Exploring the East of Ireland
The East of Ireland brings together Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford and Waterford, with landscapes ranging from the Irish Sea coastline and the mountains of Wicklow to the fertile plains of the Boyne Valley, the River Barrow and the rolling countryside of the eastern counties. Historic cities, market towns, coastal villages and ancient settlements reflect the region's varied geography and its long relationship with farming, trade, maritime activity and cultural heritage.
Protected landscapes preserve some of eastern Ireland's most distinctive environments. Wicklow Mountains National Park encompasses open mountain terrain, blanket bog, wooded valleys and glacial lakes, including the landscape surrounding Glendalough. Further north, the Boyne Valley contains river landscapes, ancient monuments and historic settlements, while the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark in County Waterford protects a coastline shaped by volcanic activity, erosion and centuries of mining. Along the Irish Sea, the beaches, headlands, estuaries and coastal habitats of Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford provide further opportunities for exploring on foot.
Long-distance walking routes connect many of these landscapes. The Wicklow Way follows mountain paths, forest tracks and valleys between Dublin and County Carlow, passing through the Wicklow Mountains and the landscapes around Glendalough. The Barrow Way follows the River Barrow through the countryside of Kildare, Carlow and neighbouring counties, connecting riverside towns, historic settlements and rural landscapes. St Kevin's Way crosses the Wicklow Mountains towards Glendalough, following a historic pilgrimage route through upland countryside and wooded valleys.
Other established routes explore the region's coastlines, rivers and cultural landscapes. The Dublin Coastal Trail connects coastal communities and places of interest around Dublin Bay, while the South Leinster Way crosses the countryside of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford, linking hills, valleys and rural settlements. In County Meath, the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the prehistoric passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth within the Boyne Valley, where surrounding countryside and riverside landscapes offer opportunities for exploring the area's wider heritage.
Beyond the long-distance trails, the East of Ireland offers opportunities to explore historic towns, coastal villages, nature reserves, woodlands and wild places on foot. From the mountains and glacial valleys of Wicklow to the Boyne Valley, the River Barrow and the beaches and headlands of the Irish Sea coast, the region provides a varied setting for shorter walks, walking breaks and multi-day journeys, with places to stay across its cities, towns, villages and countryside.