10 days in 14 different venues, with the best British and Irish garden broadcasters and writers.

Waterford Spraoi International

Street Arts Festival29 - 31

July Waterford CityA vibrant programme of street arts and spectacles from around the world, transforming Waterford into a giant stage.

Carlingford Oyster Festival

4 - 8 August

Carlingford, Co. Louth

This famous festival promises 5 fun-filled days of delicious gastronomy and oyster pearl antics.

Kilkenny Arts Festival

5 - 14 August Kilkenny City

For 10 days, Kilkenny comes alive with theatre and dance, classical music, street entertainment, literature and visual art and craft.

Irish Game and Country Fair

27 - 28 August

Birr Castle, Co. Offaly

A countryside fair with clay pigeon shooting, archery, carriage driving, fly casting, dog shows, and gundog competitions.

Harvest Time Blues Festivals

2 - 4 September

Various venues in Monaghan

Town

Celebrate the music that gave birth to Rock ‘n’ Roll with 6 US blues acts, 5 acoustic artists and 10 blues bands.

Athlone River & Food

Festival8 - 10

SeptemberFry Place, Athlone

Showcasing the best local restaurants and food producers throughout The Midlands, with a variety of river activities.

Waterford Harvest Festival

9 - 11 September Waterford City

The streets come alive with sights, smells and sounds of all things food and food-related with this fab foodie festival.

Imagine Arts Festival

20 - 30 October Waterford City A multidisciplinary celebration of the creative

arts for people of all ages and interests.

Wexford Fringe 2016 21 Oct - 6 Nov Wexford Town

and County

17 days of fantastic Fringe events, which includes the famous Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford Spiegeltent Festival.

65th Wexford Festival Opera 26 Oct - 6 Nov

National Opera House, Wexford Town

One of the world’s top three opera festivals presents rarely performed and neglected operas to a world-class standard.

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival

28 - 31 October Cork City

The best Irish and international musicians in an eclectic programme of jazz in over 70 venues around Cork.

Kilkenomics 10 - 13 November Kilkenny

The world’s best thinkers and writers on economics and finance, hosted by Ireland’s sharpest comedians.

Cork Film Festival

11 - 20 November

Cork City and County

Ireland’s oldest film festival - and one of Cork’s flagship cultural happenings - lights up and delights the Rebel City.

what’s onfestivals

13. 14.

The story of Rubens and robberies in one of Ireland’s great houses.

Russborough House, Co. Wicklow.




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Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast...See inside for stories, things to do, festivals and all the information you need to plan your trip to Ireland’s Ancient East. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com