Discover Ireland’s Ancient East

You can so easily use Shannon Airport as a gateway to discover the rest of Ireland, already full of incredible sights, sounds, and experiences. And one of our hidden gems is Ireland’s Ancient East, a region brimming with culture, undiscovered mysteries and legend...and all just an hour from Shannon.

Going from east of the River Shannon, and spanning from Carlingford to Cavan, to Cork City, East County Cork and East county Limerick, you’ll experience castles, caves and stories over 5000 years old plus much more along the Ancient East route. It’s time to get on the road!
 

Heritage

Start your Ancient East journey by visiting the medieval Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary, just an hour from Shannon to head back in time over 1000 years old. From there, head towards neighbouring Kilkenny and the inner tunnels of Dunmore Cave, a 9th century Viking hot-spot home to thousands of valuable silver architects.

Following that, you can drive east for the haunting Glendalough monastic site, nestled between the Poulanass Waterfall and Derrybawn Mountain. Dating back to Ireland’s golden age, Glendalough offers a tranquil escape where you can almost feel the history in the atmosphere.
 

History

During your trip through Ireland’s Ancient East, you’ll experience over 5,000 years’ worth of history. From the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath to the beautiful gardens of Castle Leslie estate in Co Monaghan, you’ll soak in the mystical landscape and deep heritage of this special landscape.

You’ll create great memories with friends and family as you discover historic Cistercian monasteries, abbeys, cathedrals, and ancient tombs. Museums are plentiful across each county featuring some of the region’s most intricate artefacts, such as Waterford’s Medieval Museum where visitors can pass through the building into centuries-old vaults.
 

Food Drink & Adventure

Navigate your way through Kilkenny’s medieval mile and enjoy a spontaneous traditional Irish music session. Or sample local food and produce from the on-street market and even find the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home.

For a bit more action, take on some of Ireland’s best canoeing holiday trails along beautiful waterways, or get competitive on the course and book a round of golf on the famous Newbridge Golf Club green.

And if you prefer to take it easy on holiday, the region is home to some of Ireland’s most prestigious spa resorts, including the Millrace Hotel Spa, located in in the picturesque town of Bunclody in county Wexford.

Whatever you’re looking for, Ireland’s Ancient East will provide it, and all within easy access to and from Shannon Airport.

Simplify your break to Ireland by flying direct to Shannon Airport, make your trip to Ireland easier by landing in Shannon Airport. Fly from the UK via Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, London Heathrow, London Gatwick or London Stanstead Airports.

Travel direct to Shannon Airport from Alicante, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Krakow, Kaunas, Lanzarote, Malaga, Palma, Tenerife, Warsaw or Wroclaw.

Travelling from the States or Canada? Enjoy your Irish city break by flying to Shannon from Boston, New York JFK, Newark, Philadelphia, Providence Rhode Island, Stewart Int’l (New York) and Toronto.


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