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Kilkenny
Castle at dusk, Co. Kilkenny.
TOURISM IN LEINSTER
Leinster covers most of Ireland’s east coast,
spreading out from Dublin city like a fan. The
landscape combines rolling hills, lush grassy
valleys, rugged mountains and scenic coastlines.
The most densely populated of the four provinces,
Leinster is home to over 2.5 million people. There
is a multitude of activities, from excursions,
incredible hikes and trails to sailing, cycling and
golf. The golf clubs encompass all types of the
game: links, parkland and heathland. The K Club,
Carton House, Killeen Castle , Co. Louth and
Headfort are first class courses all within driving
distance of the capital.
The beautiful Kilkenny City is only 90 minutes from
Dublin. With its historic castle (pictured above), its
energetic cultural heritage and well-known comedy
scene, Kilkenny offers something for everyone. Golf
is high up that list, too, and this part of Leinster
has world-class golf courses such as Mount Juliet,
Carlow and the highly regarded Mount Wolseley and
Bunclody.
(EX DUBLIN)
To the south of Dublin is Co. Wicklow, known as the
‘Garden of Ireland’. Visitors will find a gorgeous mix
of rugged mountains and quaint seaside towns, the
famous Glendalough, and the spectacular Sally’s
Gap. Travelling farther south, you enter the ‘sunny
south-east’ of Co. Wexford, a popular summer
destination for thousands of people, from home and
abroad.
Elsewhere in the province, Newgrange offers visitors
the opportunity to explore one of the wonders of the
ancient world. Built around 3200BC, it is older than
both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. For horseracing
enthusiasts, a trip to the Curragh is essential.
Located in Co. Kildare, it is the Mecca for Irish horse
breeding and training.
One final, little known fact: the town of Moneygall in
Co. Offaly, is the ancestral home of President Obama,
whose great-great-great grandfather emigrated
from Ireland to the US in 1850. Located just off the
Dublin-Limerick motorway, it is easily accessible
from Dublin.