This part of Ireland is packed full of charming places and unforgettable experiences where you’ll hear legends and stories from ancient times to present day. Take a holiday here and you’ll find yourself surrounded by history, culture, festivals and fun, and that’s not to mention the very friendly locals and a plethora of traditional food, drink and merriment on offer.

The whole area includes 11 counties so you are sure of a wonderful variety of holiday cottages in Ireland’s Ancient East. You can be near the coast or more rural, have an enclosed garden if taking young children or pets, a private hot tub or part of our luxury collection, the choice really is yours. County Carlow boasts mountains, glorious countryside and river valleys, County Kildare is horse mad and where many world class champions are bred. County Kilkenny is known for its medieval monastic ruins as is County Meath, north of Dublin, which boasts Neolithic Bruna Boinne in the Boyne Valley.

In counties North and South Tipperary you need to stay a while to take it all in with hidden gems, fabulous walking, adventure and the famous Butler Trail taking you around Cahir, Carrick on Suir and Clonmel. In the very heart of Ireland is County Offaly with unspoilt tracts of wilderness, bogland, a mountain park, hills and deep wooded valleys.

County Waterford maybe most famous for its crystal but the city is the oldest in Ireland and still a busy port, well worth a visit and don’t miss Lishmore Gardens. In Westmeath popular attractions include Fore Abbey and Belvedere House and venture to County Wexford for a stunning coastline with fabulous beaches at Curracloe and Rosslar. Wexford, is known for its medieval lanes and modern National Opera House.

Just south of Dublin is County Wicklow which boasts a stunning Irish Sea coast, magnificent country estates and the 80 mile long Wicklow Way. You’ll pass through the Wicklow Mountains National Park with glacial lakes and rivers and Glendalough, the remains of an early medieval monastic settlement.

Wherever you decide to go the best bay to make the most of this magical area is to stay in a self-catering cottage rental in Ireland’s Ancient East which will give you the freedom to do exactly what you want when you want.