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04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 1 03/06/2016 14:58 ANCIENT IRELAND INTroduction. Take a journey of Wander through 5,000 years discovery in Ancient Ireland. of history in Ireland’s Ancient East. Plot twists, cliffhangers, murder and The legacy of our country’s earliest inhabitants reverberates to this day throughout Ireland’s Ancient East. passion; Ireland’s Ancient East has more The story of sunlight The remarkable engineering feats of Neolithic people can be found at the extraordinary passage tombs, than a few stories to tell. From Irish High the largest of their kind in Europe at Knowth, Dowth and Newgrange in Co. Meath. The archaeological Kings to Scandinavian Vikings, discover that still inspires landscape of Brú na Bóinne was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. ancient towns and cities built on tales Built more than 5,000 years ago, up to 40 passage tombs have been discovered on the 780-hectare site 5,000 years in the making. A nation of after 5,000 years. on the River Boyne which pre-date both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Newgrange, with its huge, 85m storytellers, we are celebrated throughout diameter passage tomb, is deservedly well-known, and people apply in their tens of thousands for an elusive ticket to see the sun light up its central chamber around December 21st. the world for our magical way with words. It’s in our blood. Meath boasts some of the oldest man-made structures in the country, including Loughcrew Cairns which feature approximately 30 tombs. Legend has it that they were formed five millennia ago when Listen to the locals as they recount a witch dropped an apron-full of rocks when she was leaping across mountains. captivating stories including Viking Jump on board the road train at Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park in Co. Kildare and explore the invasions, big houses and hard times and peatland trail, stone age settlements and Famine Mudwall Cottage. the maritime gateways of the coast. These are the stories passed on from generation On the other side of the country, at Lough Gur in south-east Co. Limerick, lie an evocative collection of stone circles, ancient burial grounds and Megalithic tombs. Its earliest inhabitants are said to have to generation, stories of castles and settled here more than 6,000 years ago. Head eastwards from Lough Gur to find one of the country’s most conquests, sacred grounds and our passion magnificent dolmens at Brownshill, just outside Carlow town. Its capstone is reputed to weigh 100 tonnes. for horses. These tales are just a taste of Ireland’s Ancient East; we’ve barely scratched the surface. To dig deeper and unearth the secrets of this spectacular THINGS TO DO part of Ireland, you need to experience ➤ Pay a visit to the Shannon Pot, source of our longest it for yourself. From to and river, the Shannon, in Cuilcagh Mountain, Co. Cavan. everywhere in between – take a few days ➤ Make a wish at the magnificentProleek Portal and discover the hidden secrets of places Tomb situated in the grounds of Ballymascanlon Hotel on the Cooley Peninsula. you thought you already knew. ➤ Call to the at Ballyjamesduff, Here’s a taste of some of the unforgettable whose artefacts include a 1,000-year-old log boat. experiences awaiting you in Ireland’s ➤ Enjoy a magnificent walk among the relics of Ancient East. millennia past, taking in Lough Gur and the Red Bog in Co. Limerick. For loads more holiday inspiration ➤ Join The Kells Experience Tours for an adventure visit IrelandsAncientEast.com. across 5,000 years of history with daily walking tours of Kells and scheduled tailor-made adventures Brownshill Dolmen, Co. Carlow. in the Boyne Valley.

contents Did you know? Croghan Hill, Co. Offaly, is the site of an ancient - and much to the relief 2 ANCIENT IRELAND of locals - extinct volcano. 3 CASTLES AND CONQUESTS 5 BIG HOUSES AND HARD TIMES SPOTLIGHT ON The Cavan Located just outside the village of , the 6 HIGH KINGS AND HEROES Cavan Burren is one of the most unique landscapes in Ireland’s Ancient East. Habitation sites and funeral 7 IRELAND’S MYSTICAL WATERWAY monuments survive from prehistoric times, and the fossils embedded in its limestone rock have been 8 MARITIME GATEWAY identified as the coral of a tropical sea of 350 million 9 SACRED IRELAND years ago. It’s an area where the layers of history tell the story of 11 THE SPORT OF KINGS Ireland in microcosm: neolithic tombs, hut sites and 12 VIKINGS Loughcrew, Co. Meath. ancient rock art coexist alongside 19th century ruins. Its visitor centre offers the perfect introduction, while 13 festivals GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER four specially created walking trails are designed to help you get the most out of your time here. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com 2.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 2-3 03/06/2016 14:58 CASTLES AND CONQUESTS Explore the imposing castles and fortresses of Norman Country.

There is no shortage of fine castles in Ireland’s Ancient East and one of the most celebrated isKilkenny Castle which has stood by the banks of the Nore for 900 years. It was the seat of the Butler dynasty until well into the 20th century. Castle housed the Confederate Government of the 1640s, a short period when Ireland was self governed. The castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for the sum of £50. Today, it’s a highly popular tourist attraction and a key part of the city’s Medieval Mile, an area brimming with historic buildings, fine restaurants and atmospheric pubs. Further south, in Co. Wexford, Castle dates from 1205, although its imposing keep was built in the 17th century. The town will be forever associated with the doomed 1798 rebellion; the distinctive, pudding-shaped Vinegar Hill that overlooks Enniscorthy was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting. Another former Norman stronghold, , enjoys a commanding location in the centre of this midlands town and is built on the banks of the Shannon. It was the focal point of the Siege of Athlone in 1690-91 during the fierce Williamite-Jacobite War.

Enniscorthy Castle, Co. Wexford. , Co. Meath.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Learn the secrets of ‘life below stairs’ ➤ Fancy a spot of afternoon tea in a castle? on the Victorian Tour of Tullynally Castle, Monaghan’s Estate is the ideal Co. Westmeath. place to relax and enjoy tea and cakes. ➤ Float through time on a raft around medieval ➤ Discover what was once the world’s largest telescope Trim, Co. Meath and hear stories about what at , Co. Offaly and take a walk in the life was like for our ancestors. surrounding manicured grounds. The story of a family who Did you know? Both New Ross port and Tintern Abbey were founded by William Marshall, reputed to be “the greatest Knight who ever lived”. explored the universe from the middle of Ireland. SPOTLIGHT ON The Rearing up from the fertile plain of the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel is a movie set designer’s dream: a bristling vision of a medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral within a wall high on a grassy outcrop. For more than 1,000 years, the Rock was a symbol of royal and religious power; it was the seat of the Birr Castle, Co. Offaly. Eóganacht Kings of Munster until rivalries saw Brian Boru, future High King of Ireland, take over in the 10th century. It was later granted to the Church and used even after the 17th century sacking by GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Cromwellian troops. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com 3.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 4-5 03/06/2016 14:58 BIG HOUSES AND HARD TIMES HIGH KINGS AND HEROES Learn about castles and manor houses, Step back to our regal past famine roads and emigration. with the High Kings of Ireland.

Ireland’s Ancient East is a region teeming with magnificent country estates and Anglo-Irish manors that Meath is still known as the Royal County, and with good reason. It’s an area that will be forever associated speak of our colonial past. with the High Kings of Ireland. One of Ireland’s grandest Palladian Mansions, , at Celbridge, Co. Kildare, was built Remnants of the distant past are visible around the Hill of Tara, where there are several ring forts, for William Conolly, the speaker of the Irish House of Commons in 1722. The grounds feature a striking including Laoghaire’s Fort, in which a King of the same name was reputed to be buried upright. Close-by, 42m-high obelisk-type structure known as ‘Conolly’s Folly’. you will find a well-preserved Neolithic passage grave, evocatively titled the Mound of the Hostages: it The Garden County has its fair share of big houses, and Powerscourt, near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow is was built in the same style as Newgrange, but on a much more modest scale. one of its most popular visitor attractions. The house was greatly damaged by fire in 1974, but has been Ireland’s Ancient East is full of storytellers, and their stories of heroes - like the High Kings - have been sensitively brought back to its original glory. Ireland’s tallest waterfall is to be found on its estate. passed on through the generations. But there are heroes of a more recent vintage too, including the slain In Blessington, another magnificent Big House speaks of another time. Russborough, reputed to be US President John F Kennedy. the country’s longest house with a frontage measuring 210m, was owned by the Beit family in the The Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford, which he visited on his tour of Ireland second half of the 20th century. They were celebrated for their patronage of the arts, and several artists in 1963, features the John F Kennedy Museum and provides an intriguing overview of his lasting legacy are in residence there today. and also achievements of several generations of the Irish-American family who captured imaginations While these fine buildings speak of a wealth and privilege, Ireland has also experienced hard times, both here and on the other side of the Atlantic. especially in the 1840s when the Great Famine forever changed the make-up of the country. THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO ➤ Savour the clash of the ash at the Kilkenny ➤ Visit Huntington Castle in Co. Carlow: it Way Hurling Experience, played a role in the War of Independence and a visitor experience has a 500-year-old yew tree in the gardens. dedicated to our ➤ Experience luxurious afternoon tea in beautiful game. the elegant environs of Wells House and ➤ Journey to the Hill of Gardens in Co. Wexford. Uisneach, Co. Westmeath, ➤ Find out why the butlers had to whistle when a place associated with serving food at the Regency-style Fota House, the High Kings that’s seen Arboretum and Gardens in Co. Cork. by many as the spiritual heart of the country. ➤ Marvel at the gothic romantic folly of the Jealous Wall at Belvedere House, ➤ See the impressive display Co. Westmeath - the former home of the of weaponry at The Battle infamous Robert Rochford. of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath. ➤ Learn about the hardships of the Great Famine Wicklow Gaol, Co. Wicklow. at the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse ➤ Go for a cycle in the Castletown House, Co. Kildare. Museum in Co. Laois. Golden Vale, south Tipperary - the High Kings ruled this land from their Kennedy Homestead, Co. Wexford. base in Cashel. Boyne Visitor Centre, Co. Meath. Did you know? Carrickmacross Lace is 200 years old this year and many brides, including the duchess of cambridge, have chosen it for their big day. GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

SPOTLIGHT ON Wicklow Gaol From 1702 to 1924, the brooding edifice of Wicklow Did you know? The old monastic graveyard in Clones, Co. Monaghan, is the traditional burial Gaol in Wicklow town shut away people deemed to place of the McMahon chieftains. be on the wrong side of history – rebels from the 1798 Rising, convicts to be transported to colonies in America and Australia and desperate women and SPOTLIGHT ON The Hill of Tara children who stole simply to feed themselves during The High Kings’ regal seat was at the Hill of Tara, the Great Famine. Co. Meath, and its summit affords generous views Tales of the inhumane conditions live on today. Visitors over the lush, flat plains of the county. can see the prisoners’ graffiti and read thoughts they An ancient boulder stands upright here: it’s the Lia left in a notebook only rediscovered in 1923. You can Fáil - the Stone of Destiny - and legend has it that it hear their stories from costumed characters, sound- was brought to the site by the semi-divine race, the bursts of voices and dramatic exhibits. Tuatha Dé Danann. Fact and myth are interwoven Erskine Childers - son of our former president of when it comes to this magical place, and it’s said that the same name - was incarcerated here before his the Pagan Gods lived on the hill until the arrival of execution during the Civil War. St. Patrick. 5. 6.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 6-7 03/06/2016 14:58 IRELAND’S MYSTICAL WATERWAY MARITIME GATEWAY Take a journey of discovery Voyage through time along the Shannon’s fabled waterway. to our seafaring past.

Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon, is the As an island nation, it’s little wonder that we have had such a strong connection with the sea. country’s ancient and fabled waterway. Irish history is a tale of comings and goings, of famine ships and doomed ocean liners, of conquerers Legend has it that Síonnan, granddaughter travelling from distant shores and spices arriving from even further afield. of Lír, Celtic God of the Sea, visited the A county that has a special maritime relationship is Cork, and one of the most spectacular coastal beautiful circular pool now known as the fortresses is to be found on the craggy Crosshaven coast: Camden Fort Meagher has stood here Shannon Pot in Co. Cavan, and angered the for 400 years and its virtually impassible moat took 500 men some 40 years to build. great Salmon of Wisdom living there. The Further up the south-eastern coast lies the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience pool overflowed, to become the source of - a permanent nautical museum in New Ross harbour - and this very vessel was one of many that this great river – and Síonnan drowned brought impoverished people the promise of a new life in the New World. in the waters that took her name. Move south along the Wexford coast to Hook Lighthouse, reputedly the oldest functioning lighthouse The river flows through the heart of the in the world. It has been guiding ships for 800 years. country, touching several counties in Ireland’s Ancient East, including Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. Several sites and attractions are located at its banks or in its hinterland. One of the most impressive is Birr Castle in Offaly, home to the Earls of Rosse since 1677. Its manicured grounds boast one River Shannon, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly of the wonders of 19th century Ireland: a world-renowned telescope that helped advance knowledge of astronomy. Built in THINGS TO DO 1845, it was the world’s largest telescope ➤ Hire a river cruiser to enjoy the stunning scenery, for 70 years. ancient history and colourful towns along the River Shannon. Hook Head, Co. Wexford. Just up the road in Tullamore, Lough ➤ Pay a visit to the Shannon Pot, source of our longest river, the Shannon, in Cuilcagh Mountain, Co. Cavan. THINGS TO DO Boora Discovery Park is an oasis for bird- ➤ watchers: there are countless species here. ➤ Visit the monastic village of Lorrha, Co. Tipperary, and Take a boat trip to visit Ballycotton Lighthouse, which book a guided tour to hear stories of peaceful monks and stands on top of the unspoilt island of the same name. What was once a commercial bog is now marauding Norsemen. ➤ a 2,000-hectare nature lover’s paradise Take a tour of historic Youghal, whose medieval walls ➤ Journey through time at Westmeath’s Dun na Sí amenity lend the east Cork town its distinct character. boosting remarkable biodiversity. It’s also and heritage park, a fusion of traditional music, song, ➤ the site of one of the country’s Mesolithic Experience a traditional butter-making demonstration dance and stories. at the Cork Butter Museum, near the famous sites - an ancient settlement, discovered Shandon Bells. almost 40 years ago, and dating back GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER ➤ Get a sense of the country’s proud whiskey-distilling 15,000 years to the end of the Ice Age. Youghal, Co. Cork. tradition at the Jameson Experience, Midleton, Co. Cork. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

Did you know? The Iron Age oak road, Corlea Trackway, was found crossing the boglands Did you know? Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have planted the first potato in Ireland near his of Longford: it’s the largest such road ever uncovered in Europe. home at Youghal, Co. Cork, in 1588.

SPOTLIGHT ON Athlone Castle SPOTLIGHT ON Cobh Harbour This former Norman stronghold enjoys a A place with a special maritime relationship is Cobh, commanding location in the centre of the midlands Co. Cork, and its heritage centre boasts an immersive town and is built on the banks of the Shannon. It was exhibition entitled The Queenstown Story, which the focal point of the Siege of Athlone in 1690-91, documents the remarkable history of this during the fierce Williamite-Jacobite War. harbour town. Its striking keep was reopened to the public in 2012 It was from here that many people fleeing the Great after extensive refurbishment. It offers a multi- Famine of the 1840s saw their last glimpse of Ireland. sensory visitor experience that captures the castle’s And it was from this, the country’s most southerly chequered history. The illustrations that tell the story port, that the Titanic set sail on her ill-fated maiden were drawn by Victor Ambrus, best known for his voyage to America in 1912. The Titanic Experience work on Channel 4’s Time Team. Cobh brings to life the story of this most celebrated of ocean liners. 7. 8.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 8-9 03/06/2016 14:58 SACRED IRELAND Follow in the footsteps of monks, saints and scholars.

Uncover the story of Saint Patrick and the spread of Christianity, visit evocative monastic settlements and learn about brutal Viking attacks – all in Ireland’s Ancient East. Clonmacnoise in Co. Offaly dates from 544 when it was founded by Saint Ciarán, and it’s been a place of pilgrimage ever since. When Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1979, he stopped off at this monastic settlement. An ancient pilgrim route travels to here from Ballycumber in the eastern part of the county. Its round tower is a reminder of the past, and there are several examples dotted throughout the region. One that’s perfectly intact is to be found in the pretty coastal village of Ardmore, Co. Waterford. An early Christian hill fort of similar age is located in the heart of Co. Laois. The Rock of is a ruin today, but its history is intriguing: it was once plundered by the Vikings and later gifted to Norman Lord Strongbow upon his marriage to Aoife, daughter of the King of . Walk in the footsteps of the monks of Holycross Abbey, Co. Tipperary, home to relics purportedly from the actual cross Christ was crucified on.

THINGS TO DO ➤ Climb the Round Tower at St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, to enjoy the best vantage point of the medieval city. ➤ Discover St. Declan’s Oratory at Ardmore Cathedral and Round Tower, believed to be the burial place of its namesake. Inside Holycross Abbey, Co. Tipperary. Monasterboice, Co. Louth. the house of worship, there are two fascinating Ogham stones and Romanesque sculptures depicting scenes from the old and new testaments. ➤ Take a photo of the West Cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth - Ireland’s tallest remaining Celtic high cross. ➤ Visit the Quaker Museum at Ballitore, Co. Kildare - the country’s only planned and St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. Fore Abbey, Co. Westmeath permanent Quaker village. The story of 17 churches, Did you know? In the Laois village of Timahoe, you will find the St. Mochua’s Desk sculpture 40 invasions, thousands of which features his favourite pets - a rooster, mouse and fly. treasures and the final SPOTLIGHT ON Glendalough resting place of Ireland’s Further south, in the Garden of Ireland, lies Glendalough, and it was here, in this beautiful last high king. and peaceful place, that Saint Kevin founded his monastery. The round tower, cathedral and priests’ Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. houses made the so-called Valley of the Two Lakes something of a magnet for Viking invaders, and the settlement came under sustained attack. Today, though, it’s possible to walk around this verdant site and feel that the modern world is a long way away. GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com 9.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 10-11 03/06/2016 14:58 THE SPORT OF KINGS VIKINGS Soak up the heritage Investigate the legacy of a horse-loving nation. of our Viking invaders.

It is said we Irish are a nation of sports lovers The Vikings left their mark all over Ireland’s Ancient East and nowhere more so than in Waterford. and here horse-racing, show-jumping and It’s the country’s oldest city, reputedly founded in 914, although some say its origins are even older other equestrian pursuits enjoy an elevated and date to the settlement established by the Viking chieftain, Sitric, in 853. status. Across the county border in Tipperary, the Rock of Cashel has it’s own connection with the Vikings: That special relationship with the horse can it was here that their sworn enemy, Brian Boru, was crowned King of Munster. It’s surely the most be seen at every meet at the Curragh in Co. dramatically located historical site in the country. Legend has it that the rocky outcrop is, in fact, the bite Kildare or Gowran Park, Co. Kilkenny, two of that the Devil took from a mountain in the north of the county and deposited here. The mountain is the country’s most popular racecourses that known today as the Devil’s Bit. An 8th century gospel book known as the Book of Dimma was have thrilled fans for more than 100 years. discovered in a cave on the mountainside in the 18th century. Gowran Park opened for business in 1914, There are few remnants of the Vikings on the Cooley Peninsula today, but it was here that they sailed while the Curragh was officially declared in their longboats into Carlingford Lough. All that remains of them now is the name of the charming a horse-racing training facility by Act of medieval town, Carlingford, which replaced its previous name The Bay of the Hag. Parliament in 1868 - although there has been racing on the expanse of flat-land there since at least 1727. Then there’s horse-racing on the beach, THINGS TO DO an intrinsically Irish pursuit, with a race ➤ Step back in time and sail from meeting on Laytown Strand, Co. Meath Athlone to Clonmacnoise in a every year. They come from near and far to 21-metre-long replica of a Viking boat. see the thrill of racing on the sand at the edge of the Irish Sea waves. It’s one of the few beach ➤ Experience the theatrical Epic Tour races to be held under strict EU racing rules in Waterford which takes you on a journey of discovery to the city’s - not that such officialdom mattered in 1868 Viking origins. when the sound of thundering hooves was Laytown, Co. Meath. ➤ first heard on the strand. Take a trip on the Waterford & Suir Valley Heritage THINGS TO DO Railway, through the heart of ➤ Enjoy a horseback trek in the beautiful countryside at one Viking country. of the Association of Irish Riding Establishments’ approved ➤ Discover the prehistoric and early equestrian centres. Christian treasures of the Glen of ➤ Learn about the important role that horses played in Aherlow in south Tipperary. pulling the barges along the Grand Canal. ➤ Go for a scenic drive on the ➤ Have a day out at one of the 15 racecourses in Ireland’s spectacular Cooley Peninsula Ancient East, with race meetings throughout the year. Waterford City, Co. Waterford. - once raided by the Vikings. ➤ Visit Berney Bros Saddlery in Kilcullen. Founded in 1880, this place showcases unique craftsmanship, expertise Curragh, Co. Kildare. and a wealth of equestrian knowledge. GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

Did you know? The 5,000-acre Curragh is one of Europe’s oldest grasslands. Did you know? The Vikings gave us several placenames, not least Waterford, It’s said that 3rd century kings and chieftains raced their chariots here. which was derived from the Norse ‘Vadrefjord’ (‘Fjord of the Waters’).

SPOTLIGHT ON Irish National Stud SPOTLIGHT ON Waterford Viking Triangle The Irish National Stud is a thoroughbred breeding The evocatively titled Waterford Viking Triangle is centre in Tully, Co. Kildare, that has produced the beating heart of our oldest city, and it’s here that some of the world’s greatest racehorses. The Horse you will find a trio of museums collectively known as Museum there boasts several fascinating exhibits, Waterford Treasures. including the skeleton of Arkle - the horse that won Reginald’s Tower, home to the treasures of Viking three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups between Waterford, offers the perfect introduction to these 1964 and 1966. Scandinavian invaders, and there are several Its extensive grounds also include the Japanese artefacts from the period on display, including a Gardens. Laid out by Japanese master horticulturist, fearsome warrior’s sword. This 13th century building Tassa Eida, and his son, Minoru, between 1906 and remains the oldest urban civic structure in Ireland. 1910, their aim was to symbolise the life of man The Medieval Museum and Bishop’s Palace - which through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water. focus on Waterford’s glorious Georgian past - are well worth a visit, too. 11. 12.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 12-13 03/06/2016 14:59 festivals what’s on Immrama, The The only festival of its kind in the world, focusing 16 - 19 Lismore, Lismore Festival on travel writing and literature, with a different June Co. Waterford of Travel Writing theme each year.

17 - 19, 21 Various A summer explosion of exciting arts events in Cork Midsummer & 24 - 26 venues venues and unusual locations across the city Festival June in Cork and county. This offshoot of the Hay Festival is a celebration 23 - 26 Kells, Hay Festival Kells of literature, art, ideas, music, drama, history, June Co. Meath debate, food and laughter. Killruddery Held in the amazing with a 2 - 3 Groove Festival House, line-up that blends genres from ska to rock and July Co. Wicklow everything in between. A family celebration of theatre, music, Clonmel Junction 4 - 10 Clonmel, performance arts, street performers and visual Festival July Co. Tipperary arts in venues of all shapes and sizes. Be a part of the action at Drogheda Port this The Irish Maritime 9 - 10 Drogheda, summer and enjoy Viking longboats, a pirate Festival July Co. Louth parade, yacht races and lots more maritime fun.

Carlow Various gardens 13 celebrated gardeners over 10 days in 14 23 July Garden throughout different venues, with the best British and Irish - 1 August Festival County Carlow garden broadcasters and writers.

Waterford Spraoi A vibrant programme of street arts and spectacles 29 - 31 International Waterford City from around the world, transforming Waterford July Street Arts Festival into a giant stage.

Carlingford Oyster 4 - 8 Carlingford, This famous festival promises 5 fun-filled days Festival August Co. Louth of delicious gastronomy and oyster pearl antics.

For 10 days, Kilkenny comes alive with theatre Kilkenny Arts 5 - 14 Kilkenny City and dance, classical music, street entertainment, Festival August literature and visual art and craft. A countryside fair with clay pigeon shooting, Irish Game 27 - 28 Birr Castle, archery, carriage driving, fly casting, dog shows, and Country Fair August Co. Offaly and gundog competitions. Various venues Celebrate the music that gave birth to Rock ‘n’ Roll Harvest Time 2 - 4 in Monaghan with 6 US blues acts, 5 acoustic artists and Blues Festivals September Town 10 blues bands. Athlone Showcasing the best local restaurants and food 8 - 10 Fry Place, River & Food producers throughout The Midlands, with a September Athlone Festival variety of river activities. The streets come alive with sights, smells and Waterford Harvest 9 - 11 Waterford City sounds of all things food and food-related with Festival September this fab foodie festival.

Imagine Arts 20 - 30 A multidisciplinary celebration of the creative Waterford City Festival October arts for people of all ages and interests.

17 days of fantastic Fringe events, which includes The story of Rubens Wexford Fringe Wexford Town 21 Oct - 6 Nov the famous Wexford Festival Opera and Wexford 2016 and County Spiegeltent Festival. and robberies in one of National One of the world’s top three opera festivals 65th Wexford 26 Oct - 6 Nov Opera House, presents rarely performed and neglected Ireland’s great houses. Festival Opera Wexford Town operas to a world-class standard. Guinness The best Irish and international musicians in 28 - 31 Cork Jazz Cork City an eclectic programme of jazz in over 70 venues October Festival around Cork. , Co. Wicklow. The world’s best thinkers and writers on 10 - 13 Kilkenomics Kilkenny economics and finance, hosted by Ireland’s November sharpest comedians. Ireland’s oldest film festival - and one of Cork’s GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Cork Film 11 - 20 Cork City flagship cultural happenings - lights up and Festival November and County delights the Rebel City. Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com 13. 14.

04964RO 16 Page Insert2.indd 14-15 03/06/2016 14:59 GREAT STORIES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER Find yours at IrelandsAncientEast.com

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