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Welcome to out post “Places to Visit In Eastern Ireland”. We have deliberately not included any places in Northern Ireland as this is a separate country to Ireland and we have done a separate review for N.Ireland as it’s quite small and most attractions can be visited in a few days. Whereas Ireland is a lot more demanding if you want to visit different places.
Ireland is a fantastic place to visit for first timers and experienced travellers alike. The people are warm and friendly, with a great sense of humour.
As you can see Dublin is set on the East Coast of Ireland and is the capital of Ireland and the biggest City. Most of these Places to visit in East Ireland are within easy travelling distance of Dublin, so lots of people stay in Dublin (which I highly recommend)
There is so much to see it’s hard to make a blog post about it as I could be writing forever. Alas, I must choose my favourite places, so here goes!
1. Dublin City
Dublin is the biggest City in Ireland and the capital of the Rep Of Ireland. There is so much to do and see just in Dublin that I have done a separate post for this fantastic City. But I still have to put it on this list as you simply have to visit it. Here are just some of the attractions to see in Dublin City:
- Glasnevan Cemetary Museum
- Viking Splash Tours
- Aquazone at the National Aquatic Centre
- Science Gallery
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Phoenix Park
- Ashtown Castle
- Dublin Writers Museum
- National Museum of Ireland
- St Patrick’s Cathedral
- Drimnagh Castle
- National Print Museum
- 100’s more, see full list here visitdublin.com
2. Bru Na Buinne
Bra Na Boinne, also called the Bend of the Boyne or Boyne Valley, is situated 25 Miles to the North of Dublin. It’s one of the worlds finest prehistoric sites. The archaeological landscape of the Bra Na Boinne includes 3 passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange & Dowth, which were built 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic age or late stone age. Bra Na Boinne is interpreted as “place” or “Mansion”, and refers to the area within the bend of the River Boyne. There have been many finds of human settlement and your guides will lead you around all the main areas during a tour of the site. Arriving as early as possible is advised as the tours are timed. While your waiting for the tour you can see the exhibitions, visit the Cafe or visit the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre (which is a major Irish battle scene)
- Address: Donore, County Meath
- Phone Contact: 00 353 41 988 0300
- Web Address: heritageireland.ie
- Getting There: From nearby Drogheda-Bus 163,
- Getting There: From Dublin-25 miles north along the M1
- Opening Times: Varies though seasons, but generally 9.30 to 5.30
- Price: 11 Euros Adults, 8 Euros over 60’s, 6 Euros Children & Students 6-18 years old
- Payment Type: Cash & Credit Cards
- Reservations: Not Allowed
3. Malahide Castle & Gardens
This 850 castle is set on a 350 acre estate, 9 Miles North of Dublin. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, but the building was substantially enlarged by Edward 4th and the towers were added in 1765. From 1175 to 1975 the castle was owned by the Talbot family. Richard Talbot was gifted the lands & harbour at Malahide by the King for military services rendered. In 1975 the castle was sold to the Irish state, who bought back much of the original furniture that had been sold. So visitors can now see much of the original furnishings.
The castle is also reportedly haunted by 5 ghosts, and you can get this and other historical information from the interactive exhibition, then move on to the tour of the castle’s reception rooms, including the Oak room, the Small & Great Drawing rooms & the Great Hall which retains its architectural features from its renovation in 1825.
There is also an interactive exhibition in the beautiful gardens where you can gather all kinds of information about the landscapes, plants & flowers.
There’s also a visitors centre, a food hall, store, cafe & other exhibitions to fully fill out your day. It’s a great idea while you’re in the area to visit the seaside village of Malahide.
- Address: Malahide, Co Dublin, Ireland
- Phone Contact: +353 1 856 9538
- Web Address: https://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie/
- Getting There: From nearby Malahide centre-Bus 32 or 43
- Getting There: From Dublin-M1 till Junction 1 then N32 for 2.5 miles
- Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9.30 to 5.30, last guided tours at 3.30 & 4.30 pm
- Price: 12.50 Euros Adults, 6.5 Children
- Payment Type: Cash & Credit Cards
- Reservations: Please Check
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access
4. St Patrick’s Cathedral
This beautiful Cathedral was built in the 13th Century, in honour or Ireland’s patron St.Patrick. It’s a very important landmark in Dublin as it’s the main Cathedral of the church of Ireland. It’s sited next to a well where legend has it, St Patrick baptised converts to Christianity back in the 5th Century.
Construction of the current building started in 1220 though there were other buildings before then, probably smaller and made of wood. The tower is called Minot’s Tower, named after the former archbishop of Dublin. There are over 200 Monuments to see and a very impressive altar which makes St Patrick’s so breathtaking!
The saying “To chance your arm” was born in this very Cathedral. In 1442 two family’s were feuding and one group took refuge in the Cathedral. The head of the other family wanted peace, but the family refused, so he cut out a hole and put his hand through it to shake their hands. The Door of Reconciliation is still there today as a lesson for all of us.
- Address: St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Phone Contact: 00 353 (0)1 4539472
- Web Address: https://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie
- Getting There: From nearby Dublin City Centre, Buses 49, 54a, 56a, 77a & 151
- Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9.30 to 5.00 (check for services)
- Price: 7 Euros Adults, 6 Euros Children, Students & Senior Citizens
- Payment Type: Credit Card & Debit Cards online
- Reservations: Booking Online available
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access
- Times of Services:
Mon – Fri: Matins 9am – 9.30am (School term time)
Evensong 17.30 – 18.00
Eucharist 11.05 (Wed & Thurs)
Saturday: Eucharist 11.05
Sunday: Eucharist 8.30am, Matins 11.15am, Evensong 15.15pm
5. Powerscourt Waterfall & Gardens
Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest in Ireland at 397 feet. Situated 4 Miles from the main Powerscourt estate, it’s easy to visit along with the estate and gardens but for me, the Waterfall is the star attraction. In fact, you’ll probably need one day just to see everything at this wonderful parkland set in the foothills of the Wicklow Mountain.
As you drive from the gate lodge to the waterfall, you will be surrounded by Beech, Oak, Larch & Pine Trees planted over 200 years ago. There are wonderful Giant Redwood usually found in North California, where they grow to 240 feet and last for 4,000 years. The waterfall is an idea place for picnics & barbeques for the whole family. You will need to drive or take a taxi to the waterfall as there isn’t a walkway. Once there, there are facilities like toilets and ample car parking. And a kiosk for the ice creams and cold drinks in the summer (From June to August)
- Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. :A98 WOD0
- Phone Contact: + 353 (0) 1 204 6000
- Web Address: https://powerscourt.com/waterfall
- Getting There: From Dublin City and Wexford take Exit 8. After 2 km take the first left towards Enniskerry and follow the signs for Powerscourt Waterfall.
- Opening Times: Jan/Feb/Nov/Dec 10.30am – 4.00pm (last admission – 3.30pm)
• Mar/Apr/Sept/Oct 10.30am – 5.30pm (last admission – 5pm)
• May/Jun/July/Aug 9.30am – 7.00pm (last admission – 6pm)
• Closed two weeks before Christmas - Price: Adults €6, Student/OAP €5.50, Child (U12) €3.50, Children (U2) Free, Family Ticket €16.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children)
- Payment Type: Credit Card & Debit Cards online
- Reservations: Not necessary
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access
Powerscourt Gardens where recently voted the 3rd most beautiful gardens in the world by none other than National Geographic! The gardens cover 47 acres and offer visitors a blend of sweeping terraces, statues, lakes, formal gardens, secret hollows and rambling walks.
Powerscourt Gardens include, The Walled Gardens, The Italian Garden, The Japanese Gardens, The Dolphin Pond & Pet Cemetery, amongst other attractions & features.
- Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, A98 WOD0
- Phone Contact: + 353 (0) 1 204 6000
- Web Address: https://powerscourt.com/gardens
- Getting There: From Dublin City and Wexford take Exit 8. After 2 km take the first left towards Enniskerry and follow the signs for Powerscourt Estate
- Opening Times: Daily: 9.30am – 5.30pm (Last entry 5pm), Gardens close at dusk in Winter (Last entry during winter is 30 minutes before dusk)
• The Gardens are open year-round and only close December 25th & 26th - Price: Adult: €10.00, Student: €8.50, Senior: €8.50, Child (U13) €5.00, Child (U5) Free, Family Ticket €25.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children)
- Payment Type: Credit Card & Debit Cards online
- Reservations: Not necessary
- Parking: Plenty of parking spaces & disabled access
6. Glendalough, Wicklow Mountains National Park
The name “Glendalough” means the valley of the 2 lakes. which are Upper & Lower Lough Bray. It’s hard to believe once your there, but Glendalough is only 60 minutes & 30 Miles South of Dublin, such is the tranquil beauty of the valley. There are many trials available for walkers and most of them have fantastic viewing points. You will find nature, wildlife and fantastic waterfalls all within this beautiful National Park. While in the area, you should also visit the 2 Monastery City Ruins.
7. Monastic City at Glendalough
The Monastic City lies just behind the Information centre and Hotel at Glendalough. Founded by St Kevin in the 6th Century. This Medieval town consists of churches, defensive walls, cathedrals, graveyards and the distinctive round tower that rises above the settlement. The main attractions here are:
- The Gateway of Glendalough- The only medieval preserved gateway in Ireland
- The Round Tower- built between 900 & 1200
- The cathedral dates back to the 10th Century
- St Kevin’s Church-The only complete church in the town
- The Refeert Church- built in the 11th Century
- The Deer stone- an example of a bullaun Stone (meaning bowl), and once a pilgrimage stone for early Christians in Ireland
The details for Glendalough are as follows:
- Address: Glendalough, County Wicklow
- Phone Contact: 00 353 404 45352
- Web Address: www.heritageisland.ie
- Getting There: St Kevin’s bus to Glendalough
- Opening Times: visitor centre: mid Mar-mid Oct, daily, 9.30am-6pm; mid Oct-mid Mar, daily, 9.30am-5pm
- Price: visitor centre: €4; over 60s, €3; students and children under 18, €2
- Payment Type: Credit cards not accepted
- Reservations: Not Possible
- Parking: Plenty of Parking available at the visitor centre
8. Trim Castle
Now we all know that “Braveheart” was a Scottish film at heart. But Mel Gibson and his team wanted a realistic, genuine castle for their filming, so they chose Trim Castle. Because of this it can get very busy, especially in the summer months, but this shouldn’t put you off, as it’s the largest, best-preserved and most impressive Anglo-Norman Castle in Ireland. The keep rises 65 feet (20m) and the walls span 492 yards (450m). The only way to see inside the Castle is by one of the guided tours, but you can explore the towers, gates & walls at your own leisure.
King Henry ll granted Hugh De Lacy the kingdom of Meath in 1172, shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland so De Lacy decided to build the castle with the help of his son Walter
Situated besides the River Boyne, it’s only 30ish Miles north West from Dublin, it will take about an hour on the M3 & R154. While you are there it would be advisable to visit the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre and the Hill of Tara.
- Address: Trim, County Meath
- Phone Contact: 00 353 46 943 8619
- Web Address: www.heritageisland.ie
- Getting There: St Kevin’s bus to Glendalough
- Opening Times: Mid-Mar to Oct: daily, 10am-6pm; Nov to mid-Mar: Sat, Sun, 9am-5pm
- Price: €4; over 60s, €3; students and children under 18, €2
- Payment Type: Credit cards not accepted
- Reservations: Not Possible
- Parking: Plenty of Parking available at the visitor centre
9. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
The Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690 and was the largest battle ever to take place in Ireland. It still creates division today, with the Republican Irish seeing it as a sign of English Protestant oppression. The visitor centre handles the controversy well thought, with a series of quotes and exhibitions from both sides leaving the visitor to very much make up their own mind.
William lll of Orange was the protestant king and James ll the catholic king and both claiming the thrones for England, Scotland & Ireland. The battle was won by King William lll of Orange and shored up the Protestant movement for but not in a decisive fashion, although William did indeed cross the Boyne with his army on their way to Dublin.
The exhibition resides in Oldbridge House, a handsome 18th Century house set on rolling parklands. where you can go on battlefield walks or watch a cavalry trooper riding or a musketeer firing his musket. All great fun, especially for the kids.
- Address: Oldbridge, Drogheda, County Meath
- Phone Contact: 00 353 41 980 9950
- Web Address: battleoftheboyne.ie
- Getting There: bus to the visitor centre from Drogheda (163, with connections from Dublin)
- Opening Times: Mar, Apr: daily, 9.30am-4.30pm. May-Sep: daily, 10am-5pm. Oct-Feb: daily, 9am-4pm
- Price: €4; over 60s, €3; students and children under 18, €2
- Payment Type: Credit cards not accepted
- Reservations: Not Possible
- Parking: Plenty of Parking available at the visitor centre
10. Hill Of Tara
The Hill of Tara is embedded with mythology. Seated near to the River Boyne, it’s an archeological complex that runs between Navan & Dunshaughlin in the county of Meath. It contains a number of ancient monuments and according to tradition was the seat of the High King of Ireland. Dating back to 400 AD. The Stone of Destiny as in the picture is where the Kings were crowned, and legend has it that the stone would scream so that all Ireland could hear it, if the King successfully carried out a series of tasks and then touched the Stone.
There are many other important areas & monuments to explore, such as Banqueting Hall (Teach Miodhchuarta), a ring-fort known as Ráith Laoghaire (Laoghaire’s Fort) and a passage tomb known as “the mound of the hostages” ( Dumha na nGiall ).
The Audiovisual is not to be missed with aerial photographic displays of the whole site.
Included with your ticket is a free guided tour of the Hill.
- Address: Navan, County Meath
- Phone Contact: 00 353 46 902 5903
- Web Address: heritageireland.ie
- Getting There: bus to Tara Cross, 1mile away (multiple services)
- Opening Times: open access to site. Visitor centre: mid-May to mid-Sep, daily, 10am-6pm
- Price: visitor centre: €4; over 60s, €3; students and children under 18, €2
- Payment Type: Credit cards not accepted
- Reservations: Not Possible
- Parking: Plenty of Parking available at the visitor centre
Hoe you enjoyed the article. If you love Ireland as much as we do, you may be interested in our other post “Top 10 Places to visit in Western Ireland“
