Discover Leinster: Heritage and Nature

Leinster can be explored through a wide range of themes: prehistoric passage tombs along the Boyne, a monastic valley in Wicklow, historic sites in Kildare and Kilkenny, and gardens and nature experiences. The following examples are in County Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Wexford and Dublin. When planning your trip, the places that interest you most can be the starting point for finding a hotel in the region.

Early history and monastic architecture

The Brú na Bóinne World Heritage site lies in a bend of the River Boyne in County Meath. The prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth were built there around 3200 BC. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Plan these visits from the centre and check the latest arrangements before your trip.

Glendalough offers a different historical focus: the monastery was founded in the sixth century by one of Ireland’s most revered saints in a glaciated valley in County Wicklow. The Monastic City includes a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Glendalough also offers views of the area’s two lakes. The buildings, monastic history and landscape views are distinct aspects of a visit here.

Historic sites in Kildare and Kilkenny

Castletown is in Celbridge in County Kildare, amid 18th-century parkland on the banks of the Liffey. The C4 bus runs from Dublin city centre to the village of Celbridge; the gates of Castletown are directly opposite stop 3907. Check the latest timetable before travelling.

Kilkenny Castle Park covers more than 50 acres. The park offers the Park Run, opportunities for walking or jogging, and four orienteering courses. Check the latest information on scheduled activities before visiting. The Medieval Room explains how the castle developed over the centuries, from a Norman fortress to a stately residence owned by the influential Butler family.

Woodstock House in Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum offers a different historical perspective: the house in the village of Inistioge in south County Kilkenny was built in 1745 and destroyed by fire in 1922.

Gardens and nature experiences

At 121 metres, Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall. There is space for family picnics at the waterfall, as well as a playground for younger children. Powerscourt House and Gardens encompasses 47 acres of gardens in the Wicklow Mountains.

In Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow, Beyond the Trees Avondale features a 1.4-kilometre treetop walk. The National Botanic Gardens in County Dublin contain more than 15,000 plant species from habitats around the world. These examples set a walk through the treetops alongside the diversity of a plant collection as distinct nature experiences.

Visitor experiences and getting there

In County Kildare, the Irish Racehorse Experience offers an immersive visitor experience exploring the life cycle of the Irish thoroughbred horse. The Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud were created between 1906 and 1910. The two attractions have different focuses: the thoroughbred horse and the history of a garden.

At Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, guided tours tell the story of its medieval history and the lives of lighthouse keepers. The visitor centre includes a gift shop, a café and a bakery. Check the latest tour times and information about facilities before your visit.

Kildare is directly accessible by train from Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Westport and Cork via Portlaoise. Checking the latest timetable can help you plan your journey.

Discover more destinations: Dublin, County Wexford, County Laois, County Wicklow, County Offaly, South Dublin, County Meath, County Fingal, County Westmeath, County Longford, County Louth, County Kilkenny, County Kildare, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Carlow.

For the broader travel overview: Ireland.