There are an abundance of things to do and see in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region including tracks and trails, picturesque rural villages and stunning water views.
Discover the very heartbeat of the country in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region where you can find your own rhythm and peace.
An ideal choice for a vacation in Ireland, the “Hidden Heartlands” regions include some of the most beautiful places to visit in the country, with plenty of attractions to see and things to do. From castles to walking tours and locally sourced food, this wonderful region is best explored on a self drive tour and it offers some enriching experiences that will leave you energized, relaxed and inspired.
The area covers from the county Leitrim down to East Clare and it extends through Longford, Roscommon, East Galway, as well as parts of Westmeath, Cavan, North Tipperary, and Offaly. Embark on a wonderful cruise adventure along the iconic River Shannon through breath-taking Lough Derg to the town of Athlone where heritage and history are waiting for you.
At Discovering Ireland Vacations we have put together some great ideas of how to spend your time on vacation in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands:
Walk the many scenic trails…
Of all the adventures that Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has to offer, walking through the many scenic trails that this region has to offer, benefits those by offering a relaxing and satisfying experience. With each successive step, you will experience the soothing peacefulness of this beautiful region. An unrivalled experience, it is hard to find any sights quite as unique, alluring or relaxing as on these heartwarming walking trails.
Walk in the ageless tracks of the Beara Breifne Way extending from Cork to Cavan; the Lough Derg Way which extends from Limerick City to Tipperary; the Suck Valley Way historical trail in the County Roscommon; Miner’s Way trail through Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo; and the breathtaking Cavan Way.
These scenic walking trails do not disappoint and they put the hidden heartlands region of Ireland on a course to become a world-class Irish attraction.
Canoeing and kayaking in Longford…
Longford boasts excellent outdoor sporting activities, ideal for trips to Ireland. The county boasts many activities including canoeing, kayaking, leisurely canal cruising, and game angling across the rivers, lakes, and canals. From Dublin to Longford is the Royal Canal Way, a 90-mile walking and cycling corridor offering you views of rural pastureland you have never seen before.
Segway through Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon…
The ‘Rockingham Roll’ is the most popular Segway experience where you can have a 30-minute Segway glide on the Rockingham Lawn at Activity Park and Lough Key Forest. While you’re there, be sure to check out the stunning Castle Island – a castle in the middle of an island, in the middle of the lake, in the middle of the parklands.
Delve into history at a castle…
Delve into the past by visiting the many castles that the heartlands region has to offer including Portumna Castle and Demesne in Co. Galway, which was burned by fire in 1826, but conservation work is ongoing as the castle is lovingly restored.
The castle boasts a fine impressive example of Irish architecture of the early 17th century. The ground floor of the castle is open to the public where you will see an exhibition on the history, renovation of the building and the de Burgo family.
From a guided boat tours, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, to fishing, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region offers breath-taking adventures and enriching experiences that will make you feel revived.