Getting Oriented
Set around Tipperary—Ireland's largest inland county—the Southeast is a vast region that stretches from the town of Carlow near the border of County Wicklow in the north to Ardmore near the border of County Cork in the south. Although main towns can be packed with camera-wielding tourists, you can easily escape the tour buses thanks to endless expanses of tranquil countryside.
- Kilkenny City. A picturesque city with a medieval castle, a lively pub scene, and quality Irish crafts.
- Thomastown. This pretty riverside village is known for Jerpoint Abbey and Mount Juliet Golf Course.
- Enniscorthy. On the road between Dublin and Wexford with an imposing Norman castle worth visiting.
- Wexford Town. A compact coastal town famous for its opera festival and beautiful Johnstown Castle Gardens.
- Rosslare. A seaside town and port for the ferry to Wales and France.
- Kilmore Quay. This quiet and pretty fishing village has thatched cottages and the Saltee Islands.
- Ballyhack. A picturesque village with a square castle keep, thatched cottages, and one of Ireland's finest country houses.
- Waterford City. Ireland's oldest city offers preserved city walls, the Waterford Crystal factory, and a fairy-tale castle.
- Tramore. The most popular beach in the "sunny Southeast."
- Dungarvan. A great base for climbers and hikers and a must-visit for the new Waterford Greenway and one of Ireland's top restaurants.
- Ardmore. A picture-postcard little town with an award-winning restaurant and a famous Irish pottery studio and shop.
- Lismore. Highlights here include the Knockmealdown Mountains and Lismore Castle and Gardens.
- Cahir. A compact and attractive town with a beautiful castle.
- Cashel. Home to one of Ireland's top attractions, the Rock of Cashel.
- Bansha. Great for mountain walking, fishing, horseback riding, and generally soaking in the Glen of Aherlow.
- Birdhill. A charming little town on the shores of Lough Derg.
