South East

Welcome to the South East

The South East of Ireland consists of five counties – Waterford, Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow, Tipperary – and is referred to as the “Sunny South East“.

The region is famous for its awe-inspiring locations, vibrant towns, coastal resorts, and picturesque villages. Throughout the centuries, the Celts, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans have passed through these valleys, and along the coastline, leaving behind a landscape rich in historical remains. Countless castles, abbeys, fortresses, and ancient settlements remain to mark their passage. The five major river systems – the Blackwater, the Slaney, and the Suir, Nore and Barrow – criss-cross the South East and meander under old stone bridges, around magical mountains, through picturesque villages, and past neatly thatched cottages, before finally entering the sea at scenic, peaceful seaside towns.

For further information please visit South East Ireland Tourism

Interesting things to do in the South East

Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle: Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny: Enjoy your favourite Smithwick’s Ale, while one of our local staff explains what makes it so unique, makes this one of the most enjoyable tours in Ireland.

Wexford

Dunbrody Famine Ship: Dunbrody Famine Ship is one of the premier tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland. Centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, it provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience.

Hook Lighthouse: Hook Lighthouse in Wexford offers guided tours all year round of the 800-year-old medieval tower and this is one of the top things to do on Ireland’s Ancient East. Climb the 115 well-worn steps.

Waterford

Medieval Museum: The Medieval Museum tells the story of life in Historic Waterford City and incorporates several preserved medieval structures within its walls, not least the beautiful 13th century Chorister’s Hall.

Waterford Greenway: The Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan.

Carlow

Delta Sensory Gardens: Voted the number one thing to do in Carlow by Tripadvisor and described as “An Oasis of Peace and Tranquility”, Delta sensory gardens are set on a 2.5 acre site with 16 interconnecting gardens located on the outskirts of Carlow.

Visual Carlow: VISUAL is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art spaces situated in the heart of Carlow Town, with four world class gallery spaces and a 320-seat performance space.

Tipperary

Rock of Cashel: There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world and it’s right here in Cashel at the heart of Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig), more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, it is also known as Cashel of the Kings.

Tipperary Racecourse: Racing from April to October and offering a mixture of top-class National Hunt (jump) and Flat racing. We are at our busiest at the height of the summer but hosts its biggest meeting of the year on the first Sunday of October.