Ireland's Ancient East

Ireland’s Ancient East is Ireland's newest destination brand launched in 2015. 

Cork is part of this unique touring region, that gives visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal to an amazing 5,000 years of history.  The area has the most extensive range of built heritage in Europe including tombs older than the pyramids, historic castles, ruined abbeys and great fortresses. It’s a place where stories of monks, castles, magnificent manor houses and ancient sites live side by side with stories of conflict, famine, triumph and tragedy. Visitors can climb the steps to the top of the world’s oldest operating lighthouse or board a replica Famine ship.

In Cork there are a wealth of attractions that will appeal to visitors- you can hear the tales of our many emigrants who left from Cobh to your lands and cities in the States; Discover how Youghal and Cork were key ports. Listen to stories of trade, imprisonment and family life in the iconic Clockgate Tower in Youghal and imagine what goods and talk were exchanged down through the ages in the much loved covered indoor market of the English Market in Cork City.

But it’s not all about the past – see and feel the craft that has been refined and skills passed through the generations during Cork Craft Month. Listen to the music which is still very much part of Cork life from the Guinness Cork Jazz to the Cork International Choral festivals.

The stories you’ll hear will reveal our heritage and culture. You’ll want to stay and experience more of what is on offer across this region’s illustrious past and we warmly invite you to do so.