The East of ireland Tour

Newgrange

Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however Newgrange is now recognized to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.

Hill Of Tara

The Hill of Tara is located near the River Boyne and it is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin in County Meath. It contains a number of ancient monuments, and, according to tradition, was the seat of Árd Rí na hÉireann, or the High King of Ireland.
The role played by the Hill of Tara in Irish history is as the seat of the kings of Ireland until the 6th century. This role extended until the 12th century, albeit without its earlier splendor. Regardless, the significance of the Hill of Tara predates Celtic times, although it has not been shown that Tara was continuously important from the Neolithic to the 12th century.
Pictured above on the left is the Hill of Tara and on the right is the Visitor Centre.

Trinity College & The Book of Kells

Trinity College was founded in 1592 and it is Ireland's oldest University. Trinity is now surrounded by Dublin and is located on College Green, opposite the former Irish Houses of Parliament. The college proper occupies 190,000 m2 (47 acres), with many of its buildings ranged around large quadrangles and two playing fields.

The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier and can be seen in Trinity College. The manuscript takes its name from the Abbey of Kells that was its home for centuries.

Temple Bar

Temple Bar has preserved its medieval street pattern, with many narrow cobbled streets. It is promoted as "Dublin's cultural quarter" and has a lively nightlife that is popular with tourists.

The area is the location of many Irish cultural institutions, including the Irish Photography Centre (incorporating the Dublin Institute of Photography, the National Photographic Archives and the Gallery of Photography), the Ark Children's Cultural Centre, the Irish Film Institute, incorporating the Irish Film Archive, the Temple Bar Music Centre, the Arthouse Multimedia Centre, Temple Bar Gallery and Studio, the Project Arts Centre, the Gaiety School of Acting, as well as the Irish Stock Exchange and the Central Bank of Ireland.

The area also has many traditional pubs and restaurants.

Powerscourt House and Gardens

Powerscourt Estate is located near Enniskerry, County Wicklow. It is a large country estate which is noted for its house and landscaped gardens, today occupying 47 acres.

Powerscourt is one of Europe's great treasures and Ireland's most famous House & Gardens which Grace the Wicklow mountains. The estate contains a garden, restaurant, Avoca Store shop, a Garden Centre and Ireland's highest waterfall.

Glendalough

Glendalough is one of Ireland's most beautiful tourist destinations. For thousands of years people have been drawn to 'the valley of the two lakes' for its amazing scenery, long history, archaeology and also to see the wildlife.

Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. Glendalough has long been an area renowned for its natural beauty and history and it is one of the most visited places in Ireland. The Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has many attractions such as the world famous Monastic Site with Round Tower, scenic lakes and valleys, as well as a selection of walks and trails in the area including The Wicklow Way.