The Ancient East Day Card

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The Ancient East Day Card

IRELAND HERITAGES

Ireland’s Ancient East: 5,000 Years in 5 Days

Effortless, story-led, car-optional journeys through Ireland’s living heritage — from prehistoric tombs to medieval castles, artisan distilleries and living folklore.

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Regions: Dublin, Meath, Louth, Kilkenny
Theme: Ancient myths, modern culture & Irish craft
Travel Mode: Rail + coach + short transfers
Languages: EN / FR / DE / ES / IT / NL

Trip Overview

Explore Ireland’s Ancient East, and uncover 5,000 years of history — from prehistoric tombs to medieval castles, artisan distilleries and living folklore.

What You’ll Do

  • Visit Brú na Bóinne (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  • Explore Trim Castle and Kilkenny’s medieval lanes
  • Taste whiskey at Pearse Lyons Distillery in a restored church
  • Walk the Boyne Canal by currach with a local guide
  • Stay in heritage inns & boutique B&Bs
  • Option: Add a night in an Irish Landmark Trust Gate Lodge

Itinerary Snapshot

  • Day 1 — Dublin Alive: EPIC → Phoenix Park Bikes → Pearse Lyons → St Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Day 2 — Myths of the Boyne Valley: Train → Brú na Bóinne → Boyne Boats → Trim Castle
  • Day 3 — Whiskey & Craft: Kilbeggan → Uisneach Hill → Pottery Workshop
  • Day 4 — Medieval Charm: Kilkenny Castle → Smithwick’s → Candlelight walk
  • Day 5 — Return via Hidden Abbeys & Gardens

What’s Included

  • Accommodation (B&B / boutique hotels, 4 nights)
  • Breakfasts + 2 signature experiences per day
  • Entry to Brú na Bóinne, Trim Castle, Pearse Lyons, EPIC
  • Rail & local transfers
  • Trip App + PDF + 24/7 chat

Brú na Bóinne: Newgrange, Knowth & the Boyne

Region / Route: Ireland’s Ancient East • “5,000 Years in a Day”

Ideal for: First-time visitors, history & archaeology lovers, Dublin add-on.

STORY

In the Boyne Valley, you’re walking in landscapes that were sacred long before the pyramids. Mounds, stones and spirals connect winter solstice light, ancestors and today’s visitors.

What You’ll Do

  • Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre with pre-booked access
  • Join guided tours to Newgrange and/or Knowth
  • Explore a nearby village or riverside for lunch and a short walk
  • Optional stop at Monasterboice or another early Christian site

Logistics

Local Impact

Supports regional heritage sites and small hospitality businesses beyond Dublin.

Included Experiences

  • Brú na Bóinne centre and guided mound visit
  • Transport as chosen

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BOOKABLE ADD ONS

Optional extras, choose what matters, and we handle confirmation.

Archaeologist-led small group tour

Explore the site with an expert archaeologist who brings the history and discoveries to life.

Time needed: 60–90 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Extra stop at Monasterboice

Add a short visit to the historic Monasterboice site, known for its remarkable high crosses and round tower.

Time needed: 30–45 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Lunch reservation at recommended local restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed meal at a carefully selected local restaurant known for quality Irish cuisine.

Time needed: 60–75 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Tara, Trim & Royal Landscapes

Region / Route: Ireland’s Ancient East • “Sacred Hills & Castles”

Ideal for: Landscapes + castles lovers.

STORY

From the Hill of Tara to the towers of Trim Castle, this is a day of open skies, ringforts and river views — less about ticking sights, more about feeling history.

What You’ll Do

  • Walk the Hill of Tara with guided interpretation or audio
  • Visit Trim Castle and explore the town
  • Pause in a local café or bakery
  • Optional riverside walk or church stop

Logistics

Local Impact

Helps fund careful conservation of world-class archaeology and supports family-run cafés and craft businesses in the valley.

Included Experiences

  • Entry to Trim Castle and/or Hill of Tara interpretation
  • Route notes connecting Tara–Trim stories

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BOOKABLE ADD ONS

Optional extras, choose what matters, and we handle confirmation.

Local guide specialising in myth & folklore

Discover the stories and legends of the region with a knowledgeable local guide who brings Irish mythology and folklore to life.

Time needed: 60–90 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Picnic basket from local producer

Enjoy a curated picnic basket filled with fresh, locally sourced Irish produce — perfect for a relaxed outdoor stop.

Time needed: Flexible
What we do: We arrange + confirm for you

Combined “Boyne Valley highlights” package with Brú na Bóinne day

Upgrade your experience with a combined package covering key highlights of the Boyne Valley alongside your Brú na Bóinne visi

Time needed: Half day add-on
What we do: We arrange + confirm for you

Kilkenny Medieval Mile & Makers

Region / Route: Ireland’s Ancient East • “Medieval Towns & Crafts”

Ideal for: Town lovers, crafts & easy walking.

STORY

Kilkenny is a compact medieval city where lanes, towers and workshops sit shoulder to shoulder — a day for strolling, browsing and meeting makers.

What You’ll Do

  • Walk the Medieval Mile between castle and cathedral
  • Visit Kilkenny Castle grounds or interior
  • Meet makers in craft studios and shops
  • Optional brewery or distillery visit

Logistics

Local Impact

Buying directly from studios and eating locally keeps money with independent artisans.

Included Experiences

  • Medieval Mile orientation
  • Entry to one key site

Get Your PREMIUM Day Card

BOOKABLE ADD ONS

Optional extras, choose what matters, and we handle confirmation.

Private walking tour with local guide

Explore the area at your own pace with a knowledgeable local guide who shares hidden stories and local insights.

Time needed: 60–90 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Craft workshop

Take part in a hands-on craft workshop and experience traditional Irish creativity and skills.

Time needed: 60–90 mins
What we do: We arrange + confirm for you

Brewery or distillery tasting

Enjoy a guided tasting experience at a local brewery or distillery and sample authentic Irish drinks.

Time needed: 60–75 mins
What we do: We book + confirm for you

Build your Ancient East journey

Combine these Day Cards into 3–10 day routes with Dublin or beyond.