Welcome to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, an undiscovered realm where nature’s beauty and rich heritage come together to create unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the heart of Ireland, this secret sanctuary is home to peaceful lakes, dense forests, alluring peatlands, and richly wooded islands.
Beyond the famous coastline, the Heartlands offer unparalleled opportunities to get ‘active in nature,’ from the tranquil waters of the Shannon to the prehistoric ritual monuments of Clonmacnoise. Here, you can immerse yourself in a magical water-world, explore myriad land and walking trails, and discover vibrant cultural communities.
Whether you’re seeking slow adventure with activities like cruising, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and wild swimming, or looking to delve into the region’s rich history with its castles, prehistoric monuments, and sacred sites, the Hidden Heartlands provides endless opportunities for getting ‘off the beaten track,’ slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
It is a region full of intriguing hidden gems – places, people, and experiences – to be uncovered at your own pace, in your own time, exploring the communities, tastes and textures as you go.
Self-styled as Ireland’s best kept secret, the Hidden Heartlands provides visitors with a unique, authentic, local, and immersive visitor journey for those keen to get away from it all. Its hidden charms await rediscovery.
Get Inspired
Discover the gentle rhythm of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, where winding waterways, lush green landscapes, and charming rural villages invite you to slow down, reconnect, and uncover the soul of Ireland at your own pace.
Lough Key Forest Park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors can explore the park’s lush woodlands, scenic lakes, and historical landmarks, including the impressive Moylurg Tower. The park also features a treetop canopy walk, adventure play kingdom, and boat tours, making it a perfect destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
The National Famine Museum provides a poignant insight into the Great Irish Famine. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, visitors can explore the lives of the landlords and tenants during this tragic period. The museum also offers guided tours of the Georgian Palladian House and beautifully preserved gardens
Cavan Burren Park is a hidden gem for geology, archaeology, and nature lovers. The park features a visitor centre and several trails that lead visitors through a landscape dotted with megalithic tombs, hut sites, and pre-bog walkways. The well-maintained trails offer stunning views and a serene escape into nature.
Home to the Parsons family for over 400 years, Birr Castle Demense is renowned for its scientific and engineering heritage. The estate boasts 120 acres of gardens, including a rare collection of over 5,000 trees and plants. Visitors can explore the castle’s rich history, marvel at the Great Telescope, and enjoy peaceful walks along rivers and waterfalls.
An early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the 6th century. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, high crosses, and the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. It is a place of historical and spiritual significance.
Belvedere House, Gardens & Park is a historic estate with over 160 acres of woodland trails and lakeshore walks. The estate features a Victorian walled garden, a fairy trail, and the Jealous Wall- Ireland’s largest folly. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens, explore the house, and learn about its intriguing history.
Lough Boora Parklands boasts a unique blend of art, archaeology, and biodiversity. The park offers several walking and cycling trails through a landscape of cutaway bogs, wetlands, and woodlands. It is home to a sculpture park, a Mesolithic site, and a rich diversity of wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Doneraile Court is a stunning Georgian estate set within 400 acres of parkland. The estate features beautifully landscaped gardens, a deer park, and the historic Doneraile Court. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the house, explore the gardens, and learn about the estate’s rich history and its connection to the St. Leger family.
Athlone Castle, a 13th-century fortress with a rich history. The castle has been transformed into a modern visitor centre with interactive exhibits that bring its history to life. Visitors can explore the castle’s eight exhibition spaces, enjoy panoramic views from the battlements, and learn about the castle’s role in Irish history.
Portumna Castle is a 17th-century semi-fortified house with a unique architectural style. The castle is surrounded by formal gardens and overlooks Lough Derg. Visitors can explore the ground floor exhibition, which tells the story of the castle and the de Burgo family and enjoy the serene beauty of the gardens.
Entry Points
Airports
Dublin Airport
Shannon Airport
Cork Airport
Ports
Dublin Port
Dun Laoghaire Port
Rosslare Europort
Cork Harbour
