Ireland’s Ancient East
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Trim Castle, Co. Meath
Discover adventure in Ireland’s Ancient East. With over 5,000 years of history Ireland’s Ancient East is jam-packed with stories, culture, attractions, and fun. From tales of Vikings and monks to round towers and castles, Ireland’s Ancient East is full of unmissable experiences
Top tips to explore Ireland’s Ancient East
Fly direct to Ireland from the UK to Waterford and plan your trip northwards along through Ireland’s Ancient East.
Stay at Travelodge hotels Waterford and Dublin (Dublin Airport South, Dublin Airport North, Dublin Phoenix Park, Dublin City Centre Rathmines, or Dublin City Centre St Stephen’s Green).
Return flight to the UK from Dublin Airport
For a longer visit, head towards Belfast and visit Newgrange and jump into Northern Ireland
Must see along this route:
Waterford Copper Coast (UNESCO Global Geopark)
Boyne Valley – Meath
Powerscourt House & Gardens – Wicklow
Dunbrody Famine Ship – Wexford
Newgrange – Meath
Copper Coast Road, Co. Waterford
Day 1 – Waterford to Dublin
Waterford City is Ireland’s oldest port city and boasts an excellent choice of visitor attractions including, the Copper Coast Geopark, Waterford’s Viking Triangle, and of course The House of Waterford Crystal, renowned the world over for the craftsmanship of its glass cutters.
Things to do in Waterford:
House of Waterford Crystal:
Waterford Crystal was founded by George and William Penrose in 1783, and is world-renowned for quality and beauty. Visitors are guided through the factory to see experienced craftsmen at work, creating new crystal pieces.
Viking Triangle:
Situated in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city; three museums within a few paces of each other tell the 1100 year old story of Waterford from its foundation in 914 by Viking sea pirates. The massive stone fortress Reginald’s Tower houses Waterford’s Viking Treasures. Ireland’s only Medieval Museum showcases spectacular Treasures from the Middle Ages. The elegant 1743 Bishop’s Palace is the home of the Treasures of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Travelodge Waterford
Travelodge Waterford is located on the main Cork to Waterford road, just 10 minutes from Waterford City Centre (O’Connell Street) and 15 minutes from Waterford Airport. Hotel facilities include complimentary Guest Car Parking, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. There is also a restaurant located next to the hotel.
Powerscourt House and Gardens, Co. Wicklow
Day 2 – Dublin
Dublin, voted the second friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast Traveler readers in 2015, and is home to a vibrant nightlife as well as a host of attractions from Phoenix Park to Kilmainham Gaol. Dublin’s Phoenix Park is the largest walled park in Europe and is home to several of Dublin most popular attractions including Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of the Irish President, Dublin Zoo and Farmleigh House. Dublin has fascinating walking and bus tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary inspirations – after all, it is the city that inspired James Joyce’s Ulysses and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Home to Ireland’s National Museums and Galleries and with many more historical, artistic and literary attractions in Dublin there’s plenty to see and do for the culturally inclined.
Things to do in Dublin
Kilmainham Gaol:
Kilmainham Gaol is a landmark of Irish pride and nationalism. As the detention point for leaders of almost every Irish rebellion of the last 200 years, this site is a must see for history lovers.
Guinness Storehouse:
Consistently ranked among the best tourist attractions in Europe, this is the one stop shop where you can learn everything that goes into making one of the most iconic drinks in the world. A guided tour around the facility will teach you everything you need to know about ‘the black stuff’. The tour culminates with a chance to pour your own glass in the Gravity Bar with stunning views overlooking Dublin
Dublin Zoo:
Located in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s most popular family attraction, and welcomed over one million visitors last year. As one of the world’s oldest, most popular zoos, the 28 hectare park is home to some 400 animals in safe environment where education and conservation combine for an exciting and unforgettable experience.
EPIC Ireland:
EPIC Ireland is a stunning interactive look at the history and legacy of the Irish Diaspora. From the 20 themed galleries learn about Irish Culture, find out why people left, see how they influenced the world and enjoy interactive displays on everything from Irish literature, emigration and sports. Located nearby is the Famine Memorial and Jeanie Johnston tall ship.
Travelodge Dublin Airport North, Swords
Travelodge Dublin Airport North is located just off the M1 Dublin to Belfast Motorway at Airside Retail Park, Swords. The hotel is 8 minutes (3.8 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 17 minutes from Dublin City Centre (3 Arena). Hotel Facilities include a Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Guest Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2016.
Travelodge Dublin Airport South
Travelodge Dublin Airport South is located just off the M50 Dublin Junction 4. The hotel is 10 minutes (6 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 15 minutes from Dublin City Centre (O’Connell St.). Hotel facilities include a Restaurant & Bar (Breakfast only), Complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2016.
Travelodge Dublin Phoenix Park
Travelodge Dublin Phoenix Park is located just off the M50 (Dublin Ring Road) Junction 6 on the Navan Road. The hotel is 17 minutes (12 km) from Dublin Airport terminals 1 & 2 and 10 minutes (6 km) from Dublin City Centre. Hotel facilities include a Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017.
Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Rathmines
Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Rathmines is located on the R114 Rd, Rathmines Road lower. The hotel is 10 minutes (2.5 km) from Dublin City Centre (St. Stephen’s Green). Hotel facilities include Guest Car Parking, Complimentary Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017. There is a restaurant located next to the hotel.
For more information please visit www.irelandsancienteast.com