Main photo of Clonmacnoise courtesy Kevin Griffin for Fáilte Ireland
By: Ming Tappin
Nestled in the heart of the island, the counties Offaly, Westmeath, Roscommon, and Leitrim are Ireland’s hidden gems lesser known than their coastal counterparts. While most first-time visitors to the Emerald Isle flock to Dublin, Belfast, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford, the charming towns of Clonmacnoise, Athlone, Strokestown, Tulsk, and Drumshanbo are also alluring and dramatic in their own ways.
“The Hidden Heartlands are Ireland’s best-kept secret,” said Sandra Moffatt, country manager, Canada, for Tourism Ireland. “It’s a beautifully unspoiled and untouched part of the country – a region that offers unparalleled opportunities to get active in nature and to get off the beaten track with a latticework of vibrant waterways, Lakelands, greenways, and trails. This is a place full of intriguing hidden gems – places, people, and experiences – to be uncovered at your own pace, in your own time.”
Begin your client’s Heartlands tour at the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site in County Offaly, 90 minutes west of Dublin. Founded by St Ciarán in the 6th Century, the monastery was a place of pilgrimage at the crossroads of Ancient Ireland. Its central location on the banks of the River Shannon made it accessible to scholars and students from all corners of the country. In its time, the monastery was a major centre of learning, trade, and craftsmanship, evident in the number of structures that dot the landscape. The outdoor site contains replica high crosses and remnants of churches, a cathedral, two towers, and over 700 grave slabs, including St. Ciarán’s burial place. The indoor visitor centre displays the original high crosses – moved here to be protected from the elements – intricately carved with figures and scenes from Christian scriptures.
A 90-minute cruise along the River Shannon brings you to Athlone, a quaint town straddling the border of counties Westmeath and Roscommon. The Athlone Castle – originally built in the early 13th century – holds sentry over the Shannon, providing panoramic views of the town and its imposing Church of Saints Peter and Paul. The castle now houses a visitor centre highlighting Athlone’s history, which survived two sieges during the Williamite War in the late 17th century. A pleasant afternoon can be spent strolling along the river, before stopping in for a taste of small-batch craft beer at Dead Centre Brewing, or dinner at the Michelin Guide recommended Thyme Restaurant for local cuisine. End your evening with a pint at Sean’s Bar, in business since 900 AD and cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as Ireland’s oldest bar.
The look into Ireland’s ancient past continues in County Roscommon, starting at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in the medieval village of Tulsk. The rich history of the Iron Age is presented through interpretive displays and replica artifacts in the small museum. Then, join a guide and step foot on the oldest and largest unexcavated royal site in Ireland, spanning over 6.5 square kilometres and containing over 240 archaeological sites. Climb to the top of the Rathcroghan Mound, learn the origin story of Halloween at the Cave of the Cats, all the while listening to fascinating facts and tales about the great Warrior Queen Medb, who ruled her lands from this prehistoric capital.
Moving northwards in the county, visit Strokestown’s National Irish Famine Museum, which tells the story of the great potato famine in the mid-1840s that saw one million people perish and another million fleeing the country to escape the devastation. The Arigna Mining Experience is also a worthy stop, retelling the coal mining history in the region. Guided by ex-miners, the fascinating tour takes visitors through the underground tunnels of the Derreenavoggy Mine, reliving the dark, wet, and claustrophobic conditions in which these men worked.
Photo of Sean’s Bar by Ming Tappin
Shed Distillery: Courtesy of Adrian Van Der Lee
For outdoor enthusiasts, County Roscommon also has 25 walking trails and bike paths, several lakes and rivers – including the Shannon – offering paddling excursions and boating holidays.
No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to a whiskey distillery, and The Shed Distillery at Drumshanbo in County Leitrim answers anyone’s thirst for Ireland’s national spirit. From the curious mind of PJ Rigney comes an innovative libation borne from copper stills and graced by a whimsical Jackalope on its label. Matured in bourbon and sherry casks, Drumshanbo whiskey is a small-batch, single-pot still spirit of Irish barley and Irish Barra oats. But Rigney’s curiosity didn’t stop there. He also created Gunpowder Irish Gin – infused with citrus fruit, herbs, black tea from China, and botanicals; and there’s Sausage Tree vodka – made from the namesake African fruit and Irish nettles. Clients can take the distillery tour to learn more about these creations that were inspired by Rigney’s curiosity and his worldly travels, followed by a tasting. Stay for lunch at the Jackalope Café and enjoy hearty soups, sandwiches, hot entrées, and rich desserts.
Travel advisor Jennifer Chedore of Blowes & Stewart Travel experienced the Hidden Heartland and enjoyed it “immensely” because it included sites completely unknown to her.
“Most people who wish to travel to Ireland know where to buy crystal, to kiss the Blarney Stone, Cliffs of Moher, and Giant’s Causeway,” Chedore told Travel Courier. “And not to take away from those beautiful sites, what we experienced in the heartlands is a bit unknown to the traveller but beautiful and interesting also. I loved the passion of each guide and all the stories and folklore we learned.”
Famine Museum: Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
Rathcroghan Mounds: Courtesy Fáilte Ireland
Tips for travel advisors
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a term used to describe the hidden gems of central Ireland and not a specific tour itinerary per se. There are a variety of charming towns and scenic countryside in several counties, all with different attractions and points of interest. It is a wonderful option for returning visitors who have already been to the marquee attractions and want to experience something different. The Heartlands are also ideal as an off-the-beaten-path tour away from busy cities while still learning about Ireland’s rich history and culture. Travellers visiting family or enjoying an extended stay in Ireland may also appreciate visiting the heartlands as a side trip.
According to Moffatt, the Hidden Heartlands offers a slower-paced, nature-oriented alternative to the more popular spots across the island, allowing visitors to enjoy Ireland’s tranquil interior with its waterways, woodlands, and authentic rural charm. This is an area that embraces “slow tourism,” and is the perfect place for visitors to immerse in nature and local culture.
There’s no shortage of delicious food and beverages throughout the counties, and plenty of outdoor activities cater to nature lovers who may want to take things slowly as they explore the countryside. The central location means the counties are easily reachable from all corners of the island.
CIE Tours, Collette Vacations, Globus Family of Brands, Insight Vacations, Royal Irish Tours, Tauck, and Trafalgar Tours offer packages to Ireland, some of which travel through the Heartland counties. Since the region is lesser-known and relatively unexplored, some of the smaller towns and attractions may not be included in popular itineraries. For this reason, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands are therefore best visited as part of a FIT itinerary or a self-drive program that advisors can customize for their clients.
Arigna Mine: Courtesy Chris Hill for Fáilte Ireland
Athlone Castle: Courtesy Ros Kavanagh for Fáilte Ireland
