What to do and see in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Ancient East: The Best Nature & Parks

October 17, 2021 Dorsey Hagwood

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland including The Wicklow Way, Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern, Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance, Waterford Greenway, Terra Nova Fairy Garden, Kilkenny Castle, Bantry House & Garden, Garinish Island, Bray Head, Barrow River.
Restaurants in Ireland’s Ancient East

1. The Wicklow Way

Wicklow Ireland +353 1 280 1899 http://www.wicklowway.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 215 reviews

The Wicklow Way

Reviewed By Familiaturner

This area of Ireland is not to be missed. Very different from anything else we saw. If you start in Roundwood and take highway R759 you will go through some amazing countryside. Stop near Lough Tay and find the trailhead. (There are a few parking areas). You can take a spectacular hike on a beautifully maintained trail (much of which is raised boardwalk) and see amazing views in every direction. Then, drive towards Sally Gap. It's hauntingly beautiful and unique. So worthwhile. You can continue on to Dublin from there. Country roads (narrow) but typical of those in Ireland.

2. Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern

Ghan Road Shalom Buidings, Carlingford A91 X820 Ireland +353 87 257 0539 [email protected] http://www.thelastleprechaunsofireland.com
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 193 reviews

Leprechaun and Fairy Underground Cavern

The tour includes 15 minutes of storytelling and an introduction to how the last leprechauns of Ireland became a protected species by the E.U..This is done in the story room across from the cavern at Shalom B.B.You may park there. This is followed by a visit below the ground where leprechauns and fairies converge in the morning as the sun rises. The visit is predominately indoors and definately great for a rainy day. It is not really suitable for children under 5 or who have not lost a tooth.If children are crying or disruptive, parents may be asked to leave with them till quiet, to allow other attendees to enjoy the whole experience. Adults should enjoy it at any age!

Reviewed By EleanorUiChathain - Dungarvan, Ireland

While the leprechaun cavern is closed due to COVID-19, it is still a lovely family stroll. There are nice monuments in the garden which provide lovely little photo opps with the kids. I’d say it’s a lovely spot when it’s fully functioning. I’ll definitely be heading back the next time I’m in Carlingford.

3. Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

Ringfinnan, Kinsale Ireland +353 86 864 7028 http://www.facebook.com/ringfinnan
Excellent
88%
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8%
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5.0 based on 122 reviews

Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance

This garden is located in the townland of Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork in the south of Ireland and is dedicated to the memory of the 343 firefighters who lost their live in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. This garden of Remembrance was established by Kathleen Murphy in November 2001. Kathleen grew up in Ringfinnan, Kinsale, County Cork which is located in the south of Ireland. Following her training as a nurse in England she moved to New York where she worked as a staff nurse for 40 years in Lennox Hill Hospital. Kathleen always admired the brave and courageous work of firefighters. Following the 9/11 attacks she decided to establish the garden of remembrance in memory to the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on September 11th 2001. Kathleen passed away in March 2011 in New York following a battle with cancer and is buried less than 2 miles from the garden.

Reviewed By bsa819 - Lynnfield, United States

Worth a stop and a chance to remember. We forget how the entire globe was afftected by the events in the US on 9/11

4. Waterford Greenway

46 klm of old disused railway line now a cycle and pedestrian route between Waterford and Dungarvan., Waterford Ireland +353 58 45273 [email protected] http://www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com
Excellent
83%
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 646 reviews

Waterford Greenway

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.

Reviewed By renaultwrc - Waterford, Ireland

Absolutely fabulous, walking or cycling it's a pleasure, coastal and inland old railway line converted to this stunning Greenway, try pint in old world pub along the way or coffee or tea and scones in Kilmacthomas old workhouse ,you will return many times guaranteed

5. Terra Nova Fairy Garden

Dromin, Kilmallock, Limerick V35 V389 Ireland +353 86 065 8807 [email protected] http://www.terranovagarden.com
Excellent
94%
Good
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5.0 based on 195 reviews

Terra Nova Fairy Garden

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

Reviewed By christinecR7062MV - Sixmilebridge, Ireland

What a wonderful way to spend a few hours!. Tucked away in the Co. Limerick countryside, this magical fairy garden is a little peace of Heaven! The gardens are immaculately kept and the fairy story propels you to another world ! The added bonus of complimentary refreshments at the end of your adventure is very a lovely way to finish your journey....very competitive priced and should definitely be on your staycation itinerary !

6. Kilkenny Castle

The Parade, Kilkenny R95 YRK1 Ireland +353 56 770 4100 [email protected] http://www.kilkennycastle.ie
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,363 reviews

Kilkenny Castle

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

Reviewed By M4474IDtomk

A must see in Kilkenny ....really great experience. Very friendly welcoming staff....who managed visiting during Covid really well. The castle itself is magnificent ...we were on a self guided tour and I would strongly recommend engaging with the staff in the rooms ...very knowledgeable and made our visit a truly memorable one.

7. Bantry House & Garden

Bantry Ireland +353 27 50047 [email protected] http://bantryhouse.com
Excellent
55%
Good
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Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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4.5 based on 697 reviews

Bantry House & Garden

Bantry House and Garden is a stately home in southwest Ireland situated right on Bantry Bay with panoramic views of the bay and the caha mountains. The estate is owned by Egerton and Brigitte Shelswell-White and is managed by their daughter Sophie and her partner Josh. It has been in the family since the 1700s. The house contains original furniture and objects d'art. The garden is laid out over 7 terraces with a fountain, large wisteria circle and 100 steps leading up to the woodland. The house, garden and tearoom is open to the public daily from easter to october. The estate hosts weddings, music festivals and fairs. We have a separate review page for our B&B accommodation.

Reviewed By OttawaTrekker

We spent a couple of hours touring the gardens and the public rooms inside the house. My partner and I are both decoration and history buffs, so we took our time discovering the lovely interiors and really enjoyed ourselves. Outside, the views from the main terrasse overlooking the bay are fantastic and climbing all the way to the top is worth the exercise. The gardens and the grounds are quite pretty and a lot of fun to explore. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable visit.

8. Garinish Island

Glengarriff Harbour, Glengarriff Ireland +353 27 63040 http://garinishisland.ie/
Excellent
70%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 792 reviews

Garinish Island

Garnish Island (Ilnacullin Garinish or Garnish) is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens which are laid out in beautiful walks and it has some stunning specimen plants which are rare in this climate.

Reviewed By Morr2013 - Limerick, Ireland

Going to Garnish Island is a must. It is stunning. The ferry over was equally as good we got the Harbour Queen ferry company, lovely people gave great information, we got to see dolphins and seals up close, which my daughter loved. Walking around garnish Island was so nice and relaxing, and stunning to see.

9. Bray Head

Bray Head, Bray Ireland +353 1 286 7128 http://www.bray.ie/bray-head-walk
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 507 reviews

Bray Head

Reviewed By BrookeMorales - London, United Kingdom

Park your car in the car park below, pay car park and walk thr Bray head. Approximately 1 hour, easy and lovely walk along the coast.

10. Barrow River

Ireland +353 87 252 9700 http://gowiththeflow.ie
Excellent
78%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

Barrow River

Scenic river flows through County Kildare, popular for boating and hiking.

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