The East and Dublin

East & Dublin

Feast your senses on bewitching scenery, fantastic city life, sensational sporting events and compelling historical sights

The Merrion Hotel
Molly Malone Statue
Christchurch Cathedral
Japanese Gardens, Kildare

From left to right: The Merrion Hotel, Molly Malone Statue, Christchurch Cathedral, Japanese Gardens, Kildare

The Republic’s capital city, Dublin, lies at the heart of a region that enchants the visitor with a selection of fascinating historical monuments, beautiful natural scenery, thrilling sporting events, and unspoiled lakes, rivers and stretches of coastline. 

Dublin is usually the first port of call for visitors and this energetic, youthful city pulsates with a compelling mix of history, culture, hip bars and pubs, elegant architecture, great shopping and some of the country’s most sophisticated restaurants. Cosmopolitan and diverse, Dublin is now one of Europe’s top urban hotspots. 

Beyond Dublin, the East of Ireland tells a different story with the counties of Cavan, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Meath, Monaghan, Westmeath and Wicklow offering a contrasting slice of life. This region is famed for its rich natural charms, ancient sites of Newgrange and Clonmacnoise, top golfing and world-renowned horseracing. The county of Kildare, in particular, is home to some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds and the 2006 Ryder Cup. 

But what really defines the East is the unspoiled countryside. With glistening lakes, tranquil rivers, authentic rural life, scenic pastureland, rolling hills and forest parks, this area is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts with cycling, watersports, walking, angling, golfing, horseriding and cruising all in plentiful supply.

What's On

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Bloomsday in Bray

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

The official opening of Bloomsday in Bray begins at 1 Martello Terrace, the childhood home of James Joyce, with a reading from his...

Fighting Cancer Triathlon

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

Formerly the Tri-To-Beat Cancer triathlon, the Fighting Cancer Triathlon will take place this year on Saturday 16th of June 2012....

Traditional Haymaking Festival

17 Jun 2012 - 17 Jun 2012

Trim Haymaking Festival is a family participation festival celebrating & promoting our culture in art, crafts, music, song &...

Docklands Fun Run - 8KM

19 Jun 2012 - 19 Jun 2012

The 8km Fun Run will Start /Finish in the Grand Canal Dock. The Race is held on a flat course, on closed roads, on a circular...

Midsummer's 10K Run

20 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012

Now in its third year, the hugely successful 10K Midsummer's Run around Killruddery House & Gardens attracted 400 participants in...

Destination Sport Mullingar Festival of Sports

21 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

The Destination Sport Mullingar Festival of Sport 2012 from 21st to 24th June will provide many opportunities for public...

Shannonbridge Midsummer's Music Festival

21 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

"Shannonbridge Midsummer's Music Festival is an intimate music and arts festival located in wonderful settings by the River...

Shannonbridge & Clonmacnoise Midsummer Music Festival

21 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

Intimate Music Festival set in wonderful indoor and outdoor locations. Lots of concerts, kids workshops, and great entertainment.

Dublin 8K Pride Run

22 Jun 2012 - 22 Jun 2012

Dublin Front Runners Frontrunners Athletic Club (DFR) will launch the inaugural Dublin 8km Pride Run in June 2012 as part of the...

Sean nós Mid Summer Fest

22 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

Éigse Uí Ghramhnaigh, Sean nós Fest. Athboy, Co Meath only 11km from the Heritage town of Trim. The promotion of traditional...

Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival

22 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Big and bright, the Dublin Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Festival is one of the largest festivals in...

Drogheda Samba Festival

22 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

In its 19th year, the Drogheda Samba Festival is a weekend of Samba, Latin and African music and dance with street and indoor...

Festival of the Mountain

24 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

Family fun day out with something for everyone, Queen & King of the Mountain, Glamarous Grany, Bonny Baby U1, U2, U3, Dog Show,...

Round Ireland Yacht Race

24 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

First run in 1980, the Round Ireland Yacht Race has established itself as one of the most challenging International Offshore...

Racing at Kilbeggan Racecourse June 25th

25 Jun 2012 - 25 Jun 2012

With the distinction of being the only racecourse in Ireland where horse racing is over jumps under National Hunt rules, and with...

Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival

30 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival is the most prestigious event in the horse racing calendar in Ireland and one of the high...

Waterways Ireland triAthlone

30 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012

Waterways Ireland triAthlone is happening again in 2012. Why not come along this June and be part of it. The Waterways Ireland...

Carlingford Adventure Centre Summer Camp

01 Jul 2012 - 26 Aug 2012

Carlingford Adventure Centre is a hive of activity during July & August with Ireland's best outdoor adventure summer camps for...

11th Annual Laois Walks Festival

01 Jul 2012 - 29 Jul 2012

The Annual Laois Walks Festival is a unique month long looped walks festival featuring walks in a variety of terrains including...

Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre's Adventure Summer Camp 2012

02 Jul 2012 - 24 Aug 2012

Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre is organising weeklong summer camps for 9-16 year olds during July & August. The multi-activity...

Causey Farm Experience

02 Jul 2012 - 31 Aug 2012

Come along to the Causey Farm Experience for 3 and a half hours of fun and learning on the farm. There's something for everyone,...

Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge

07 Jul 2012 - 07 Jul 2012

Carlingford Lough Endurance Challenge traverses the local Cooley Mountains and navigates Carlingford Lough. Competitors mountain...

Mullingar Agricultural Show

08 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

Mullingar Agricultural Show celebrates the best in farming, rural interests & country living and attracts entries from across...

Plant Fair at Tullynally Castle

08 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

This Plant Fair is a first time visit by the Irish Specialist Nurseries Association to one of Ireland's most splendid historic...

Streete Parish Park Vintage Festival

08 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

The Streete Parish Park Vintage Day recognised as one of the largest Vintage Rally's in the country with a selection of cars,...

Dublin Bay 2012 - ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship

12 Jul 2012 - 21 Jul 2012

Over the years the ISAF Youth Worlds has been to Denmark, Brazil, Turkey and Croatia to name a few. For its 42nd Edition the next...

Muckno Mania Festival

12 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

The Muckno Mania Festival held in Castleblayney is a family fun weekend targeting all ages. The festival programme includes a...

Midlands Home and Garden Festival

13 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

Returning for the sixth year at Belvedere, the hugely popular Midlands Home and Garden Festival offers great value for shopping;...

Arklow Seabreeze Festival

13 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

Arklow Seabreeze Festival offers top class live entertainment, local talents, eye popping spectacles and the best festival...

Leinster GAA Hurling Championship Final

15 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

Leinster GAA Hurling Championship Final is an integral part of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship with the winners of...

ALMC Motor Club Stages Rally

15 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

The exciting world of Stage Rallying comes to the roads of Meath and Louth in July, as the CityNorth Hotel sponsored ALMC Motor...

Samuel Beckett Summer School

15 Jul 2012 - 20 Jul 2012

Samuel Beckett Summer School Trinity College Dublin is honoured to present the second Samuel Beckett Summer School, an annual...

Beginner BBQ Evening, Interview with Top Jockeys & Trainers Wednesday 25 July

18 Jul 2012 - 25 Jul 2012

Top class racing, fabulous entertainment and superb facilities is a combination that guarantees you are on to a winner. First race...

Street Performance World Championship

19 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT OVER 2 MAGICAL WEEKENDS THIS JULY The Street Performance World Championship is taking a hop, skip and...

Hilltown New Music Festival

20 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Now in its fifth edition, the Hilltown New Music festival includes an exciting line-up of Irish and international artists awaiting...

Loughcrew Garden Opera

20 Jul 2012 - 21 Jul 2012

Loughcrew Opera set in a fully decorated marquee located in beautiful gardens. The magic of the Loughcrew Opera is something you...

25th Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival Silver Jubilee

21 Jul 2012 - 27 Jul 2012

The Hopkins Literary Festival attracts participants from all over the world. Important writers from various countries will include...

Open Water Swimming Event

21 Jul 2012 - 21 Jul 2012

Openwaterswimming.ie will be holding one of its nationwide swim league events from the grounds of Bloomfield House Hotel in the...

Bray Summerfest Air Spectacular

22 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along the East Coast for the country's largest free air show – the Air...

Leinster GAA Football Championship Final

22 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

The Leinster GAA Football Championship Final sees the two finalists, who have qualified through a straight knock-out system, do...

Ossory Agricultural Show

22 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

The Ossory Show was founded in 1898. The showground is located in Rathdowney, County Laois, in the heart of Ireland.

Antiques and More!

22 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Dealers from around Ireland selling a wide range of antiques and collectors items, plus vintage fashion, fine art and more.

Darley Irish Oaks Weekend

22 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Darley Irish Oaks Weekend is one of the highlights of the summer's busy horse racing calendar featuring top class racing over two...

Le Cheile Arts & Music Festival

27 Jul 2012 - 30 Jul 2012

Celebrating the cream of Irish talent, both musical and artistic, Le Cheile Arts & Music Festival 2012 will celebrate its 15th...

Summer Canoe Paddle

28 Jul 2012 - 28 Jul 2012

Enjoy a Summer Canoe Paddle with Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre. Have a fun morning or afternoon canoe paddle along the Dromore...

WAR: Wicklow Adventure Race – Glenmalure

28 Jul 2012 - 28 Jul 2012

Starting in Glenmalure valley this adventure will take you through Wicklow iconic landscape, cycling over the Shay Elliott and...

Sandymount Beach Tag Festival

28 Jul 2012 - 28 Jul 2012

2012 will be the 4th time ITRA has run a Beach Tag tournament in Sandymount and each year it growing bigger and becoming more...

County Longford Show and Country Fair

28 Jul 2012 - 28 Jul 2012

The only agricultural show and fair in County Longford, now in its 110th year. A day where urban and rural come together to...

Irish Draught National Breed Show

28 Jul 2012 - 28 Jul 2012

The Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association National Show is a great opportunity to see some of our native breed of horses at...

Belturbet Festival Of The Erne

28 Jul 2012 - 09 Aug 2012

The Festival of the Erne is well known as one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region and 2012 will hosts a programme...

Joe Dolan Mullingar Festival

03 Aug 2012 - 06 Aug 2012

The Joe Dolan Festival returns to Mullingar in 2012. A midsummer mix of Concerts, Theatre Shows, Dancing, Family Entertainment and...

Castle Palooza Festival

03 Aug 2012 - 05 Aug 2012

Castlepalooza Music and Arts Festival is held in Charleville Castle, on one of the most picturesque festival sites in Ireland. The...

Americana & Roots Weekend

03 Aug 2012 - 06 Aug 2012

Last year saw the 2nd Greystones Americana and Roots Festival take place in 10 different locations in Greystones town. Bluegrass...

Ladies Irish Open 2012

03 Aug 2012 - 05 Aug 2012

Prepare to be enchanted when Europe's finest battle it out to see who will be crowned Queen of Killeen Castle at the Ladies Irish...

Destination Sport Mullingar The Ultimate World Strongman Team Event

05 Aug 2012 - 06 Aug 2012

Destination Sport Mullingar will host for the first time, a televised World Strongman team event that will bring together 16...

Tinahely Agricultural Show

06 Aug 2012 - 06 Aug 2006

A family day out, catering for all. Trade stands, exhibitions, dog show, horse and pony show jumping and other competitions. Enjoy...

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2012

10 Aug 2012 - 20 Aug 2012

As Cavan comes alive once again for the 2012 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, traditional music undoubtedly takes centre stage – but...

Carlingford Oyster Festival

11 Aug 2012 - 12 Aug 2012

Carlingford Oyster Festival includes the oyster pearl hunt, world crab fishing contest, street entertainment, oyster tent, food...

Tullamore Show

12 Aug 2012 - 12 Aug 2012

Tullamore & AIB National Livestock Show is a family event which attracts large attendances both regional and international. It is...

Dublin Horse Show

15 Aug 2012 - 19 Aug 2012

The Dublin Horse Show is an institution not to be missed! It is a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse, with the best...

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Map CAVAN DUBLIN KILDARE LAOIS LONGFORD LOUTH MEATH MONAGHAN OFFALY EAST WESTMEATH WICKLOW OFFALY ANTRIM ARMAGH DONEGAL DOWN FERMANAGH LONDONDERRY TYRONE CARLOW CLARE CORK GALWAY KERRY KILKENNY LEITRIM LIMERICK MAYO OFFALY WEST ROSCOMMON SLIGO TIPPERARY NORTH TIPPERARY SOUTH WATERFORD WEXFORD

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Did you know?

The Hill of Tara is one of the most ancient stretches of land in Europe with passage tombs and burial mounds dating back over 4,000 years.