Top 10 Things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East

Open May-Oct incl : No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, which is hidden in South Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over ,7500 items includes horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment, laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930’s old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones , shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormacks photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more. its an ideal destina­tion for school tours, ICA Guilds, Ladies Clubs, Farming Groups, Vintage Clubs, Historical So­cieties, families,

Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay.

The Garden is Now Closed for the 2020 Season. Terra Nova Garden is a dynamic space full of the unexpected. Home to an exotic Thai House with tropical plantings, a magical woodland where pixies, fairies and other elementals live in shady places, sensational seasonal plantings throughout the garden, a Hobbit Tea House based on Bilbo’s Bag End and Ireland’s Largest Fairy Gift Shop. Become part of the adventure that has been enthralling visitors for over 20 years. Terra Nova - Past Winner of Best Garden in Ireland. Open daily 11am - 5pm (last entry at 4pm) until August 30th. Booking essential. 10am - 4pm to book your visit

Located on the 13th century site of St Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland. There are a number of Guided tours throughout the day, or visitors can purchase an all-day self-guided tour pass. Audio Guides are available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish). Child friendly versions are also available in each language. June 2018 saw the launch of the LEGO® mini figure Hunt, which sees 10 characters from Kilkenny's history hidden around the museum in the form of LEGO® mini figures! Kids are now introduced to the city's history through LEGO®.School tours, language schools and third level, please see our website for costings and booking information.Last entry 6.00

Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle

This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours.

Lough Gur Heritage Centre is a community run tourist attraction telling the story of 6,000 years of habitation in the Lough Gur area. From Neolithic house sites to medieval castles Lough Gur has monuments from every era and the heritage centre ensures that visitors get the history/folklore and archaeology of the area from trained guides.The Centre also houses a retail space where take away tea/coffee, minerals, ice-cream and chocolate are available for purchase as are books and merchandise of the area.Summer opening hours are 10 to 5pm Monday to Friday and 12 to 6pm Saturday and Sunday from March to October and every Sunday during winter hours.The centre is staffed by volunteers and all monies raised goes back into community initiatives at Lough Gur.

Discover Ireland's Captains & Convicts, Rebels and Rioters & Sinners and Saints at Spike Island Cork, voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction of 2017! The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years of Irish history. From an island monastery & fortress to the world's largest prison in the 1850's and centuries of island homes. Your journey starts with a ferry ride before Ireland's best storytellers take you on a guided tour of the outer island and fortress. You can then self explore our prison cells, fortress, beautiful island walks and also use our on-site cafe. Attractions include the 1850's punishment block with its dark cells, the 1980's prison cells and riot exhibition, Ireland's largest artillery gun park and several penal, military and social history museums. With activities for children and families and guided and self-guided tours, Spike Island has something for everyone. Groups welcome, audioguides in French, German and English available.

We have received many enquiries regarding reopening and regret to have to advise that we will not be reopening in 2020 and for as long as the C-19 social safe distancing requirements continue. As you are aware our facility is relatively expansive however it is impossible to implement the current social distancing recommendations in the intimacy of our playgrounds, petting/hot house, camp site and coffee shop. We wish you all safe passage through COVID-19 and hope to welcome you back at some point in 2021. Best Wishes Keep Safe Gráinne & Brendan