In Love With Ireland’s South East

TRAVEL MAGAZINE


Rosslare Harbour in Ireland’s ‘sunny south east’ is most tourists first port of call in the Emerald Isle, offering a gateway to five different counties.


Carlow

From Gaelic Carlow south through the Blackstairs past the historc villages of Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown, and Borris, Carlow is enjoying a renaissance. County Carlow surrounds two geat rivers, the Barrrow and The Slaney which both flow through the heart of of Celtic Ireland. The Barrow is gaining popularity as a pleasure cruising river – quieter than the Shannon – while there are opportunities for golf, fishing, walking and horse-riding. A gem is St. Mullins, on the edge of the Barrow, a remarkable riverside settlement of great age with the remains of a round tower, monastry buildings and ancient cross.


Kilkenny

Set in the hospitable heart of Ireland, Kilkenny is rightly the medieval capital. The city is steeped in history, dominated by superb ancient buildings culminating in the magnificent Kilkenny Castle, the main seat of the Butler Family from 1391 until the present century and a popular attraction with an art galler, extensive pleasure grounds, and café. Two top attractions include Saint Canice’s Cathedral, the second largest cathedral in Ireland, and Dunmore Cave, a well developed show cave with a series of chambers. Visitors should also follow the craft trail to Inistioge, Bennetsbridge and Graiguenamanagh, the latter pooulat with pleasure cruisers.


Tipperary

The great historic sights – The Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and ormonde Castle at Carrick-On-Suir mus be first on your itinerary in the county made famous by Jack Judge’s famous marching song. But Tipperary is a relatively unknown backwater for tourists who find it rewarding when they choose to stay. The Galtee Mountains provide a challenge for the adventurous, while the Glen of Aherlow and Slievenamuck offer low level rambles.


Waterford

Famous the world over for its handcrafted crystal, Waterford is perhaps the best-known of Ireland’s counties – outside Dublin. The city is charmingly cosmopolitan retaining its historic heart. Along the coastline are attractive fishing villages and beaches like Dunmore East and Dungarvan. The beautiful woodlands and friendly hamlets of West Waterford unfold as the Blackwater winds its way past the Nire Valley.


Wexford

Ireland’s colourful history is retold at Enniscorthy, Ferrycarrig and Wexford as the Slaney winds its way from Bunclody at the foot of Mount Leinster. Festivals – like the famous Wexford Opera Festival – are a popular feature of Wexford, with its fantastic pubs and shops. Two absolute gems – the 1798 Centre at Enniscorthy and the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig – should be included on your tour.