Visit Ireland's Ancient East this summer

Stretching from Carlingford, Co Louth, to Cork city and to Carnsore, Co Wexford, it represents a diverse region of Ireland, boasting plenty to attract visitors. Indeed, with a moniker evoking images of Ireland’s diverse history, it’s set to rival the Wild Atlantic Way in terms of appeal. Here are a few of its top attractions.

Loughcrew Adventure Centre, Co Meath

Fancy braving the longest zipline in Ireland? It’s just one of the attractions at this fun-filled adventure centre near Oldcastle, where visitors of all ages can enjoy tree climbing, archery and a test of skill and endurance called witches’ ropes. The Royal County was the ancient seat of the High Kings and the Hill of Tara is the evocative place most closely associated with them.

Carlingford Adventure Centre, Co Louth

Whether it’s zorbing, rock-climbing or abseiling, there’s something to appeal to all the family. Nautical activities are highly popular in this part of Ireland’s ancient east and one of the most exhilarating things to do is a high-speed boat trip with Louth Adventures.

Irish National Heritage Park, Co Wexford

Five thousand years of Irish history is captured at this hugely popular park at Ferrycarrig. With 16 separate sites dotted through 35 acres of woodland, wetland, estuary and high ground, you get to visit the houses, farms, places of worship and burial grounds associated with our ancestors. There’s also the unique opportunity to have a sleepover in a replica of a 1,500-year-old ring fort.

Wicklow Gaol

The once infamous prison operated between 1702 and 1922 and played a role in several significant events in our history. Some participants in the 1798 Rebellion were interred here, while, during the Civil War, it housed Erskine Childers prior to his execution. The place is said to be haunted and is popular with paranormal enthusiasts.

Cavan Burren Park

Here you will discover one of the country’s most striking landscapes, where neolithic tombs, hut sites and ancient rock art coexist alongside 19th century ruins and 350 million-year-old fossils from a tropical sea.

Birr Castle, Co Offaly

For most of the 19th century, the world’s largest telescope, the Leviathan, was located in the grounds of this castle, which was been owned by the same family for more than 400 years. Now restored to its former glory, it offers a reminder that Ireland has a great legacy for science innovation. While the telescope will appeal to amateur astronomers everywhere, children have plenty to do at Birr Castle, too, including the country’s largest treehouse plus an abundance of sand pits.

Irish National Stud, Kildare

The Irish National stud is one of the world’s leading thoroughbred breeding centres. Take a tour to see these magnificent animals up close, followed by a trip to the Japanese Gardens and Lullymore Heritage Park.

Hook Head Lighthouse, Co Wexford

Reputedly the oldest operating lighthouse in the world, this beacon on Hook Head has been guiding ships entering Waterford Harbour for almost 800 years. Another Co Wexford site redolent of our history is the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience, permanently moored at the Quay, New Ross.

Kilkenny Way Hurling Experience

This hands-on experience offers a great introduction to hurling and demonstrates the finer points of blocking and free-taking. Visit Castlecomer Discovery Park down the road, where the attractions include a coal-mining museum, woodland trails, zipline and orientating classes.

Shandon Bells, Cork city

The Church of Ireland church is one of Leeside’s most fabled buildings and the city-wide view from the top of the tower is truly magnificent. A feast in the English Market or a trip to tour Ballycotton Lighthouse is a perfect way to round off the day.