It's time for St. Patrick's Day in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
- Jason Carter
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Venture inland from Ireland’s famed coastlines and a whole new kind of adventure awaits. This is a lush green land of tranquil waterways and laidback locals that’s full of quiet moments of magic – from gazing upon a forest waterfall to basking in a sunset on the River Shannon. For a shot of adrenaline, there are water sports, activity parks and colourful towns aplenty! Away from the busier touring routes, you can take it slow and relax into the ebb and flow of life in the island’s peaceful centre. Welcome to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1
MORNING
Start your trip with some Neolithic wonders at Cavan Burren Park in County Cavan, a limestone plateau home to ancient wedge tombs, old forts and more. There are over 10km of walking trails in the park so bring your hiking boots! Individual and group tours are available from knowledgeable local guides who will regale you with myths and legends from this timeless place.
AFTERNOON
Then, head south along the shores of Lough Allen to the Arigna Mining Experience in County Roscommon. Here, light is shed on Ireland’s coal mining past. At the exhibition, you can explore mining equipment and historical documents dating back 400 years. While an intense tour led by an ex-miner brings you deep underground to experience the dark recesses of the mine itself. Don’t forget to wear your hard hat! A café and gift shop are also on-site and both individual and group bookings are available. Stop in Drumshanbo for lunch at The Shed Distillery. The Jackalope Café on-site serves a wide range of hearty Irish food. If you’ve time, tour the distillery and sample their award-winning gin, whiskey and vodka!
EVENING
Spend the evening in Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim. Known as the cruising capital of Ireland, the town is always bustling with tourists docked in the marina for the night. Carrick-on-Shannon is a popular base for exploring the mighty Shannon – the longest river in Ireland – and as such, there is a wide range of places to eat and drink. One of the best is The Oarsman, an award-winning restaurant and bar that has been serving up fresh local produce alongside craft beer, fine wine and spirits since 1781.
Overnight in The Landmark Hotel which offers spacious and elegant four-star accommodation in a central location.
DAY 2
MORNING
Begin the second day of your journey with a trip to Strokestown Park in County Roscommon where there are a number of things to see and do. Take a guided tour of the historic mansion to see grand rooms and servants’ quarters. Stroll around the idyllic 6-acre walled gardens and woodlands to explore fruit and vegetable patches, heritage roses and more. Then go to the National Famine Museum to uncover tragic local tales from this dark period of Ireland’s past. Round off your visit at the Woodland Café in the old granary, which is a delightful spot for a cup of tea or coffee.
AFTERNOON
After a busy morning, you’ll be hungry for lunch. Try The Purple Onion, a cosy restaurant and bar nestled by the banks of the Shannon where fresh Irish ingredients are top of the menu.
Then, continue further south to The Royal Canal Greenway in County Longford. This idyllic waterway stretches 144km all the way to Dublin. Spend the afternoon walking or cycling along a peaceful section of the canal towpath in this quiet part of the country. If you’ve time, check out St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town, a recently restored landmark building with a sumptuous interior.
EVENING
After a relaxing afternoon, head slightly west for a fun night out in Athlone, County Westmeath. The town lies at the centre of Ireland and it’s a lively melting pot as a result. Visiting Sean’s Bar is a must – it’s the oldest pub in Ireland and one of the oldest in the world! Wanderers have been stopping here for a tipple since 900. Following in their footsteps and drinking in the history – literally – is a bucket list essential in these parts.
For dinner, go to Thyme Restaurant, an award-winning establishment dishing up tasty modern Irish cuisine. Stay the night in Wineport Lodge, a luxury retreat on the tranquil shores of Lough Ree.
DAY 3
MORNING
Heading further south, kick off your third day with a visit to Clonmacnoise in County Offaly, one of the preeminent monastic settlements on the island. Built in the 6th century by St Ciarán; it was world-famous by the 9th century and visited by scholars from around Europe. Perhaps this is how Ireland attained its reputation as the land of saints and scholars? From a round tower and church to ancient gravestones and magnificent high crosses, there’s so much to explore at this magical site, which is made all the prettier thanks to its picture-perfect setting along the gently meandering Shannon.
AFTERNOON
Afterwards, continue on to the heritage town of Birr in County Offaly. Birr Castle Demesne is the
show-stopping site here. Come for a tour of the imposing medieval castle, stay to see the striking Great Telescope, which was the LARGEST telescope in the world for over 70 years upon its completion in the early 1840s. It’s truly a one-off marvel. Grab lunch in The Thatch, a traditional pub and restaurant with a delightful thatched roof. Inside it’s just as nice, as seasonal produce is offered beneath elegantly exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling. You won’t want to leave!
EVENING
Spend the night in the colourful town of Portumna in East Galway. If you arrive in time, pay a visit to Portumna Castle and Gardens, a Jacobean-style great house with fine gardens. The building combines medieval and Renaissance-era architecture for a truly unique historical landmark.
Dine in Modena Restaurant, a family-run Indian eatery that mixes Irish produce and Asian flavours to delicious effect. Try the roasted orange duckling served on a bed of champ potatoes to set your taste buds tingling. Then sleep sweet dreams in Podumna Urban Glamping Village, which offers all of the charm of a woodland setting in the centre of town. Eco pods, family cabins and B&B rooms are all available.
DAY 4
MORNING
They say it’s a long way to Tipperary, and on the last day of your trip, you’ve made it! Continuing down through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, stop to enjoy the water wonderland that is Lough Derg – the third biggest lake on the island of Ireland. The activities available are plentiful. Walk or cycle along the Lough Derg Way, rent a boat to try a spot of fishing on the lake, or get your blood pumping with Lough Derg Watersports. After all that exercise, you’ll be starving. The Peppermill in the nearby town of Nenagh is a top spot. Their lunch menu ranges from poached salmon and cauliflower wings to a blade of beef and Thai red curry. While here, see Nenagh Castle, an unusual, cylindrically-shaped tower. Climb the 101 stone steps of the spiral staircase to the top for splendid views of the town.
AFTERNOON
In the afternoon, make the short hop to the scenic town of Killaloe in East Clare. Killaloe River Cruises provides tours of both the River Shannon and Lough Derg, so take your pick. Grab an Irish coffee from the bar onboard and take a seat on the upper deck to watch the breathtaking scenery go by. It sounds blissful because it is!
EVENING
Round off your wonderful four-day excursion through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with a stay at
Ballyhoura Mountain Lodges in East Limerick. These self-catering lodges in the wild and unspoilt region of Ballyhoura are the perfect place to relax and look back on your unforgettable few days in lesser-spotted Ireland. As you unwind beneath a starry night sky, immersed in nature, you can begin to plan your next big island of Ireland adventure…
