The lands of the east coast of Ireland are steeped in history, culture and great beauty and yesterday saw the start of a new initiative to introduce visitors to “Ireland’s Ancient East”.
Malahide Castle
Here you will find 5,000 year old megalithic tombs, possibly the finest in Europe, and the legendary Hill of Tara.
Sunset on the Hill of Tara
High Kings held sway for centuries and, later, great battles were fought against the Vikings who made Dublin their home. There were monastic settlements in beautiful valleys, where monks laboured over illuminated manuscripts.
Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin
Medieval castles dot the landscape and towns such as Dublin developed the finest 17th century, and later 18th century Georgian, architecture.
the 17th century Royal Hospital, Kilmainham
And in the countryside, the gentry resided, creating fine gardens with vistas of that beautiful landscape, such as Ireland’s most romantic garden Mount Usher Gardens :
The river Vartry flowing through Mount Usher Gardens
or the spectacular beauty of Powerscourt :
Classical statuary contrasting with the natural landscape of the Wicklow mountains
In 2016, we will be remembering the great struggle for Irish freedom, the 1916 Easter Rising, and many events are being planned.
We’re very proud of our beautiful “Ancient East” of Ireland.
If you haven’t visited us, do come, you’re sure to find a warm welcome!
Jardin 
Ah lovely post – reading of your significant monastic heritage instantly reminded me of the Book of Durrow and the Book of Kells both of which I would love to see in real life. Just adding visit to Dublin to my current wish list!
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Yes I love the illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells is housed in Trinity College, close to my Dublin house. Hope you make that visit to Dublin, it’s such a compact city full of interest and history and the surrounding counties are very beautiful too.
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I’m ready to visit! Maybe someday.
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Ahh that’s wonderful!
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Ahhh Lorna, why do you do this…? Just makes me dream all the more of visiting there one day. I think it’s time to go and apply for my passport… 😉
Lovely post! ❤
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Thanks Jewels .. lol, hopefully one day!
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I really enjoyed your post my friend! Your photos were gorgeous and as I read your words I tried to imagine what it must be like to live in a land that is so deeply and intimately connected to ancient times. (I live in California where life doesn’t go back that far.) Then I watched the compelling video which brilliantly brought the past into the present. A delightful experience, thank you. 🙂
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Thanks so much Jet. I think when we’re surrounded with so much history, there is a connection – somewhat like being out in Nature, one appreciates its beauty. Glad you enjoyed it.
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