Where wooded hills, quiet rivers, and ancient sites invite slow exploration.
Ireland’s Ancient East is a region shaped by human presence — a gentle, lyrical landscape where every step carries echoes of the past. Here, walking holidays aren’t just a way to enjoy nature; they’re journeys through thousands of years of stories, from prehistoric tombs to medieval monasteries and hidden holy wells.
Trails wind through forested hills, across farmland, and along waterways where monks, farmers, and rebels once walked. The land feels lived-in and layered — with stone walls, sacred ruins, and folklore never far from the footpath. Alongside these heritage routes, you’ll find outdoor adventures like canal-side cycling and wildlife spotting, adding variety to a trip defined by history and tranquillity.
Ireland’s first long-distance waymarked trail, opened in 1980, weaves through the “Garden of Ireland.” Stretching about 131 km from Marlay Park in Dublin to Clonegal in County Carlow, it passes glacial valleys, mossy forests, and heathered uplands, with highlights including Powerscourt Waterfall and the monastic site of Glendalough — a spiritual centre since the 6th century.
Ireland’s longest greenway follows a 225-year-old canal from Maynooth to Cloondara in County Longford. Flat and peaceful, it passes stone bridges, old lock houses, and tranquil farmland. Ideal for easy day walks, cycling, and spotting canal-side wildlife.
A landscape of legend and legacy. Walk between the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, and other Neolithic and early Christian sites — tracing short heritage routes through rolling fields, riversides, and sacred ground where Irish history runs deep.
Ireland’s Ancient East offers walking that feels timeless — not wild, but woven. Step by step, it reveals a quieter kind of beauty: one shaped by memory, presence, and the enduring path of history underfoot.
You can follow historic walking trails, explore ancient monasteries and castles, cycle along peaceful greenways, kayak on rivers and canals, and visit charming market towns.
Top choices include the Wicklow Way through the “Garden of Ireland,” the Royal Canal Greenway with its flat, scenic towpaths, and the Boyne Valley Trails linking sacred and historic sites.
Adventures range from long-distance hikes and heritage walks to cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting along rivers and coasts.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, beautiful colours, and quieter trails. Summer is warm and lively, while winter provides peaceful walking with proper preparation.
Yes. Many tour operators offer self-guided walking holidays with maps, accommodation, and luggage transfers, so you can explore at your own pace.
