Ireland's Ancient East (Irish: Sean-Oirthear na hÉireann) is a destination marketing brand representing the east coast, and parts of the midlands and south coasts, of Ireland.[1] [2] Unlike the Wild Atlantic Way, the region's tourism trail doesn't have a set driving route, and instead seeks to connect various sights throughout seventeen counties in two provinces.[3] [4] The concept is built around four "pillars": Ancient Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Medieval Ireland and Anglo Ireland.[5]
Bus Éireann promotes various routes that pass through, or near, landmarks on the trail.[6]
The "Historic Heartland" includes a number of sites in counties Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Tipperary, Limerick, Carlow, and Kilkenny, including:
The "Land of 5000 Dawns" includes a number of sites in counties Cavan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Westmeath, including:
The "Celtic Coast" includes parts of counties Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, and Eastern County Cork, including: