Southeast Ireland

Southeast Ireland is a region of Ireland with historic cities, great landscapes and beautiful beaches. It's known as the Sunny Southeast because it gets the best weather in Ireland, traditionally being the only area where wheat can reliably grown - although global climate change may alter that, especially if the North Atlantic conveyor current stops or reverses.

Regions

County Carlow (Carlow, Bagenalstown, Borris, Hacketstown, Leighlinbridge, Rathvilly, Tullow) Noted for its nature, culture, vibrant nightlife and modern amenities, a pleasant place to visit, where history and contemporary life sit side by side.

County Kilkenny (Kilkenny, Ballyragget, Callan, Castlecomer, Mooncoin, Thomastown) A county famous for its hurling team, and attractive medieval capital, Kilkenny.

County Waterford (Waterford, Dungarvan, Dunmore East, Lismore) The home of Waterford crystal and known for its beautiful beaches.

County Wexford (Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Kilmore Quay, Rosslare) Ireland's caravan and camping capital – the county is covered in caravans along the long sandy beaches that benefit from the warm and sunny climate.

Cities

• 🌍 Waterford (Port Láirge) – Ireland's oldest city. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. Many festivals take place throughout the year including Spraoi. The food is good and the Granary Museum is the best for ancient Irish history in the country. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave. (A floury bread bun peculiar to this area of Ireland)

Large towns

• 🌍 Carlow (Ceatharlach) – an attractive city that blends history and modern attractions
• 🌍 Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) – attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June
• 🌍 Wexford (Loch Garman) – Town and county in the "Sunny South-East"

Other destinations

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Heritage Ireland Sites

These sites are maintained by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A heritage card, which is valid for a year costs: adult €21, senior citizen €16, student €8, family €55.

The Heritage Sites in the south east are:

County Carlow

• Altamount Gardens. 

County Kilkenny

• 🌍 Dunmore Caves, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny (10km from Kilkenny, off the N78), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 09:30-17:00 (15:00 Nov-Feb, 18:00 Mid Jun-Mid Sept). The show cave is incredibly well developed and is a wonder to walk around. €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.  
• 🌍 Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny (2.5km west of Thomastown (N9)), ☎ [phone]. 10:00-17:00 (18:00 June-Sept, 16:00 Nov-Feb). Built in the 12th Century. It is Ireland's finest Cistercian monastic ruin with a magnificently sculptured cloister arcade. Includes visitor and exhibition centre €2.90 Adult, €1.30 Child.  
• 🌍 Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Kilkenny, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Open daily, 09:30-17:30. This stunning Norman Castle, which is the dominant feature in the city, is its principal attraction. Its huge forested gardens are beautiful to walk during the day. €6.00 Adult, €2.50 Child, Family €14.00.  
• 🌍 St. Mary's Church, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 28th May - 16th Sept: Daily 09:30-18:00. A 13th century church.  

County Waterford

• 🌍 Dungarven Castle.  

County Wexford

• Ballyahack Castle. 
• Ferns Castle. 
• 🌍 Reginald's Tower.  
• The John F Kennedy Arboretum. 
• The Wexford Wildflower Reserve. 
• 🌍 Tintern Abbey.  

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