South East Ireland tourist information
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Hotels in Ireland South-East
The South-East region of Ireland comprises the counties of Wexford, Carlow,
Kilkenny, Waterford and the southern half of Tipperary.
This is an area of contrasts, from the soft lush coasts of Waterford and Wexford
through the agricultural heartlands of Tipperary and Carlow to the rich Norman
heritage of Kilkenny.
A circular tour of this region might start at Rosslare ferry port. From here
head west towards Waterford, taking the ferry from Ballyhack to Passage East, or
take the main N25 via Newbawn, through New Ross with its Dutch-style houses.
Waterford, home to the famous crystal glass works, is worth a longer stay. The
town is attractively situated on the river Suir and its compact centre is home
to a number of excellent restaurants, and most nights there'll be a bar
featuring local musicians.
The coast west of Waterford is a mixture of pretty resort towns like Tramore,
largely untouched coastline with fine beaches around Stradbally, and small
fishing villages like Dungarvan.
Heading north towards Tipperary takes you via Clonmel, close to the lovely
Knockmealdown Mountains, to the town of Cahir, dominated by a spectacular castle
dating from the 13th century. Further north still is the peaceful countryside
centred on Dundrum. The Slieve Phelim Hills are excellent for walking, with
delightful woodland trails. Several rivers flow through the neighbouring Golden
Valley, offering anglers many possibilities.
(image from Waterford
Farm Accomodation)
Returning eastwards, you can stay either in Kilkenny, considered by many to be
the most cultured town in the Republic outside Dublin, or nearby Ballyfoyle, a
real country hide-away, close to the famous Dunmore Cave. Carlow, on the border
of County Wicklow, is home to the Browne's Hill Dolmen, believed to have the
largest capstone in Europe.
The drive back to Rosslare is via Enniscorthy, an attractive hilly town on the
river Slaney. A few miles further south brings you to pretty Wexford town, home
every October to a world-famous opera festival. (Image from
www.countywexford.com)
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