East Ireland

 
Hero Image

Vacation Packages

The Eastern Coast of Ireland

Click for Deals

The landscape of East Ireland is something out of a history book. Along the rugged coastline are port cities with Viking influences dating back to 800 AD. Amongst the rolling hills and sprawling region are reminders of civilizations long before our time. Explore your heritage and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry that you'll only find in East Ireland.

East Ireland Hotels

BrookLodge & Macreddin Villageimage
 
Carton Houseimage
 
Faithlegg Hotelimage
 
Granville Hotelimage
 
Mount Juliet Estate, Autograph Collectionimage
 
Pembroke Kilkennyimage
 

More About East Ireland

Overview

County Kilkenny

Located in the southeast corner of Ireland is the landlocked County Kilkenny. Ancient ruins and medieval fortifications are famous points-of-interest. Some notable highlights include Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice's Cathedral, Rothe House, and Black Abbey.

County Meath

To the north of Dublin is County Meath. Known as the Royal County, Meath was the former seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Within the region are ancient archeological treasures. Some top places to visit include Trim Castle, Brú na Bóinne, Loughcrew Cairns, and Kells.

County Waterford

To the south of County Wexford is the coastal County Waterford. The town of Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland. Founded in 914 AD by the Vikings, the ancient fortification walls along with Reginald's Tower date back to the 10th-century. Recently, the Viking site of Woodstown was discovered near Waterford making it the largest settlement found outside of Scandinavia. Some exciting attractions in County Waterford include Lismore Castle, The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, and the Viking Triangle.

County Wexford

Located along the southern coast of Ireland, County Wexford holds some ancient gems. Relics from the Neolithic period through the Bronze Age have been found throughout the region. A few notable points of interest include Hook Lighthouse, the Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford Town, the Kennedy Homestead, and Selskar Abbey.

County Wicklow

County Wicklow is considered the Garden of Ireland. With its beautiful scenery, beaches, and outdoor activities, it's easy to see why it's a popular stop for tourists. You can spend a few days exploring the trails at Wicklow Mountains National Park or drive the coastline through towns like Bray and Greystones.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Top Experiences

  • County Kilkenny : Top Experiences

  • Black Abbey : The Abbey is home to the Rosary Window, the largest stained glass window in Ireland.

  • Dunmore Cave : Open to the public and known for its archaeological discoveries.

  • Jerpoint Abbey : Constructed in 1180. Notable for its stone carvings and declared a National Monument in 1880.

  • Kells Priory : A National Monument, its most striking feature is the collection of medieval tower houses spaced along the fortified walls.

  • Kilkenny Castle : Constructed in 1195, the castle is open to tours and the surrounding gardens and park areas are open to the public.

  • Rothe House : The 16th-century townhouse in Kilkenny, this historic building is renowned for its existing post-medieval features and English Renaissance architecture.

  • St. Canice's Cathedral : A Gothic-style cathedral built in the 13th-century.

  • St. Mary's Cathedral : Constructed in 1857 from locally sourced limestone, St. Mary's Cathedral houses a sculpture of the Madonna by Giovanni Maria Benzoni.

  • County Meath : Top Experiences

  • Hill of Tara : A National Monument near Skyrne with monuments dating back to the Neolithic period.

  • Kells : A town in County Meath known for the site of Kells Abbey and the Book of Kells.

  • Loughcrew Cairns : Ancient historic site home to a group of megalithic tombs.

  • Brú na Bóinne : Home to Neolithic passage tombs dating more than 5,000 years old.

  • County Waterford : Top Experiences

  • Lismore Castle : The Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire, the interior of the castle is not open to the public, but the gardens around the castle are open to the public.

  • Loftus Hall : Thought to be Ireland's most haunted house.

  • Reginald's Tower : Remnants of an ancient defense system, Reginald's Tower is the oldest civic building in Ireland.

  • The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark : A designated shoreline comprised of cliffs, coves, and sea stacks.

  • Waterford Crystal : Located on The Mall in Waterford, the House of Waterford holds the world's most extensive collection of Waterford Crystal.

  • County Wexford : Top Experiences

  • Hook Lighthouse : One of the oldest lighthouses in the world.

  • Irish National Heritage Park : A 35-acre home to 16 archaeological and historical reconstructions.

  • Kennedy Homestead : The birthplace of Patrick Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's great-grandfather.

  • Selskar Abbey : Medieval ruins of a 12th-century Abbey.

  • Vinegar Hill : Location of Ireland's 1798 Rebellion.

  • County Wicklow : Top Experiences

  • Glendalough Cathedral : Stone ruins of a 6th-century settlement.

  • Powerscourt House and Gardens : An 18th-century estate known for its manicured landscape, themed gardens and water features.

  • Wicklow Gaol : 18th-Century prison and a popular stop for ghost hunters.

  • Wicklow Mountains National Park : The National Park features a 50,000-acre reserve with lakes, forests and walking trails.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Rental Cars

rental car logo

Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 61-715600
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 1 605-7500
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), 8
Telephone: (353) 1-605-7501
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Avis at the rental location.


rental car logo

Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 061-704914
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 01-8445848
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L 1
Telephone: (353) 01-8366577
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Enterprise at the rental location.