Embrace a different pace in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

From relaxed Leitrim to serene Tipperary, the counties of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offer an off-the-beaten-track experience that will bring you close to nature and help your body and mind unwind.

The River Shannon, the longest river on the island of Ireland, flows through the Heartlands offering many water-based experiences from cruising to canoeing.

Hire a cruiser at the pretty town of Carrick-on-Shannon and go where the water takes you. Enjoy the views, relax on deck and stop to explore along the way. It’s a great way to combine relaxation with sightseeing.

Or why not take to a kayak or canoe and glide gently along the Shannon Blueway between unspoilt riverbanks alive with birdsong.

If you prefer to walk, there are numerous trails through idyllic scenery from short stretches to longer hikes.

Step into the fairytale surrounds of Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon, where an island castle rises from the water. There are four waymarked trails around this park enabling you to gently explore its native woodlands, bog garden, forest and canals.

For a longer hike, or bike, join the 64km Lough Derg Way at one of its five trailheads. It follows a mix of riverbank, canal bank, forest track and road and leaves plenty of time for reflection as well as the chance to visit important heritage sites along the way such as Portumna Castle and Holy Island.

If you feel that the perfect way to relax is with a bit of pampering, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands will not disappoint. Choose from its array of castle hotels such as Kinnitty Castle Hotel, County Offaly, and Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, County Roscommon, where you can luxuriate in opulent surroundings, feast on fabulous food and totally de-stress.

Or escape to Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, County Leitrim, and cosy up in a lodge where you can enjoy a seaweed bath or outdoor hot tub that will soak away your stresses and strains.

Those who enjoy discovering the highlights and history of a town will find much to enjoy in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where picturesque towns and villages abound.

Historic Killaloe in County Clare is the birthplace of Brian Boru, the eleventh-century High King of Ireland, and a stroll around its history trail is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Or head to Athlone, one of the biggest towns in the midlands to enjoy its history and heritage and, perhaps, a pint in Sean’s Bar, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating from AD 900.

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