Leinster is Ireland's eastern province, home to the capital Dublin and encompassing 12 counties stretching from the rolling Wicklow Mountains to the ancient passage tombs of the Boyne Valley. It blends vibrant urban culture with prehistoric monuments, medieval castles, and some of Ireland's most dramatic coastal and mountain scenery.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Leinster.
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1
Newgrange passage tomb constructed — predates Stonehenge by 500 years and the Pyramids of Giza by 1,000 years
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2
Hill of Tara established as ceremonial seat of the High Kings of Ireland
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3
St Kevin founds monastery at Glendalough, which becomes a major pilgrimage site
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4
Vikings establish longphort (ship fort) at the confluence of the Liffey and Poddle rivers — the origin of Dublin
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5
Battle of Clontarf: Brian Boru defeats the Vikings; Brian is killed in his tent after the battle
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6
Strongbow and Norman forces land in Wexford, beginning the Norman conquest of Ireland
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7
Construction of Trim Castle begins — largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland
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8
Black Death reaches Dublin; kills up to 1/3 of Leinster's population
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9
Cromwellian conquest of Ireland — sieges of Drogheda and Wexford; mass dispossession
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10
United Irishmen rebellion led by Wolfe Tone; Battle of Vinegar Hill in Wexford; brutal suppression
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11
The Great Famine devastates Ireland; Leinster's population drops by 20–25%; mass emigration begins
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12
Easter Rising: Patrick Pearse reads the Proclamation at the GPO, O'Connell Street; Rising crushed; leaders executed at Kilmainham Gaol
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13
Irish Free State established; Leinster becomes part of the new Republic of Ireland
Historical sites
Places where Leinster's past comes alive.
Newgrange Passage Tomb
Where: Donore, Co. Meath
Admission: €16 adult / €8 child (~USD 17.50 / 8.75)
Kilmainham Gaol
Where: Dublin 8
Admission: €8 adult / €4 child (~USD 8.75 / 4.40)
Trim Castle
Where: Trim, Co. Meath
Admission: €5 adult / €3 child (~USD 5.50 / 3.30)
Glendalough Monastic Site
Where: Co. Wicklow
Admission: Site free; Visitor Centre €5 adult (~USD 5.50)
Christ Church Cathedral
Where: Dublin 8
Admission: €8 adult / €4 child (~USD 8.75 / 4.40)