Top Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East
10 Ancient Ruins in Ireland’s Ancient East That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including Three Castle Head, Kilwirra Church Ruins, Termonfeckin Castle, Kilcrea Friary, Athassel Abbey, Drombeg Stone Circle, Doneraile Court, Monasterboice Monastic Site, Four Knocks, Athassel Priory.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East
1. Three Castle Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Slainte1969 - Seattle, United States
Family roots took me to this location and the historic castle, and it was a highlight of my life. The path in was somewhat confusing to me - just know when you park in the area overlooking the ocean, you’ll follow the signs that lead you away from the private property. The walk to the caste was grand, not too hard, but wet during rainy periods. The views of the ocean are spectacular and then when you crest the last hill before the castle, what an amazing site to see! It was breathtaking and I spent a lot of time here before continuing further along the path to the highest point where you can see all the coastal area in that part of Ireland. Walking further (with the extreme wind!), you see amazing views, lush grasses, because fauna and lots of rocks. It’s an amazing hike/walk and I will never forget this experience. Could not more highly recommend it!
2. Kilwirra Church Ruins
3. Termonfeckin Castle
4. Kilcrea Friary
5. Athassel Abbey
6. Drombeg Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By Chrisyberg - Canton, United States
We finally found this lovely stone circle. Someone spent much time making the walkway to it covered with Fusia. Very interesting and there is almost no one here. You almost have the place to yourself. Very interesting to explore
7. Doneraile Court
8. Monasterboice Monastic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By Maxwkaren
There are many examples here of Celtic art on the gravestones and crosses here, including the Muiredach's High Cross and several smaller crosses. The docent at the main entry point was amazing!! full of history, stories and just in general a lovely man that we stayed to talk to for about a half hour about more than just the site. Such an unexpected delight.
9. Four Knocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 319jayh - Perth, Australia
We had planned to go to the large, well known, megalithic burial tombs at Bru Na Boinne. But, as well, my partner found out about Four Knocks on the web, so we thought we'd check it out. Glad we did. This is not easy to find on the winding back roads of Ireland, but persist. Then, when you get there you get instructions to a local farmers house to pay a 20 Euro deposit to get a key to go inside. Stick with it and do it. This is a little baby compared to Newgrange and Knowth, but it is almost a 1,000 years older. The carvings are all there to be touched. You can climb around and on a structure that is older than the Pyramids. This is a quirky and fun piece of history that you can't help but be moved by. Strongly recommended.
10. Athassel Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
This is the largest medieval priory in Ireland.
Reviewed By Chucky-ArLa
In a field just outside Golden, was originally a small town back in the 1300's. Open to the public al year round with free entry. Mind the cows on the way in and out. Stunning architectural features to be seen inside and out. definitely worth a visit.
