Ireland's East Coast Road Trip: Meath, Wicklow & Wexford Itinerary

Meath, Wicklow, and Wexford sit in a neat line down Ireland's east coast, which makes them easy to link together by car. Between the three you get ancient history that predates the pyramids, mountain scenery, lakes, and a coastline that finishes with some of the best seafood in the country. Most people do this in 3 to 5 days depending on how much they want to linger.

(Alternatively, check out Ireland's West, North, or South)

Meath

Where History Runs Deep

County Meath is the first stop. The best way to see it is to rent a car and follow the Boyne Valley Drive, which links up most of the key stops. First on the list is Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and prehistoric passage tomb that's older than the Egyptian pyramids. The carved stones and the way the chamber lights up during the winter solstice are genuinely impressive, even if you're not usually into history. From there, head to the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. It's a simple enough site on the surface, just grassy mounds and monuments on a hilltop, but the views are great and the history runs deep. Before you leave Meath, try to fit in Trim Castle and the Loughcrew Cairns as well. Both are worth the detour.

Breakfast: Arthur's Place
Coffee: Gulp Coffee
Dinner: Newbarn Farm & The Donkey Shed
Wildcard activity: Emerald Park

Wicklow

Mountains, Lakes, and Monastic Ruins

County Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland, and Glendalough is the highlight. It's an ancient monastic settlement tucked into the Wicklow Mountains. The ruins date back to the 6th century and the setting is hard to beat. There are walking trails around the lakes that are well worth doing, even a short loop. After that, drive through Sally Gap for some of the best mountain scenery in the country. It's wide open, rugged, and quiet. On your way through, stop in Blessington, a village on the shores of Blessington Lakes. It's a great base for the area, with lovely pubs and restaurants, and the lake itself is a wonderful spot to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.

Breakfast: Flower Cup
Coffee: Brew Twenty One
Dinner: The WoodPecker Bar & Restaurant
Wildcard activity: Beyond the Trees Giant Slide

Wexford

Coastline and Seafood

County Wexford is where the coastline takes over. Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world. It sits on the edge of the Hook Peninsula and the views from the top are excellent, right out across the Irish Sea. Another must-do is the Irish National Heritage Park, where you can walk through the history of Ireland with brilliant recreations of ancient huts and dwellings, and learn how the Vikings founded Wexford, a name that comes from what they called the place, 'mudflats by the bay'. From there, head into Wexford town itself. It's a compact place with narrow streets, colourful shopfronts, and a handful of brilliant historic sites including the National Opera House and Selskar Abbey. Walk the waterfront promenade for views over Wexford Harbour, and make sure to get some fresh seafood before you wrap up the trip. It's a fitting way to end a few days on the east coast.

Breakfast: Cream Cafe
Coffee: Wexford Coffee Roasters
Dinner: Forthside Bar & Bistro
Wildcard activity: Kia Ora Mini Farm