What’s big in 2025 in Ireland’s Ancient East

The area encompasses some well-known attractions, such as the prehistoric monument of Newgrange, Hook Head Lighthouse (one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world), the 6th-century monastic settlement of Glendalough and the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Whether you’re looking to uncover some time-honoured traditions, enjoy amazing food and drink, or take a walk along a coastline studded with scenic coves, Ireland’s Ancient East is the destination for you. And in 2025, there’s even more reason to enjoy it… Here’s why

A touch of grandeur

With a starring role in Bridgerton, Nicola Coughlan introduced an Irish link to the award-winning show, and following its success, Mount Congreve Gardens and its sister attraction Waterford Treasures are offering a new attraction, entitled The Bridgerton Experience.

Located at Bishop’s Palace in Waterford city, guests are invited on an illicit tour of the property while the bishop is away. The “housekeeper” or “butler” will unveil the secrets of the household through the opulent rooms, where guests can indulge in luxurious surroundings while discovering tantalising tales from behind the scenes. 

After all the excitement, afternoon tea at Mount Congreve Gardens in Kilmeaden, County Waterford allows visitors to enjoy the tranquillity of nature while partaking in a delightful array of tasty treats prepared by the Pantry at CLIFF. 

The magic of crystal and more

Famous worldwide for its expert craftsmanship, House of Waterford (Crystal) has introduced a new visitor experience, allowing guests to go behind the scenes at the factory to discover how the magic happens. As well as a private tour and a one-to-one with a craftsperson, the experience includes a personal shopping guide and a glass of champagne at the Waterford Bar. While in the city, don’t miss a visit to the captivating Irish Wake Museum, which has an enhanced visitor experience for 2025, or join the Waterford Heritage Taste Tour, to discover the city’s great food heritage. 

Foodies are in for a further treat with two more new food trails that go beyond the city to enjoy the best flavours of the region. Try the Dungarvan Taste Discovery Tour along the stunning Copper Coast, and the Mountain Splendour Taste Tour, which mixes the scenic delights of the Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains with the best of the region’s food.  

The Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens in Tramore, County Waterford, which tell the life story of Irish/Greek writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn through plants and flowers across 11 different garden areas, have been a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike since they launched in 2015. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, a new facility will open its doors. The 100-seater Kokoro Cultural Centre will take pride of place overlooking Tramore Bay and is designed to enhance the sense of peace, tranquillity and spiritual calm that has been attracting visitors for almost a decade. 

Enchantments in east Cork

Regular visitors to East Cork will know that there is no shortage of great family attractions – Fota Wildlife Park, Spike Island, Cork Bike Hire, Titanic Experience Cobh – to name just a few. But with a new emphasis on creating a world-class Cork Harbour Experience and several other visitor attractions, there are even more reasons to visit the area. The launch of the Youghal Greenway opens up the region for exploration on two wheels with Cork Bike Hire, while the availability of several types of vessels from Cork Harbour Boat Hire is perfect for those with sturdy sea legs.

Whiskey lovers will be delighted to know that the Midleton Distillery Experience has recently been improved and revamped to offer even more to its existing tours, including premium whiskey tasting, cocktail-making classes, cask opening experiences and a peep behind-the-scenes. 

The wonders of Wicklow

It may be known as the “garden of Ireland”, but there is more to Wicklow than beautiful woodlands, nature trails and rolling green hills. On the doorstep of Dublin, the county has an array of places to visit, including Powerscourt with its scenic gardens, waterfall and distillery; the treetop walkway, tunnel and viewing tower at Avondale Forest Park; and the magic of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland – Kilmacurragh, which is particularly spectacular during Rhododendron Week in April.

Natural beauty abounds at Glendalough, with its magnetic glacial valley and monastic site, but a new guided walk with Gallivanting is perfect for uncovering the history, legends and lore of this sacred site. For something completely different, drop into Wicklow Way Wines and enjoy a tour and tasting at this small working winery, which produces Irish strawberry, blackberry and raspberry wines. 

Lots more to see in Laois

Nestled between five counties, Laois may be tucked away, but it has a lot to offer visitors looking to explore destinations away from the usual tourist trails. 

With a planned upgrade to the Barrow Blueway, the 46km off-road, accessible public space along the river is ideal for anyone looking for a peaceful hike. As well as opportunities to spot birds and wildlife, the trail also passes through several towns, ensuring that walkers have several pitstops for a cup of tea or a pint of the black stuff along the way. 

Cyclists will also benefit from new developments as the Slieve Bloom Mountains will see the development of 72km of bike tracks across the county and into neighbouring Offaly. Enhancements are also planned for the 9th-century fort of the Rock of Dunmanse, which will see an upgrade to facilities, car park and visitor interpretation.  

Welcome to Thoroughbred Country

Along with Tipperary, Kildare has a global reputation for being a centre for all things equestrian – with some of the world’s best trainers, breeders and, indeed, horses located across the two counties. The history and heritage of its involvement in the industry have led to the development of a global centre for Thoroughbred Tourism, which will allow visitors to take a look at what goes on behind the scenes of this somewhat exclusive industry. 

There will be 21 new experiences to book; most are already open, with the rest due to launch in the coming months.

Kildare is also the home of the only dedicated museum to Ernest J Shackleton, one of the pioneers of polar exploration. And having been closed for extensive refurbishment, the Shackleton Museum in Athy will reopen in June 2025. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour, as well as a replica of the Antarctic hut and the cabin where Shackleton slept during his final journey to the South Pole. 

Take a hike

Everyone loves to get out and about and explore, particularly when it involves easy terrain with beautiful scenery. So, the extension of Carlingford Lough Greenway in Louth and a new 25km Greenway connecting Monaghan town and Clones will delight many visitors to the region. 

Tipperary has also been working hard to create more walkways, including the 7km Littleton Labyrinth Bog Walk, which goes through some of Ireland’s most diverse bogland, and the 115km St Declan’s Way Pilgrim Trail from Ardmore in Waterford to The Rock of Cashel.