A bend in the River Boyne sets the scene for one of Leinster’s most striking discoveries: the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. The prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth were built around 3200 BC. Even a glimpse of their long history raises a question that recurs throughout this region: How have people shaped their places and developed them over centuries?
From passage tombs to monastic sites
The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Check the current visitor arrangements before travelling. In County Wicklow, another historic route leads to Glendalough: a monastery was founded there in the sixth century by one of Ireland’s most revered saints, in a glaciated valley. The Monastic City includes a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and ornate crosses. The lakes add another dimension to the site: both lakes can be viewed from Glendalough.
In Dublin, Kilmainham Gaol tells a different story of how a place was used. The former prison is now an important museum; the prison tour includes an audiovisual presentation. Those interested in how history is presented will find another perspective at Kilkenny Castle: the Medieval Room traces its transformation over the centuries from a Norman fortress to a grand residence owned by the influential Butler family.
Houses, gardens and designed places
Castletown is located in Celbridge, County Kildare, among 18th-century parklands on the banks of the River Liffey. To get there, take the C4 bus from Dublin city centre to the village of Celbridge; Castletown’s gates are directly opposite stop 3907. As bus services can change, it is worth checking the current timetable before travelling.
The history of Woodstock House is also closely tied to a garden setting: the house at Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in the village of Inistioge, in the south of County Kilkenny, was built in 1745 and destroyed by fire in 1922. At the Irish National Stud, the Irish Racehorse Experience immersively explores the life cycle of the Irish thoroughbred. The Japanese Gardens there were laid out between 1906 and 1910. Details of the Irish Racehorse Experience may change; check them before your visit.
The grounds of Kilkenny Castle offer another way to spend time outdoors. The park covers more than 50 acres and includes the Park Run, opportunities for walking or jogging, and four orienteering courses. As scheduled activities can change, check their current dates if you are interested. The landscaped grounds can be enjoyed both as a place to get active and for their historic spaces.
Landscapes and trails in County Wicklow
At 121 metres, Powerscourt Waterfall is Ireland’s highest waterfall. There is space for family picnics at the waterfall, as well as a playground for younger children. Separate from the waterfall are the 47 acres of gardens at Powerscourt House and Gardens in the Wicklow Mountains. Together, these places reveal different facets of the area: the waterfall as a striking natural feature and the gardens as a designed landscape.
In Avondale Forest Park, Beyond the Trees Avondale offers a 1.4-kilometre treetop walk. In County Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens offer a different perspective on nature, with more than 15,000 plant species from habitats around the world.
Visitor experiences and rail connections
At Hook Lighthouse in County Wexford, guided tours tell the story of its medieval history and the lives of its keepers. The visitor centre has a gift shop, a café and a bakery. Tour times and visitor services may change; check the latest information before your visit.
Kildare has direct rail connections from Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Westport and Cork via Portlaoise. As timetables can change, it is advisable to check the current services. Together with the bus service to Celbridge, this gives you practical guidance for getting there, while the historic sites, gardens and landscapes shape the character of each destination.
Discover more destinations: Dublin, County Wexford, County Laois, County Wicklow, County Offaly, South Dublin, County Meath, County Kilkenny, County Carlow, County Kildare, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, County Fingal, County Westmeath, County Longford, County Louth.
For the overview of the wider destination: Ireland.
