Midlands East

The Midlands East region is an intriguing area with one of Ireland’s oldest Christian settlements, Clonmacnoise, on the banks of the Shannon. Founded in the sixth century, it is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in Irish history. This region stretches from the magnificent golden beaches of the East Coast to the majestic river Shannon in the Midlands, with some of Irelands finest heritage attractions in between. The area consists of 8 counties: Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Offaly, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow - each with its own local attractions and differences.
The countryside is a real draw for wildlife lovers and a stroll beside one of the pretty lakes or rivers makes for a memorable experience. If you’re a golfer, then you can play on some of the finest courses in the country, but it’s impossible to escape the fact that the Midlands is first and foremost Ireland’s horse country, with The Horse Museum and National Stud in County Kildare home to some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds. Walkers will definitely enjoy the Wicklow area, also known as the Garden of Ireland, with outstanding scenery – mountains, valleys, lakes and coastline. Renowned for its walking trails, The Wicklow Way is one of the most famous.