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South East
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The ‘Sunny South East’
is renowned for its climate and its heritage attractions -
Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel, both amongst Ireland’s
most visited sites. Craft and culture enthusiasts flock to
the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre; golfers to the incredible
courses, and ramblers to the great gardens and forests.
A trip through
the sunny South East of Ireland is the perfect way to get
a real insight into the island of Saints and Scholars.
It’s
an area peppered with historical and archeological treasures,
such as ancient dolmens, magnificent medieval complexes and
imposing abbeys.
The scenery
is spectacular and, far more than just a backdrop to the region’s
many attractions, is worth taking a look at in itself! |
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Why
the South East?
| • |
CARLOW
A county of green, vibrant colors, whose welcoming people
are much given to outdoor and sporting activities, such
as gentle river cruising, golf or even hang gliding on
Mount Leinster. |
| • |
KILKENNY
Ireland's medieval capital and creative heart, County
Kilkenny is dotted with medieval ruins, solid stone walls,
charming villages and great food. |
| • |
SOUTH TIPPERARY
A scenic county, fashioned by the Galtee Mountains, adorned
by romantic and mysterious Slievenamon; a blend of hurling,
horses and hunting, history and heritage. |
| • |
WATERFORD
Famous the world over for its hand-crafted crystal, Co
Waterford offers the choice between a cosmopolitan modern
city, a cluster of charming seaside resorts and a mountainous
hinterland. |
| • |
WEXFORD
The Model County, Co Wexford offers cozy coastal villages,
sunny seashores with numerous and well presented beaches. |
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| Activities
View
Activities Map
Below is just a selection of activities
to be found in the South East region. For more information click
here
| 1. |
Carlow Autumn Walking
Festival, Co Carlow
This walking festival allows experienced walkers to enjoy the
invigorating challenge of County Carlow’s mountain treks
while novices will find peace and tranquility on quiet country
routes. |
| 2. |
Cycling & Walking
The South East’s landscape of valleys and hills is ideal
for walking and cycling. In particular, explore the Leinster
Way and the Wexford Coastal Path. |
| 3. |
Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival,
Co Tipperary
The annual two day Glen of Aherlow Walking Festival is the perfect
way to enjoy this secluded valley, which stretches through 16
miles of unspoiled countryside. |
| 4. |
Fishing
The South East is particularly good for catching salmon, brown
trout, bream, rudd, tench, dace and roach |
| 5. |
Nire Valley Annual Walking Festival,
Co Tipperary
You can take your time walking alongside the Nire river as it
tumbles down through this valley from its source high up in
the Comeragh mountains to the smooth flowing Suir river near
Newcastle. |
| 6. |
Sailing
Learn the ropes at the Co Waterford Harbour Sailing Club. There’s
a mixture of dinghy sailors, cruiser sailors, motorboat enthusiasts
and “social sailors” amongst its members. |
| 7. |
Water sports
Popular activities across the region include canoeing, surfing
sea kayaking and scuba diving |
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Culture View
Culture Map
Below is just a selection of cultural
attractions to be found in the South East region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Annual Kilmore Quay
Seafood Festival, Co Wexford
Annual seafood festival including food fair, barbecues and competitions,
as well as dramas, crafts and music. |
| 2. |
Bru Boru Heritage Centre, Co
Tipperary
Designed around a village green, this centre cultivates the
study and celebration of Irish music, song, dance, storytelling
and theatre. |
| 3. |
Butler Gallery, Co Kilkenny.
One of Ireland’s most dynamic contemporary galleries,
this attracts major international artists while nurturing local
talent side by side. |
| 4. |
Cashel Summer Festival, Co Tipperary
An annual event full of live music, free outdoor concerts, literary
events, competitions, art exhibitions and theatre. |
| 5. |
Dunmore East Green Dragon Festival,
Co Waterford
A fusion of Welsh and Irish music and art, the Festival aims
to promote some of the finest Irish and Welsh traditional music. |
| 6. |
JFK Dunbrody Festival, Co Wexford
An action-packed three days with free gigs, exhibitions, street
theatre and more. The centerpiece is the beautiful Dunbrody
ship anchored at the Quays. |
| 7. |
Kilkenny City
This charming 13th century city was the ancient capital of Ireland
and is bursting with historic buildings, shops, design galleries
and restaurants – there really is something for everyone. |
| 8. |
Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival,
Co Kilkenny
A highlight in Ireland's musical calendar, incorporating Americana,
country, blues, alternative, folk, rockabilly, cajun/zydeco
and western swing. |
| 9. |
Wexford Hooves and Grooves Festival,
Co Wexford
An annual celebration featuring live music, horse racing, a
rowing regatta, street theatre, open-air markets and more. |
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Golf View
Golf Map
Below is just a selection of Golf
coursesto be found in the South East region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ballymoney Golf
Course, Co Wexford |
| 2. |
Cahir Golf Club, Co Tipperary
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| 3. |
Callan Golf Club, Co Kilkenny
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| 4. |
Dungarvan Golf Club, Co Waterford
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| 5. |
Faithlegg Golf Club, Co Wexford
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| 6. |
Mount Juliet Golf Club, Co Kilkenny
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| 7. |
Mount Wolseley Golf Club, Co
Carlow |
| 8. |
St. Helen’s Bay Golf Club,
Co Wexford |
| 9. |
Waterford Castle Golf Club,
Co Waterford |
| 10. |
West Waterford Golf Club, Co
Waterford |
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History View
History Map
Below is just a selection of historical
attractions to be found in the South East region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Brownshill Dolmen,
Co Carlow
Its date of construction has been estimated at between 4,900
and 5,500 years ago. And at 100 tones, the capstone is the largest
in Europe. |
| 2. |
Dungarvan Castle, Co Waterford
Built by King John of England, the Castle was founded in 1185
on a strategic location at the mouth of the River Colligan. |
| 3. |
Huntington Castle and Gardens,
Co Carlow
Home of the Durdin-Robertson family, and continuously occupied
since the original tower house was built in 1625, the entire
building is filled with family memorabilia and features which
make for a fascinating visit. |
| 4. |
Jerpoint Abbey, Co Kilkenny
An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of
the 12th century – its chief delight is the sculptured
cloister arcade with unique carvings. |
| 5. |
Kilkenny Castle, Co Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed
the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century.
It remains in remarkable condition with many of its original
features. |
| 6. |
Reginald’s Tower, Co Waterford
A tower has stood on this site for over a thousand years, protecting
the Quays of Waterford. The present structure dates from the
12th century and now houses an exhibition. |
| 7. |
St. Canice’s Cathedral,
Co Kilkenny
The 13th century cathedral of St Canice is the second longest
cathedral in Ireland. The site on which the Cathedral Stands
has been a place of Christian worship since the 6th century. |
| 8. |
St. Mary’s Church, Co
Kilkenny
This collegiate church was built in the late 13th century on
the site of an earlier monastery. Once large and impressive
there are still examples of the high quality architectural sculpture
used throughout. |
| 9. |
Waterford Treasures Museum,
Co Waterford
Waterford Museum of Treasures at the Granary brings together
an extensive range of rare and beautiful artifacts that are
brought to life by the latest technological innovations. |
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Luxury View
Luxury Map
Below is just a selection of luxury
attractions to be found in the South East region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ashdown Park Hotel,
Co Wexford
Luxurious four-star hotel, located on its own private grounds,
just a three-minute stroll from Gorey Town. All 60 splendid
bedrooms are ‘modern classical’ in style. |
| 2. |
Churchtown House, Co Wexford
Churchtown House was associated with some of Wexford’s
most powerful families and is now an award-winning guesthouse. |
| 3. |
Dundrum House Hotel, Co Tipperary
Set in the heart of the Golden Vale, close to the Rock of Cashel,
this elegant Georgian manor affords a relaxing country retreat. |
| 4. |
Waterford Crystal, Co Waterford
Perhaps the most famous crystal company in the world, it was
founded in 1783. Take a tour of the production process and browse
through the tempting shop. |
| 5. |
Waterford Light Opera Festival,
Co Waterford
Originally conceived for the production of light opera, the
festival has expanded to include popular West End and Broadway
musicals and original shows. |
| 6. |
Wexford Opera Festival, Co Wexford
For three months every autumn, the intimacy of Wexford town,
the genuine welcome and the quality of the opera make this a
unique festival. |
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Scenery View
Scenery Map
Below is just a selection of scenic
attractions to be found in the South East region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Altamont Gardens,
Co Carlow
Known as the most romantic garden in Ireland, Altamont is an
enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a
100-acre estate. |
| 2. |
Cahir Castle, Co Tipperary
Designed to be a state of the art defensive castle, this is
an imposing 15th century structure. Located mid-river, on an
outcrop of rock, the skill of the builders is unmistakable. |
| 3. |
Dunbrody Historic Emigrant Ship,
New Ross, Co Wexford
The magnificent Dunbrody is a full-scale replica of a ship built
in 1845 for the Graves family of New Ross and which carried
thousands of emigrants from Ireland to North America. |
| 4. |
Hook Head Peninsula, Co Wexford
Located at the most southerly point of Co Wexford, the Hook
Peninsula is steeped in Norman history. The lighthouse is one
of the oldest still operating in the world and with its stunning
views, the area is perfect for a romantic picnic. |
| 5. |
Rock of Cashel, Co Tipperary
A spectacular medieval complex that contains a castle, a cathedral,
a round tower and the remains of two churches, dating back to
1014AD. |
| 6. |
South East Coastal Drive, Co
Waterford and Co Wexford An spectacular drive which will bring
you through a rich vein of heritage sites, sleepy villages and
breathtaking scenery. |
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