If you’re seeking a summer holiday far from the madding crowd, Ireland’s secluded Hidden Heartlands region is the perfect destination. It promises a serene haven, a romantically intimate getaway, or a family-friendly adventure, ensuring a wide range of activities for all.
The Shannon Cruise
One of the top ways to experience the treasure trove of the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland is via a boat hire. It’s an ideal mix of leisure and action, suitable for all – be it couples, groups or families. Travel at your preferred pace amidst the grandeur of the Shannon, discovering serene spots and numerous historic sites throughout the assorted routes available. Adventure awaits in the lively town of Carrick-on-Shannon and its scenic marina – from which you can navigate northwards to Lough Key or travel south to Tarmonbarry via Dromod and Rooskey. Alternatively, broaden your exploration by starting from Banagher to Glasson.
Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly
This crucial Irish archaic site gives you an intriguing insight into the ancient monastic city that once existed overlooking the River Shannon. Well-preserved evidence of rich archaeological past including a destroyed cathedral, renowned round towers and ornate high crosses can be found here. The on-site visitor centre offers an interactive experience highlighting the remarkable Hiberno-Romanesque architectural gems, particularly notable in the Nun’s Church. Go to heritageireland.ie for more details.
Lough Boora Discovery Park, Co Offaly
Step into the natural reserve of Lough Boora, just a short drive from Clonmacnoise. Once a commercial bog, it is now a haven for wildlife promoting the region’s biodiversity. The park provides ample walking and cycling opportunities, with bikes available for hire. Unique outdoor sculptures pepper the park, with a magical experience awaiting on the fairy avenue. For more information, visit loughboora.com
Lough Key Forest Park, Co Roscommon
Get ready to discover another Hidden Heartland gem – Lough Key Forest Park with its abundant flora and fauna.
If you’re a nature lover with a penchant for thrill, look no further than Lough Key Forest Park in Co Roscommon. It proudly houses Ireland’s sole tree-canopy walk, providing an unrivalled viewpoint to marvel at the awe-inspiring local scenery. Here, you can show off your daring side on zip-lines, or if tranquility is your preference, embark on a leisurely boat tour across the lake. The park also offers graded walking and cycling routes suitable for varied ages and skill levels. If you feel like a challenge, try out Boda Borg, a Swedish-originated concept exclusive to Ireland. This activity necessitates a team of at least three individuals to advance through rooms composed of quests and challenges demanding resourcefulness, imagination, and collaboration.
If you’re fond of discovering lesser-known natural beauties, embark on the Beara Breifne Way, a route stretching from Cork to Cavan. This is one of the most significant community-based projects in Ireland, retracing the journey of the famed chieftain O’Sullivan Beare and his thousand followers in their stand against the English crown forces in 1603. This trail is divided into twelve sections leading from the coastline of the Beara Peninsula, through six mountain ranges, along the Shannon banks, ending in the lake regions of Roscommon and Leitrim. While the path crosses many privately owned lands, local landowners have generously allowed access. There’s also the fun option of having a “passport” stamped upon completion of each section.
Your adventure doesn’t stop here; next, explore the 27-acre Dún na Sí heritage and amenity park located in Moate, Co Westmeath, the literal centre of Ireland. Here, you can delve into rural life in the past amidst a setting where tradition, heritage, and nature converge. The park houses a pet farm and recreations of bygone era structures like the hedge school. Numerous attractions, such as a sensory garden and a turlough – a seasonal lake present only in winter – can be found in the amenity park.
Finally, visit Acres Lake boardwalk situated in Drunshanbo, Co Leitrim, for an unforgettable end to your journey.
Head to Ireland’s inaugural floating promenade nestled in the charming Drunshanbo village, from where you can begin a journey by foot or bicycle along the Shannon Blueway trail leading to the Battlebridge Lock, close to Leitrim village. This is where you’ll gain access to the Shannon-Erne Blueway network of picturesque trails crisscrossing Ireland’s watersides, inclusive of lakes, canals and rivers, originally established as functional waterways in the 1800s. This serene route, leading to Belturbet in County Cavan, offers opportunities for exploration on foot, bicycle or even by kayak for the more adventurous ones. Visit bluewaysireland.org for more information.
Lough Derg, nestled between the counties of Clare, Tipperary and Galway, is a lake so abundantly filled with attractions that it requires more than a one-day tour to completely discover. Walking enthusiasts will appreciate the Lough Derg Way and East Clare Way, not to mention the looped walks scattered around the lake. Feast your eyes on stunning scenery, indulge in local cuisine at the plethora of resting spots, or even catch your own meal with a fishing rod. Whether it’s the lush Portumna Castle gardens in County Galway, or the bustling Terryglass village harbour, you’re assured of a grand time.
Glenstal Abbey, based in County Limerick, is the perfect refuge for those seeking solace. This abbey, initially constructed for the Barrington family in the 1830s, and a sanctuary for the Benedictine Order since the 1920s, welcomes visitors to roam its sprawling grounds and marvel at its terrace garden. Join the worship ceremonies at allocated hours, with visits to the Icon Chapel possible by appointment.
If you’re interested in an unique historical trip, make a stop at Rathcroghan (Cruachan Aí) in County Roscommon, the reputed ancient capital of Connacht and the legendary domicile of the warrior Queen Medb. The encompassing region holds monumental archaeological significance with diverse sites dating back 5,500 years. nearby is the Cave of the Cats, Oweynagat, reputedly the origin of the ancient Irish pre-Christian Samhain festival, the predecessor of Halloween. Find more information at rathcroghan.ie.