Touring Ireland’s Ancient East: Winding Roads & Timeless Tales

By Adrian Furlong, Executive Express Driver & Owner

When you’ve spent as many miles on Irish roads as I have, you start to feel the hum of history beneath the wheels. And nowhere is that feeling stronger than in Ireland’s Ancient East – a place where every hill, ruin, and quiet country lane has a story to tell.

This part of Ireland doesn’t shout. It whispers. It invites you to slow down, listen, and discover the layers of life that came before us. From ancient burial sites to medieval towns and windswept coastal paths, Ireland’s Ancient East is the perfect mix of mystery, heritage, and down-to-earth charm.

What Makes the East So Ancient?

Unlike the Wild Atlantic Way, which grabs you with its drama and cliffs, the east of Ireland draws you in gently. Here, time folds in on itself. You’ll find prehistoric tombs older than the pyramids, Viking settlements, Norman castles, and stories passed down through fireside chats and folklore.

Some of my favourite stops include:

Newgrange & the Boyne Valley – Built over 5,000 years ago, this ancient passage tomb lights up with the sunrise every winter solstice. Standing inside it, you feel a connection not just to history—but to something deeper.

Kilkenny & its Castle – A medieval city full of charm, stories, and stunning architecture. The castle, the cobbled lanes, and the lively pubs make it a must-visit.

Glendalough in Wicklow – Tucked into a serene valley, this monastic site is peaceful and powerful. I’ve seen people go quiet here – not out of reverence, but because the place seems to speak for itself.

Hook Lighthouse – The oldest operational lighthouse in the world. The sea might be calmer on the east coast, but its history is anything but.

Ancient Ringforts & Country Roads – Some of the best moments happen in between the big landmarks. A turn in the road. A conversation in a village. A pint in a pub where everyone knows someone who knows your cousin.

A Personal Journey Through the Past

Every tour I drive is a little different, especially through the Ancient East. Some guests want to chase legends – Cúchulainn, St. Patrick, or the High Kings of Tara. Others come looking for the places their ancestors might have passed through on their way to America. And many just want to feel what makes this land so special.

Whatever your story, I’ll help you weave it into Ireland’s story. With Executive Express, it’s not just about where we go – it’s how it feels to be there. It’s the craic, the quiet moments, the questions you didn’t know you had until Ireland starts to answer them.

Let’s Explore Ireland’s Ancient East Together

Whether it’s your first visit to Ireland or your fifth, the Ancient East has a way of offering something new every time. If you're ready to explore it at your own pace, in comfort and company, I’d be honoured to show you the way.

Let’s plan your private heritage tour through Ireland’s Ancient East – full of stories, songs, and soul.

Slán for now, 

Adrian

Executive Express – Private Irish Heritage Tours

From one storyteller to another, welcome home.