Discover Leinster

Leinster brings together impressive traces of early history with monastic landscapes, gardens and experiences for active days. The Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne. There, the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth were built around 3200 BC. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Those interested in prehistoric monuments can make this the main focus of their stay.

Monasteries, lakes and landscapes

In County Wicklow, Glendalough lies in a glacial valley. The monastery was founded in the sixth century by one of Ireland’s most venerated saints. The Monastic City includes a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses. Glendalough also offers views of the two lakes at the site. A visit to the historic complex combines with a landscape experience quite different from the tombs on the Boyne.

Powerscourt offers a different mix: at 121 metres, its waterfall is Ireland’s highest. Families will find space for picnics and a playground for younger children. Powerscourt House and Gardens comprises 47 acres of gardens in the Wicklow Mountains. Travellers who want to give nature and garden visits different priorities in their plans will find distinct reasons to consider these places.

Beyond the Trees Avondale in Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow offers another way to spend time outdoors: the treetop walkway is 1.4 kilometres long. In County Dublin, the National Botanic Gardens are home to more than 15,000 plant species from habitats around the world. These are different destinations for travellers who want to spend their days walking or making botanical discoveries; the duration and level of difficulty of a visit are not automatically determined by this.

Explore history and culture

In Celbridge, County Kildare, Castletown stands on the banks of the Liffey, amid 18th-century parkland. The journey can be planned precisely: the C4 bus runs from Dublin city centre to the village of Celbridge; at stop 3907, the gates of Castletown are directly opposite. This provides a clearly identified starting point for anyone wanting to include public transport in their plans for a visit.

In Kilkenny, the Medieval Room at Kilkenny Castle tells how the castle developed over the centuries from a Norman fortress into a grand residence owned by the influential Butler family. Kilkenny Castle Park covers more than 50 acres. It offers Park Run, opportunities for walking or jogging, and four orienteering courses. This makes it possible to combine an interest in castle history with a range of activities in the park.

Other distinct cultural themes range from the Irish thoroughbred to the history of a lighthouse. The Irish Racehorse Experience is an immersive visitor experience about the life cycle of the Irish thoroughbred. The Japanese Gardens at the Irish National Stud were laid out between 1906 and 1910. Guided tours at Hook Lighthouse tell the story of its medieval history and the lives of lighthouse keepers. The visitor centre includes a gift shop, café and bakery.

Woodstock House is also part of the history of Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in the village of Inistioge in south County Kilkenny: the house was built in 1745 and destroyed by fire in 1922. With its plant species from habitats around the world, the National Botanic Gardens offer a different way to explore the region’s cultural and natural diversity.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When choosing a holiday rental in Leinster, it helps to first decide which trips you want to take: to prehistoric monuments, monastic history, gardens, a museum experience or outdoor activities. The destinations mentioned are in different counties. Rail connections from Dublin, Limerick, Waterford, Westport and Cork via Portlaoise are listed for Kildare. Together with the bus service to Celbridge, this provides practical guidance for travellers who want to include transport options in their plans.

Leinster subregions

For more guidance within Leinster: 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 and County Louth.

For the broader travel overview: Ireland.