Ireland's Ancient East

Step into a land where time stands still and stories live on - welcome to Ireland’s Ancient East, a captivating region rich in heritage, myth, and timeless beauty. Situated in the coastal town of Balbriggan, just north of Dublin and minutes from the sea, the Bracken Court Hotel offers an exceptional base from which to explore this extraordinary region.

Ireland’s Ancient East, developed by Fáilte Ireland, invites travellers to journey through more than 5,000 years of history. With a landscape dotted with mystic tombs, medieval castles, early Christian monastic ruins, and grand estates, this unique trail weaves through 17 counties and tells the stories of saints and scholars, war and rebellion, and the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms.

From the Bracken Court Hotel, you are perfectly positioned to visit some of the most iconic and fascinating destinations in the Ancient East.

The Boyne Valley, just 30 minutes away, is home to the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, which includes Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth - Neolithic passage tombs older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Explore the dramatic ruins of Monasterboice, with its impressive high crosses and ancient round tower.

Wander through the halls of Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, famously featured in the film Braveheart.

Stroll the exquisite grounds of Ardgillan Castle, overlooking the Irish Sea, or enjoy the lush parklands of Malahide Castle, one of Ireland’s oldest inhabited castles.

Dive into Ireland’s turbulent past at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where one of the most defining moments in Irish and British history took place.

When your day’s adventures are complete, return to the warmth and charm of the Bracken Court Hotel. With elegant rooms, award-winning dining, and a friendly, welcoming team, it is the ideal haven to unwind, reflect, and prepare for the next day’s discoveries.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply someone seeking the soul of Ireland, the Bracken Court Hotel is more than a place to stay - it’s the doorway to a timeless world waiting to be uncovered.