Ancient East

There are lots of ways to enjoy St Patrick’s Day, from parades, parties and pints of Guinness to pilgrimage walks and hearty traditional Irish food. Ireland’s biggest festival is on the horizon and across the island towns and cities are gearing up for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations (17 March). Fabulous festivals will take place in cities from Armagh in the north...

Ireland's vast network of rivers, lakes and canals are ecosystems of activity, but also rich in unique experiences, outdoor adventure and pure relaxation. ‘Come away with me O human child, to the waters and the wild’, wrote the great Irish poet WB Yeats over a century ago. The invitation still stands today in a land of crystal clear lakes, majestic...

  Save the date for the 15th Annual Waterford Festival of Food 19-21 April 2024 Waterford Festival of Food (formerly called West Waterford Festival of Food) will take place this year from Friday 19th April to Sunday 21st April 2024. So save the date as food lovers from across Ireland descend upon the scenic seaside town of Dungarvan and beyond. The 2024 Festival...

Simple, splendid, traditional, contemporary, quirky or quintessentially Irish, there’s a perfect self-catering home from home waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Self-catering is a great way to holiday, offering maximum freedom and flexibility. And on the island of Ireland, you can make your break truly memorable with a stay in a castle, cottage, beach house, historic tower or...

Great holidays and special events shouldn’t cost the earth... Rock Farm Slane: Eco-luxury, group escapes & green credentials on the Slane Castle Estate at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East Nestled on the iconic grounds of Slane Castle in Ireland’s Ancient East, Rock Farm Slane is fast becoming a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travellers, group experiences and bespoke events. This award-winning...

I enjoyed the bright morning hours of New Year’s Day for the first time in recent memory. The last strains of 2012 were eased away with a combination of cheese, chocolate and Spanish Grenache, as the hootenanny rang in the New Year and simultaneously called time on a hectic festive season that was both enjoyed and endured in equal measures. The...

Some are used for affairs of State, others are must-sees on Ireland’s tourist travel, and many more converted into the living quarters for eccentric artists or American actors. And while scores remain in ruin along the coastal shores north and south of the island, many more have been converted into luxury hotels and guesthouses allowing visitors to step back...

DROGHEDA TO HOST, LÚ FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, A SPECTACULAR URBAN ANIMATION SHOW FROM THE 28th OF OCTOBER TO THE 5th OF NOVEMBER Louth County Council, in partnership with business representative group Love Drogheda, recently announced the launch of Lú Festival of Light, a wonderfully creative urban animation showcase and family festival. This novel and free event will open to coincide...

Tourism Ireland named global sponsor of new documentary film Millions to view ‘Ireland’ in IMAX and giant-screen theatres across the United States An exciting new giant-screen documentary film called Ireland will go on release in select IMAX and giant-screen theatres across the United States in February 2022. Narrated by Liam Neeson, the film has been produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films and will be...

When you holiday in Ireland, it's good to know that the stunning views and gorgeous coastlines are not the only things you can enjoy for free. Discover amazing museums, spectacular landscapes and insightful visitor centres. There's no end to the exciting things to do in Dublin and fantastic places to go in Ireland Here's a list of 20 free things...