How to Spend One Week In Ireland's Ancient East

Counties Explored:Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow

For our itinerary we started just outside of Dublin and then ended right outside of Dublin. This had mostly to do with where we chose to stay and because it made a great path to make our way up to Northern Ireland, knowing we’d come back down the other way to hit up everything to the West.

Day 1: Check into Barberstown Castle

Ireland certainly has no shortage of ancient castles! Originally I had a goal to stay in just one castle, but then I learned they were all so different and served a different castle desire you never knew you had! Barberstown Castle ended up being the great first stop for us!

One part of the hotel is a castle which is actually where they host their castle dinner, a different experience you have to plan ahead. A big factor for me was their ornate four poster beds in elegant printed fabric that felt so royal. Castle stays are an itinerary of their own, and you usually want to carve out a decent amount of time to experience them. We were careful not to overbook ourselves when staying at a castle so we can full enjoy its amenities.

At Barberstown Castle you can enjoy their afternoon tea, dining in stunning red Barton Room, grabbing a drink at the Garden Bar, and strolling the beautiful gardens!

Stay tuned for our full Barberstown Castle Review

Day 2: Wicklow – Powerscourt, Glendalough, Beyond the Trees, Huntington Castle

We started our journey in County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. With so many mountains and lakes (loughs), you could easily spend multiple days in this area. In fact, if you have multiple days and love hiking, that’s exactly what I would do.

Have more time? There are a lot of incredible hikes in and around this area including the Wicklow Way, Ireland’s oldest long-distance walking route. Popular hiking spots include the hike to Lough Tay ( a heart shaped lake), the Ballinastoe Woods, and Miners Way.

Powerscourt

We started off at Powerscourt Estate and were in for a surprise. I thought we were out of luck coming in the cold of November, but were met with gorgeous Fall trees arching around. But the biggest surprise were the horses just hanging out on the way in looking so majestic with the mountains behind them.

The estate itself consists of many scenic areas featuring multiple gardens (including the Japanese gardens), and Pepperpot tower. They also have a garden center, lots of retail, and a coffee shop and restaurant onsite if you’re looking for food!

You can also hop on over next door to Powerscourt distillery where you can sample local made whiskey and learn about the spirit making process.

What’s so cool is that then, you can head over and see the source of that whiskey – water from Powerscourt Falls! Powerscourt Falls is the highest waterfall in Ireland and so we made sure it was on our list. It’s only a couple minutes walk from the entrance ( a different one from powerscourt estate) so it’s fairly easy to get to!

Glendalough

This monastic site, nestled in a glacial valley, showcases the ancient remains of a 6th century monastery, including intricately carved stone crosses and a round tower. It’s kind of eerie walking through the ruins, one path even wanders under two fallen gravestones that form their own arch. But the cathedral tucked in between the mountains and the lake is something unreal!

Have more time? Check out the Walking Trails of Glendalough (multiple routes, to see the different lakes and get unique viewpoints of the monastic site).

Overall the Powerscourt and Glendalough area are one of the most filmed destinations, recognizable in many of our favorite movies and shows. If you’ve seen P.S. I Love You, Braveheart, Vikings, Leap Year, The Tudors, Irish Wish, Ella Enchanted, Etc., you’ll be able to find the exact spots where certain scenes were filmed!

Beyond The Trees

Beyond the Trees lets you see beyond the trees! With a raised hiking platform you get to experience a unique vantage point to view the rolling hills. For us the real excitement was making it to the end where you have a 10-story spiral pathway that you walk up and then get to slide down!

The elevated path is quite the hike of its own. The views from the top should be good enough, but for a small fee you can actually slide down the spiral slide. I like thrills, but I hate drops so I was nervous. However, the 70 year old couple assured me that it was not anything daring and that if they could do it, I could do it. It’s hard to describe, but I can tell you that this slide is pure bliss without the scare!

An important note is that sometimes the slide isn’t running (maybe depending on weather or wind) so make sure to call ahead or be prepared if it isn’t running.

Check into Huntington Castle & Gardens

As I had mentioned, there are a lot of incredible castles you can stay in, and all of them are different. I don’t know if there are any castle stays in Ireland quite like Huntington. The castle has been with the family for over 400 years and still remains with the family. The owner who grew up there is actually the one to welcome you in!

The family stays on one side of the castle and then there are three dwellings on the other side which are all unique in their own way. In addition, you have access to multiple rooms and stunning gardens including a walk under 500 year old yew trees!

The castle is so intimate with relics passed down for generations, art that tells tales of a family who still is there. It’s hard to explain, but it was one of the most “real” castle stay experiences. Maybe it’s because the castle wasn’t meant to be there for guests like others had been renovated into, but that it’s a castle that still breathes and lives what it is, and we just happen to have the honor to sleep in its beds and wander the halls exactly as they were meant to be.

If you can’t stay, they do still offer castle tours, a shop, and afternoon tea. No matter what, despite being off the path of some of the more touristy areas, it’s absolutely a place to visit and experience. I feel so fortunate that the family continues to allow us into such a historic space.

Stay tuned for out full Huntington Castle Review

Day 3: Enniscorthy, Wexford, and Waterford

It truly pains me to put all of these areas in one day and if you get the chance, I encourage to visit all of these over multiple days.

Enniscorthy Castle

On our way from Huntington Castle to Wexford we made sure to stop at Enniscorthy Castle. It was the perfect stop to break up our drive. The castle’s origins can be traced back to the 12th century and holds the history of Norman Knights to Irish Rebels. You can even see some rare medieval art!

The big kids that we are, we definitely enjoyed the opportunity to dress as Norman knights with the fun outfits they provide.

Wexford – Johnstown Castle

Johnstown Castle is a fairly new castle to the public. Only opened in 2019, it has an incredible rich history and consists of the castle, the gardens, and the agriculture museum so there’s plenty to see here. It also has a cafe and coffee shop on site if you’re short on time! It also has the longest servants tunnel that you can walk through.

There’s plenty to see in and around the castle. Plus, don’t forget to buy some feed for the peacocks in the front.

Wexford – Carrigfoyle Park and Quarry

If you have time for a hike, Carrigfoyle Park ends up making for a stunning walk to see the miniature island with the trees growing in the center. There are hikes to get a better vantage point, but if you only have a short amount of time, it’s only a short walk from the parking lot to the Carrigfoyle lake.

Wexford – Irish National Heritage Park

From the original inhabitants and the incredible structures they built to the current day, the heritage park takes you through the dwellings and important sites of those who lived in Ireland before. It’s amazing to see how much changes through the years of Irish history and how it influences our today.

The park offers guided tours and self tours and could easily take two hours to walk through just to start! It even includes an onsite falconry. There are several heritage parks around Ireland so if you don’t have enough time for this one, consider seeking out another one on your path. However, I think this is an absolute must see in Ireland that you can’t miss out on (whether it’s this specific park, or another one).

Add on extra day in County Wexford if you have time!

Stay tuned – Things to do in Wexford

Check into Waterford Castle for two nights

The next stay in our castle stay tour took us to Waterford Castle. Located on an island that you have to take a ferry to, this luxurious castle is romantic with large fireplaces, and cozy nooks to relax in. They offer afternoon tea, a multi course dinner, and an incredible bar.

While there you’ll want to take advantage of a morning walk through all the acres. They even offer golf and clay pigeon shooting. Of course, you can enjoy the castle without staying here if you would like to come for a meal or tea. However, we think the experience was worth staying overnight for.

Day 4: Waterford

Explore Waterford

There is so much to do in County Waterford to enjoy! Immerse yourself in the city’s Viking past by exploring the Waterford Viking Triangle including the Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum. Wander through the charming cobbled streets of medieval towns and visit the Waterford Crystal factory, where you can witness the intricate process of crafting beautiful crystalware. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the stunning Waterford Greenway is a must, offering breathtaking views as you cycle or walk along the old railway line.

The town itself is also full of so many murals. And I get that a lot of places have a lot of murals, but Waterford truly stood out to me as a place of so many murals! It’s definitely worth walking around and exploring.

Day 5: Kilkenny & Burtown Gardens

Explore Kilkenny

Kilkenny just seems to breathe medieval history while at the same time bringing in a modern picturesque small town vibe. On one street you have historic castles and towers and on the same street you have charming cafes and shops! Some must visit spots include

Kilkenny Castle: This is one of the most stunning Victorian era castles to tour full of gorgeous interior and tales
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower: There are only two round towers you can climb in Ireland and this is one of them
Kytelers Inn: Alice Kyteler was known for causing one of the first witch trials in Ireland. Today you can visit her inn and learn all about the history and trials

Stay tuned: Things to do in Kilkenny Ireland

Check into Burtown House and Gardens

Burtown House and Gardens is an enchanting destination that beautifully blends nature, art, and culture. It might not be a castle, but it’s steeped in history and a rich heritage dating back to the 17th century. The house itself is a treasure trove of architectural beauty, showcasing a stunning Georgian design with period features that transport visitors to a bygone era.

But it’s not just the house that draws visitors; the gardens are a true delight for nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Spanning over 10 acres, the meticulously manicured gardens offer a symphony of colors and scents throughout the seasons. From vibrant flower beds to serene woodland walks, every corner of Burtown Gardens is a picturesque oasis.

At the very least a meal at the award-winning Green Barn restaurant is a must-visit. Nestled within the gardens, this farm-to-table eatery offers a delectable menu featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The open kitchen allows you to truly take in how farm to table this place really is!

Stay tuned: Burtown House and Gardens Review

Day 6: Killashee Hotel

We like to end this part of our journey on a slow note so that we have time to recoup before heading on our next journey. Killashee Hotel ends up being a great place for this with gorgeous manor bedrooms with large soaking tubs, a spa pool you can enjoy, and several dining options!

Stay tuned: Killashee Hotel Review

Access the Ultimate Ireland Itinerary

Ready to dive deeper into the ultimate Irish adventure? Explore our Ultimate Ireland Itinerary: A 3-Week Trip to Castles & Films, complete with all the must-see spots, hidden gems, and insider tips!

Stay Connected Anywhere in Ireland

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What I love about GigSky is the flexibility. If I needed more data, I could top up anytime. It’s an easy, affordable way to stay connected while traveling.

How to Spend One Week In Ireland’s Ancient East: FAQs

Where is Ireland’s Ancient East?

Ireland’s Ancient East is a region located east of the River Shannon, encompassing a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It stretches from County Meath in the north to County Cork in the south, offering visitors a chance to explore lush landscapes and a variety of ancient sites.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, from exploring the Trim Castle and Blarney Castle to taking scenic drives through the Wicklow Mountains and along the Copper Coast. Each county offers its own unique attractions, whether it’s the visitor centre at Waterford City, the 6th century ruins in Kilkenny City, or the River Boyne with its burial chambers and early Christian settlements.

What is the Ancient East?

The Ancient East is a historical region that showcases years of history through its ancient churches, medieval castles, and prehistoric sites. It is renowned for its memorable food experiences and vibrant traditions, making it a perfect place for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts alike. Key attractions include the Rock of Cashel, the Hill of Tara, and the Boyne Valley, each telling the story of Ireland’s rich past, including its connections to Saint Patrick and early Christianity.

How to Spend One Week In Ireland’s Ancient East: Final Thoughts

This itinerary through Ireland’s Ancient East truly offers a journey of discovery through some of the most authentic Irish experiences. Each stop is filled with major attractions and hidden gems that represent the rich tapestry of Ireland’s history. From the stunning scenery of Carrigfoyle Park to the unique charm of Burtown Gardens, every location presents an opportunity to explore the historic heartlands of this beautiful country.

Whether you seek scenic views, prehistoric sites, or simply a perfect place to unwind, this trip encompasses it all. It’s a reminder that Ireland’s Ancient East is not just a destination but a part of Ireland that resonates deeply with anyone who visits. If you’re a history buff or simply looking for a better way to connect with the past, make sure to include these locations in your travel plans to experience Ireland’s Ancient East.

Here’s a map of my journey through Ireland’s Ancient East—highlighting the unforgettable stops along the way!

Last Updated 3 days ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 13, 2024