Ireland's Ancient East
From the prehistoric tombs of the Boyne Valley to the Rock of Cashel, explore monasteries, historic towns, and emigration history along the southeast.
A themed short route with short daily drives, perfect for history enthusiasts. Starting from Newgrange, travel through Glendalough, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Cobh, before returning to Dublin via the Rock of Cashel. The total self-drive distance is about 850 km, with four hotel changes in four nights—a fast-paced but unhurried journey. The west coast is bypassed.
From November to February, Boyne Valley tickets are only released 7 days in advance, and attractions close earlier.
Day by day
Day 1 · Boyne Valley & Hill of Tara
Dublin（Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne)、Hill of Tara、Trim Castle）
Drive from Dublin to the Boyne Valley (approx. 1 hour), then to the Hill of Tara (approx. 20 minutes), and finally to Trim (approx. 30 minutes).
Tickets for Newgrange are limited and must be booked in advance on the official website.
Stay: Trim
Day 2 · Over the Mountains to Glendalough & Kilkenny
Dublin（Glendalough） → Kilkenny（Medieval Mile）
Drive from Trim through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough (approx. 2 hours), then continue to Kilkenny (approx. 1.5 hours).
The Glendalough car park fills up quickly in summer; arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Stay: Medieval Mile & Castle Quarter
Day 3 · Medieval Town to Viking City
Kilkenny（Kilkenny Castle、St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower、Kells Priory、Jerpoint Abbey） → Waterford（Reginald's Tower）
Drive from Kilkenny to Jerpoint Abbey (approx. 20 minutes), then continue to Waterford (approx. 45 minutes).
Stay: Viking Triangle & Quays
Day 4 · Along the Coast to Cobh & Cork
Waterford（House of Waterford Crystal、Ardmore） → Cork & Kinsale（Cobh、Cobh Heritage Centre – The Queenstown Story）
Drive from Waterford to Ardmore (approx. 1 hour), then to Cobh (approx. 1.25 hours), and finally to Cork (approx. 30 minutes).
Stay: Cork City Centre
Day 5 · Rock of Cashel to Dublin
Kilkenny（Cahir Castle、Rock of Cashel）
Drive from Cork to Cashel (approx. 1.25 hours), then to Cahir (approx. 20 minutes), and take the M8 back to Dublin (approx. 2 hours).
Tickets for Cormac's Chapel inside the Rock of Cashel are limited; inquire immediately upon arrival.