Ireland's purest countryside is right outside Dublin's door. Rolling fields of the greenest grass and bogs give way to castles and cathedrals. The villages and friendly people enhance the area's old-world charm.

Castletown House, County Kildare

One of the splendid highlights of County Kildare, the Castletown House (01 628 8252, www.heritageireland.ie and www.castletown.ie) was built in 1722–25 in true Palladian form. Drafted and overseen by Alessandro Galilei for William Connolly, the variegated highlights are the Print Room, the Rococo stuccowork of the Staircase Hall, the Long Gallery, and the Red Drawing Room. The grounds include an obelisk, which are viewable from the gallery, while the “Wonderful Barn” with encircling spiral staircase sits off the main property. Located off the M4 in Celbridge. Days and hours of operation vary throughout the year. Access is via guided tour only. Admission 3.50/4.50.

Moon High Cross, Co. Kildare

Another highlight in County Kildare often skipped by travelers is a visit to the Moon High Cross, the remains of a cross that is 5 meters (17 feet) high, displaying Celtic art alongside biblical carvings. Founded by Saint Columba and located just outside the town of Moone off the N9, the eighth-century monument was an early Christian monastery. The high cross depicts the stories of Daniel, Adam and Eve, and the Crucifixion, among others.

Off the same road, you will also find the Irish Pewtermill (059 862 4164), which is worth a stop. The place has a nice showroom display, reprints, and elucidations of the Moon High Cross depictions, and handsome pewter ware for sale. You can watch the artisans at work if you arrive early enough. Open Monday–Friday, 10 A.M.–4:30 P.M.; Saturday–Sunday, 11 A.M.–4 P.M. Admission free.

Larchill Arcadian Gardens, County Kildare

A real treat for families, the Larchill Arcadian Gardens (01 628 7354, www.larchill.ie) are a fully restored ornamental farm with available trail walks, scenic views, and an adventure playground to boot. In the summer, enjoy archery lessons, theater presentations, and falconry displays. The lake highlighted by the two mock-Gothic ruins is a real treat, as is the restaurant serving lunchtime treats, including ice cream. Located in Kilcock. Days and hours of operation vary throughout the year. Admission 5.50–6.50/7.50.

Dunmore Cave, County Kilkenny

Located outside Kilkenny City, the signage leading to Dun-more Cave (056 776 7726, www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-East/DunmoreCave) is a testament to the popularity of this sight over the last few years. The limestone caverns are accessible only via an informational guided tour. The cave was the site of a massacre by Godfrey and the Vikings in 928 in which over 1,000 people were killed. Naturally partitioned into three sections, some of which are impressively adorned with stalagmites. Located off the N78 in Bally-foyle. Days and hours of operation vary throughout the year. Admission 1.50–2.50/3.

Monastic Sights, County Kilkenny

One can only imagine a historical area such as Kilkenny having some of the most impressive medieval, cloistral sights awaiting discovery. Both the Duiske and Jerpoint Abbeys, which housed Cistercian practitioners, have been carefully restored in an attempt to match their former glory.

Duiske Abbey, County Kilkenny

Located in the hard-to-pronounce town of Graiguenamanagh, the fine Duiske Abbey (059 972 4238) was established by William Marshall for the Cistercians as early as 1207. Fully restored in the 1970s, the priory has undergone various facelifts over the years and remains today Ireland's best-kept abbey of this more-strict Benedictine branch. The figure of the thirteenth-century Knight of Duiske is preserved in the entranceway of the parish. Within are two granite high crosses that have been brought in from the outdoors to protect them from the weather. The visitor center is worth investigation. Open daily at 8 A.M.

Jerpoint Abbey, County Kilkenny

Just outside of Thomastown, Jerpoint Abbey (056 772 4623) was founded as early as 1158 for the Benedictines but later used by the Cistercians in 1180. Jerpoint passed to the Earl of Ormand following the Dissolution of the Monasteries during King Henry VIII's rule. The cloister sits atop effigies of highly regarded saints and knights. Moreover, tombs of the most worthy have been enshrined throughout the church. Open March–October, daily, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; November–February, daily, 10 A.M.–4 P.M. Closed during the Christmas period. Admission 1.50–2.50/3.

Kells Priory, County Kilkenny

Located on the outskirts of the charming town of Kells, the Kells Priory (056 772 4558) was founded in 1193 by Augustinian priests. Sitting off on its own, the grounds are open for exploration, although group tours are available by appointment. The church is composed of an altar area and nave; the structure itself is topped with a square tower. In addition, the 2 hectares (5 acres) were at one time heavily fortified. You can walk around the grounds and spot the remains of old living quarters and a kitchen. Located outside of Kilkenny on the R699 with signage to Kells. From town, follow the Stonyford Road. Open daily. Admission free.

The Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

With the sobriquet of “St. Patrick's Rock,” the Rock of Cashel (062 61 437, www.cashel.ie) tops many a visitor's vote for Ireland's most impressive site. More than just a “big rock,” the craggy outcrop has a magnificent cathedral, tower, and chapel tucked into its middle. Once visited by Saint Patrick, who converted King Aenghus c. 450, the Rock represents a powerful succession of rule of kings who claimed it as their own. It was first settled by a clan from Wales who were victorious in ruling much of Munster. Later, it survived total destruction by Cromwellian forces, and what remains is a complex amalgam of history, lore, and stunning artifacts.

Before heading up to the Rock, gander around the engaging BrúBorúHeritage Centre (062 61 122) and Sounds of History Museum located near the car park. Authentic Irish music is presented here daily; the summer brings evening alfresco performances that cannot be beat. There is also a restaurant and gift shop on site. Open daily, 9 A.M.–5 P.M. Admission to center free, 4/6 museum.

A tour of the Rock of Cashel will include these highlights:

St. Patrick's Cross and Cormac's Chapel: The once-formidable St. Patrick's Cross bears a carving of the saint. While this replica must withstand the winds, the real cross is now housed in the museum. Just nearby, Cormac's Chapel, constructed from 1127 to 1134, is adorned with Romanesque features (the first of its kind in Ireland) and displays a centaur donning a helmet and preparing his bow for battle. The church is highly decorated both inside and out, with several motifs interacting simultaneously displaying the church's influences from abroad.

Gothic Cathedral: Missing a roof, yet still impressively intact, the cathedral is unique in that the choir section is larger than the nave. This was most likely due to the cathedral's positioning when built. The north wing of the cross-shaped, transept interior is aligned with sixteenth-century tombs with anomalous animal engravings.

Round Tower: Constructed about the same time as Cormac's Chapel, the Round Tower, used primarily as a lookout point and for the storage of religious treasures, was once ruined after being struck by lightning.

Essential

The Gothic cathedral contains many secrets. These include secret passages and deep walls, not to mention a “leper's squint,” where those socially denied conventional service rites could still partake in Mass. Additionally, the grave of Miler Magrath, known as the “Scoundrel of Cashel,” is here, since he converted to Catholicism on his deathbed.

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