The landscape of the South East comprises a mix of rolling hills, woodlands and farmlands, picturesque river valleys of the Blackwater, Barrow, Nore, Suir and Slaney, and a craggy coastline adorned by a necklace of quaint fishing villages and coastal resorts.
Early visitors, invaders, and raiders, merchants and traders helped create many structures, distinguishing marks and locations. Visitors from overseas are attracted by the richness and variety of heritage sites in the South East. Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel are among's most visited sites. Likewise the Irish National Heritage Park and the Dunbrody Heritage Ship in Co Wexford draw a huge number of visitors.
Craft and culture enthusiasts flock to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre to marvel as they view master cutters create the world famous glassware, and those with more time on their hands based themselves in the region while enjoying all the region has to offer.
A jewel of a county with a wealth of scenery and history – from rich pastureland and colourful mountains to the deep and historical Barrow River Valley. Everywhere in the landscape is the resonance of her ancient pre-Celtic past. A county of green, vibrant colours, whose welcoming people are much given to outdoor and sporting activities, such as gentle river cruising, golf or even hang gliding on Mount Leinster.
Carlow Town marks the meeting of the Barrow and Burrin rivers, a point which was believed to be once made up of four lakes, hence the gaelic name, Ceathar Loch, or Four Lakes. The main towns in the county are Bagenalstown, Sir Walter Bagenal’s 18th century attempt at replicating Versailles, Borris, a handsome estate town, full of charm and heritage and home to the MacMurrough Kavanagh family, former Celtic Kings of Leinster, Leighlinbridge, gold medal winner in Europe’s Entente Florale in 2001, an attractive town with a beautiful arch bridge, said to be one of the oldest functioning bridges in Europe, Tullow, ancestral home of the famous Wolseley family - of motor car fame -and the picturesque and historic village of St. Mullins.
Kilkenny - the Creative Heart of Ireland, where heritage and history, environmental harmony, crafts and architecture combine to create an all-pervading spirit of excellence. With Ireland's Medieval Capital at its heart, County Kilkenny offers the South East's finest countryside, a pretty, rich farmland dotted with medieval ruins, solid stone walls, charming villages and a host of historic monuments including Jerpoint Abbey, one of Ireland's finest monastic settlements. Regal, majestic and ancient, overlooking the brooding River Nore, Kilkenny Castle, now fully restored has stood sentinel at this important river crossing for perhaps 900 years. There are forest parks, natural wonders and some of Ireland's finest studio workshops clustered in the scenic valley of the River Nore. Good food, lively restaurants, popular pubs and nightclubs are also important in a County that offers quite simply everything for an enjoyable and memorable holiday.
A scenic county, fashioned by the Galtee Mountains, adorned by romantic and mysterious Slievenamon and everywhere a lush, multi-hued green landscape. The plains of Tipperary are birthplace for some of the world's most successful bloodstock. Hurling, horses and hunting, history and heritage blend in a palette of motion in locations and attractions which are sure to please. Tipperary is particularly rich in archaeological sites of interest including the Rock of Cashel in Cashel Heritage Town and Cahir Castle in picturesque Cahir Heritage Town. These traditional attractions are now complemented by the new Excel Centre in Tipperary Town which boasts an interpretative centre depicting Tipperary's past. In Clonmel Town, the South Tipperary County Museum takes the visitor through the fascinating history of the county, from prehistoric to modern times. Walkers and outdoor enthusiasts are well serviced in this county of hills and vales. A county of contrasts - high hills and verdant valleys and everywhere, just as in ancient Ireland, in Tipperary the visitor is king.
Famous the world over for its hand-crafted crystal – hence the Crystal County, County Waterford offers the choice between a cosmopolitan modern city, a cluster of charming seaside resorts and a mountainous hinterland, ideal for activities and holidays of all kinds.
Waterford City, steeped in history, heritage and culture, represents a unique blend of modern shopping centres, traditional pubs and highly acclaimed gourmet restaurants – 9 of the Bridgestone Guides top 100 restaurants in Ireland are located in County Waterford. There is also much to do and see as the city features three of Ireland premier visitor attractions. The Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, the highly praised Waterford Museum of Treasures and the Waterford Walking Tour as well as Christ Church Cathedral. Most recently, a section of the Waterford to Dungarvan railway line has been rebuilt. From this narrow gauge railway, travelling at 15km per hour visitors can experience the beauty of the Suir Valley as they take in the panoramic views of the river, rolling farmland, and mountains. You can also enjoy views of the River Suir by taking a trip on the heritage train of Waterford and Suir Valley Railway.
Dungarvan Town, the administrative capital for the county, is set in a broad, magnificent bay. Renowned as an angling and golfing centre, it forms the commercial heart of County Waterford. Nearby is Ring (An Rinn), a flourishing centre for Irish culture and language, and Ardmore, a charming coastal resort as well as the arrival point of St Declan in the first half of the fifth century, supposedly the very first of Ireland's proselytizing Christians, preceding St Patrick. Also in West Waterford lie the towns of Lismore, Cappoquin, and Ballymacarbry – The Nire Valley. All forming a natural playground for Equestrian, Walking, Angling, Water Sports and Cycling holidays.
Dotted along Waterford County’s spectacular coastline (see Coastal Drive) are towns and villages, each with their own unique charms. Dunmore East is a charming fishing village with first class restaurants that specialize in the ‘catch of the day’. Tramore, Ireland’s premier seaside resort, has a truly spectacular beach, a fun park and Splashworld, an indoor water extravaganza for kiddies and parents alike.
County Wexford offers cosy coastal villages, sunny seashores with numerous and well presented beaches which are tranquil and inviting such as Courtown, Curracloe, Duncannon and Rosslare. Famous for the range and extent of bird life, it also features bird watch reserves, the most significant being that of North Slob, Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
Visitors can even turn back the clock and explore the county's unique history, culture and heritage attractions through its open air museum of ramparts and castles, abbeys, manor houses and one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world, the Hook Lighthouse. Gardens lovers will thoroughly enjoy the very famous John F. Kennedy Park and Arboretum celebrating the connection US President Kennedy has with the town of New Ross where you will also find Ireland's newest attraction, the Dunbrody Heritage Ship which is an accurate, full size, ocean-going recreation of the actual timber-built ship which played a leading part in 19th century emigration to the USASo come relax and enjoy the many attractions awaiting you in Wexford and let our famous hospitality wash up over you like a wave. You’ll be among friends here.