Around Dublin travel guide
Located to the northwest of Dublin, County Meath was the terrain of the pagan High Kings of Ireland and is known as the Royal county. The ancient seat of the rulers was the Hill of Tara. To the south of Dublin, County Wicklow possesses both scenic spots such as Powerscourt Estate and a savage beauty that equals the west of the island. No wonder the county is known as the "garden of Ireland". County Kildare, to the west of the capital, is the location of the prehistoric site of Newgrange and has plenty to offer horse-racing fans.
Places to visit around Dublin
Glendalough
This beautiful monastic settlement contains ruins dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Read more...
Powerscourt Estate
An imposing 18th-century stately home, with magnificent Italianate landscaped grounds and a backdrop of mountain scenery. Read more...
Newgrange
tel: 041-988 0300
Newgrange is a Unesco World Heritage site, one of Europe’s most important prehistoric clusters. Access to the burial mounds at Newgrange and Knowth is solely by tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Newgrange is the only monument where access is allowed to the interior passage and chamber – the latter is aligned so that the rising sun sends in a shaft of light at the winter solstice (entry to the chamber for that occasion is by lottery). Built around 3,200 BC, Newgrange is several hundred years older than the Pyramids, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge. The sites are busy in summer. Go early in the day, or visit by guided tour bus from Dublin, to guarantee entry to the mound.
Kildare
Kildare, once known for its stud farms and lush green pastures, is now also a dormitory county for Dublin. Quiet country towns and villages have sprouted apartment and housing developments. Despite all this, the county still breeds some of the best horses in the world, and preserves some very grand houses too.
If Newgrange is your bag then read about more of Ireland's stunning ancient sites
Read more from the travel guide to Ireland
