LEINSTER COUNTIES

Welcome to the Province of Leinster.

Located mainly on the eastern seaboard of Ireland its boasts probably more ancient monuments than any other province in Ireland.
In Neolithic times c: 3500 bc the major burial mounds were built at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, whilst the inauguration site for the High Kings of Ireland was located close by at Tara
Dublin the capital city is only a short distance to the south and was formed into a major trading city by the Norsemen after they arrived in Dubhlinn in 837 ad and was developed by many invaders, each contributing their varying cultures to what we see today. One would say that it is now a Georgian city but developing fast since Independence in 1922.
As a capital city it contains many fine centres worthy of visiting eg. Dublin Castle, National Library and Museum, Trinity College ( see the Book of Kells ) , many many fine pubs, and eateries, the Guinness Hop Store and Dublin's '' Latin Quarter '' Temple Bar and more.
Continuing south into the mountainy terrain of County Wicklow, stop offs on the way include Victorian Seaside Bray, Powerscourt, Wiklo town, and onto the Monastic City of Glendalough.
Glendalough is the jewel in the Crown of Leinster, set in a valley with two lakes of breathtaking beauty and containing a well preserved Round Tower, monks church's and ancient graves . The monastic settlement dates from around the 6th cent. There is an excellent guide centre and plenty of Car parking. Park and walk , Brilliant !
Further into the wild mountains to the valley of Glenmalure , scene of one of the most famous battles in Irish history when Feagh macHugh O'Byrne beat the forces of the Crown in 1580 ad.