Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is the name given to the beautifully unspoilt midlands of Ireland. With charming riverside towns and villages, majestic forests and sparkling waterways, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offers slow-travel perfection. While life here may move at a different pace, there’s no shortage of great things to do – here are our recommendations for some of the best!

Carrick-on-Shannon courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Cruise the waterways

There’s no better way to discover the sights and sounds of Ireland’s heartlands than on the water. From cruises to kayaks and from canalboats to canoes, there are so many ways to explore.

Carrick-on-Shannon is known as the marina capital of Ireland and from here you can hire a cruiser and journey to Lough Ree on a three-to-five-day trip. At Banagher, rent a boat and travel along the wildlife haven of Shannon Callows. Or opt for a more whimsical method of seeing the landscape and join a Viking tour on a replica longboat down the River Shannon. 

Shannon Blueway, Drumshanbo, courtesy Gareth McCormack / garethmccormack.com

The Shannon Blueway is a web of trails that lets visitors explore the area by canoe, paddleboard or kayak, as well as by bike or on foot. The walking and cycling trails start on Ireland’s first floating boardwalk at Acres Lake in Drumshanbo.

Look to the stars in the grounds of an historic castle

Birr Castle Demesne offers a fascinating mix of culture, heritage, beauty and science in a tranquil setting. The castle has been home to the Parsons family for over 400 years and, as well as exploring over 120 acres of glorious gardens, visitors can stop off at the Historic Science Centre to see the incredible Great Telescope.

Birr Castle Demesne courtesy Tourism Ireland

The Great Telescope, which was built by the Third Earl of Rosse, is still functioning today. When completed in 1845, the Birr Castle Great Telescope was the largest telescope on Earth, capable of seeing further into space than any telescope had done before.

Birr Castle Telescope

Enjoy the craic at Sean’s Bar

Sean's Bar holds the Guinness Book of Records title as the 'Oldest Pub in the British Isles'. Located in the 'left bank' area of Athlone Town, it boasts weekly Irish music sessions and a beer garden.

Sean's Bar plays host to visitors from all around the world. Whether absorbing the history, listening to music, visiting with friends and family, or simply enjoying the perfect pint, you'll be charmed by Sean's.

Sean's Bar, Athlone courtesy Westmeath County Council (www.visitwestmeath.ie)

Listed in both '25 of the Most Incredible Bars in the World' and '50 Bars to Blow Your Mind' by Lonely Planet, a visit to Sean’s is a must.

Uncover an ancient monastic city

One of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland, Clonmacnoise is located on the River Shannon, near to the village of Shannonbridge in County Offaly.

Founded by Saint Ciaran in the mid-6th century, it became a great centre of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over the world. Many historical manuscripts, including the 11th-century Annals of Tighernach and the 12th-century Book of the Dun Cow, were written here.

Clonmacnoise monastic site courtesy Fáilte Ireland

A walk amongst the peaceful stone ruins of this famous place will conjure images of the saints and scholars of Ireland’s renowned golden age of learning.

Experience a forest adventure

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle, County Roscommon, offers spectacular views, abundant wildlife, historic buildings and evocative islands.

One of Ireland's most extensive and picturesque forest parks, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park boasts scenic woodland walks, a beautiful bog garden, enchanting wishing chair, magical underground tunnels, an icehouse and epic views from the observation tower.

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Explore glorious woodland, wander along the tree canopy trail, or hire a boat to see the pretty lake and islands. Kids can enjoy the Adventure Play Kingdom and thrill seekers can have a go on an exhilarating zipline.

Learn the story of the Great Irish Famine

Between 1848 and 1852, Ireland suffered a period of starvation, disease and emigration caused by the repeated failure of the potato crop which many people relied upon. The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in County Roscommon tells the story of all those affected and reveals the links between dramatically different Irish lives.

National Famine Museum, Strokestown House and Park courtesy Fáilte Ireland

In this compelling, highly interactive museum, breathtaking local and national stories from this tragic period in Ireland’s past are brought dramatically to life. Visitors can explore the parallel lives of Strokestown Park’s aristocratic landlords and their tenants during the Great Irish Famine.

National Famine Museum, Strokestown House and Park courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Visitors to Strokestown Park can also take a tour of the Palladian mansion to experience life in an Irish country house of centuries past, for gentry and servants alike.

Taste a drop of Tullamore D.E.W.

The Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience in Tullamore, County Offaly, celebrates the history of Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey.

Telling the tale of a legendary liquid with 192 years of history, the grain to glass distillery spans 58 acres where whiskey is milled, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured and bottled, all on one site. Eleven million litres of whiskey are produced here each year, making Tullamore D.E.W. and its distillery one of the finest examples of Ireland’s whiskey renaissance.

Tullamore D.E.W. courtesy Fáilte Ireland

During the distillery experience, visitors will sip and savour an Irish coffee on arrival, walk the still house floor, feel the warm embrace of heat from the bubbling stills and taste the world’s second largest Irish whiskey brand’s award-winning whiskeys.

Tullamore D.E.W. courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Take a spiritual journey to the Hill of Uisneach

The Hill of Uisneach is an ancient ceremonial site containing a series of monuments in County Westmeath. Said to be one of the most sacred locations in the world, it is known as the mythological and sacred centre of Ireland and the site of the great Bealtaine fire. One of six Irish royal sites, the Hill of Uisneach is currently on the list for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Hill of Uisneach, Co. Westmeath courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Every year, in the month of May, the Bealtaine Fire Festival is held on the Hill of Uisneach. People from all over the world gather to share in this ancient festival celebrating Irish heritage through dance, music, art and mindfulness. The festival culminates at sundown with the amazing spectacle of the lighting of the ancient Bealtaine fire.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour or Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy some of the activities listed here on your own personalised adventure tour on the island of Ireland – if so, we can help!

With thanks to Discover Ireland.