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Irish Historical Sites. 5 to see in Leinster

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Christchurch, Dublin. A historic church with gothic architecture, featuring arched windows and a prominent tower, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well. As finer weather continues (hopefully!), I'm getting on the road again. This week we're heading into the province of Leinster to discover some more Irish historical sites.

Once again, there's a wealth of places to choose from along with some well chosen must-haves from The Irish Store! Here's 5 of my favorites.

Lulu's Top 5 Historical Must-Sees in Leinster

1. Glendalough, County Wicklow

 

Glendalough Monastic Site, County Wicklow. A serene river flows over rocks in the foreground, with a historic round tower partially visible against a backdrop of lush green hills and a clear blue sky.
©Tourism Ireland

 

First stop County Wicklow and the tranquility and beauty of Glendalough. This magical place is a monastic site which was founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin.

The anglicized name comes from the Irish “Gleann dá Loch” meaning ‘Valley of the Two Lakes”.

Nestled in the heart of “The Garden of Ireland”, the surviving remains of the church and remarkably well preserved round tower date back to somewhere between the 10th and 12th centuries.

☘️ The Irish Store Pick

Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross. A silver Celtic cross pendant with Connemara Marble accents, set on a delicate chain. The design features intricate knotwork and ornate details, showcasing traditional Celtic artistry.

The Celtic cross is one of Ireland’s most enduring symbols, born from the same monastic tradition that gave us Glendalough.

 

Our Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross makes a beautiful keepsake of your journey through Ireland’s ancient east, or a meaningful gift for someone who loves Irish heritage. Available Here. 

2. Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. A historical stone cathedral with pointed arches and a tall central tower, surrounded by vibrant pink and red flowers in the foreground.
© Tourism Ireland

Next up we take a trip to the capital to visit one of Ireland’s oldest buildings and certainly the oldest in Dublin.

It boasts the oldest crypt in Ireland, dating back to the 12th century. The first cathedral on this site appeared in 1028 on elevated ground above the Viking settlement at Wood Quay.

 In the 19th century major renovations were undertaken, restoring the cathedral to its former Gothic glory.

Today it is a major tourist attraction with guided tours of the cathedral and crypt. The Dublinia exhibition is a fascinating journey through Dublin’s medieval history.

☘️ The Irish Store Pick

Silver Claddagh ring featuring two hands cradling a gold heart, topped with a crown. The ring has a polished finish and intricate detailing.

Dublin has always been a city of style and substance. Channel that spirit with our 10k Gold & Silver Claddagh Ring, a timeless piece rooted in Irish tradition that’s as at home on the streets of Dublin as it is anywhere in the world.

 

The Claddagh’s motto - love, loyalty, and friendship feels very fitting for a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. Available Here. 

3. Tintern Abbey, County Wexford

Tintern Abbey, County Wexford. A young couple walks along a stone wall with lush greenery and an old stone building in the background under a clear blue sky.
© Tourism Ireland

Next on our tour of Leinster we head to Tintern Abbey in County Wexford. It dates back more than 800 years and was founded by the Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall.

It takes its name from Tintern Abbey in Wales of which William was the patron. The first monks to live here came from the abbey in Wales.

After the Reformation when monasteries were dissolved, the abbey was owned by Sir James Croft and then Anthony Colclough. Lucey Marie Biddulph Colclough was the last member of the Colclough family to live there before donating the property to the Irish state.

☘️ The Irish Store Pick

Woman wearing a green Aran sweater sitting outdoors with a scenic background

The monks who built Tintern Abbey were masters of their craft. That same dedication to tradition lives on in Irish knitwear.

 

Our Traditional Crew Neck Aran Sweater is handcrafted using centuries-old stitching techniques, the perfect companion for exploring the windswept ruins of Wexford’s coastline. Available Here. 

4. Birr Castle, County Offaly

Birr Castle, County Offaly. A large, historic stone castle surrounded by lush gardens and trees, with people walking on a path in the foreground.

We stop by County Offaly now for a trip to the unforgettable Birr Castle. The first castle on this site dates as far back as 1170. It is currently the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse.

The impressive gardens are open to the public and feature 300-year-old box hedges which are the tallest in the world.

It also boasts the oldest wrought iron bridge in Ireland as well as a mammoth telescope which has been beautifully restored.

☘️ The Irish Store Pick

A man stands outdoors in a landscape of green grass and water, wearing a green tweed blazer over a dark turtleneck and waistcoat. The background features rolling hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Strolling the grand grounds of Birr Castle calls for something equally distinguished. Our Irish Tweed Sports Jacket is crafted from authentic Irish tweed, a fabric with as much history as the castle itself. Timeless, warm, and unmistakably Irish. Available Here. 

5. Newgrange, County Meath

Newgrange, County Meath. A large ancient stone mound under a partially cloudy sky, surrounded by green grass. The structure features a small entrance and appears to be a historic site.

Well we simply have to end our tour of Leinster’s must-see historical sites with a visit to the unmissable Newgrange.

Ireland’s world-famous Stone Age monument predates the Pyramids and Stonehenge by some 500 years.

The passage and chamber align with the rising sun every Winter Solstice on 21 December. A sight to behold if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket! Without doubt, the jewel in the crown of the World Heritage Site, Brú na Bóinne.

☘️ The Irish Store Pick

Connemara marble Celtic Tara brooch with intricate silver detailing, pinned to a dark green top outdoors.

Newgrange is a reminder that Ireland’s story is one of the oldest on earth. Our Connemara Marble Celtic Tara Brooch is crafted from stone that’s over 700 million years old, a little piece of ancient Ireland you can carry with you every day.

 

A truly special gift for anyone who feels the pull of this remarkable island. Available Here.

Once again thanks so much for your company. See you soon for more Irish journeys!

Take care, 

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

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Lulu O'Sullivan, Founder & CEO of The Irish Store, is a woman with wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling gently at the camera, wearing a blue top and white shirt. The background features a weathered wooden surface, suggesting an outdoor or rustic setting.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!

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