IRELAND'S HEARTLANDS
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is defined by its deep connection to the iconic River Shannon, offering a slower, more immersive journey into the country’s unspoiled interior.
This region is the authentic ‘heart’ of Ireland, where history lives in ruined castles and monastic settlements, and a warm welcome awaits in charming waterside towns. It is perfect for explorers seeking outdoor activities, heritage, and a genuine, unhurried Irish experience.
Most Popular Attractions
Waterways & Blueways:
River Shannon: The longest river in Ireland, the region’s centerpiece, perfect for cruising, boating, and fishing.
Lough Key: A large, scenic lake in County Roscommon, central to the Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.
Lough Derg: A beautiful, large lake at the southern end of the Shannon, ideal for watersports and cruising.
Royal Canal Greenway: A 130km traffic-free path for walking and cycling along the historic canal from Maynooth to Cloondara.
Shannon Blueway: A network of walking and paddling trails along the River Shannon and its canals.
Viking Tours (Athlone): Take a cruise on a replica Viking ship from Athlone Castle to Lough Ree or Clonmacnoise.
Glencar Waterfall (Leitrim): A beautiful 50-foot waterfall near Glencar Lake, famously featured in a W.B. Yeats poem.
Parks, Trails & Natural Heritage:
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park (Roscommon): Offers a tree-top canopy walk, Zipit forest adventures, and the Rockingham Remembered self-guided tour.
Birr Castle Demesne (Offaly): Features extensive historic gardens, the famous Great Telescope (the ‘Leviathan’), and a Science Centre.
Lough Boora Discovery Park (Offaly): Reclaimed bogland with walking/cycling trails and a unique outdoor sculpture park.
Cavan Burren Park: An ancient, protected landscape with impressive megalithic tombs and glacial erratics.
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (Longford): Preserves and interprets a section of a 2,000-year-old Iron Age oak road built across a bog.
Slieve Bloom Mountains (Offaly/Laois): A beautiful, unspoiled mountain range with numerous walking and cycling trails.
Portumna Forest Park (Galway): 450 hectares of woodland with marked walking trails, a population of fallow deer, and red squirrels.
Castles, History & Archaeology:
Clonmacnoise (Offaly): A stunning ruined 6th-century monastic settlement on the River Shannon with high crosses, round towers, and ancient churches.
Athlone Castle (Westmeath): A medieval castle with an interactive visitor centre exploring the town’s history, battles, and people.
The National Famine Museum | Strokestown Park (Roscommon): An elegant Georgian house, gardens, and a museum detailing the Irish Famine.
Arigna Mining Experience (Roscommon): Take an underground tour guided by former miners to experience the area’s 400-year-old coal mining heritage.
Clonalis House (Roscommon): The ancestral home of the O’Conors, the last High Kings of Ireland, offering tours of a historic home and library.
Hill of Uisneach (Westmeath): The mythical and geographical ‘sacred centre’ of Ireland and a key ancient assembly place.
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre (Roscommon): Gateway to the ancient royal complex of Cruachan, a prehistoric and mythological landscape.
Culture & Local Delights:
Sean’s Bar (Athlone, Westmeath): Claimed to be the oldest pub in Ireland and Europe, a must-visit for a traditional pint.
Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience (Offaly): A modern visitor centre offering a tour and tasting of the famous Irish whiskey.
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience (Westmeath): The oldest continually licensed distillery in Ireland, dating back to 1757.
Derryglad Folk Museum (Roscommon): A privately owned collection of over 7,500 items depicting farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past.
The Shed Distillery (Leitrim): Home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.
Activities & Experiences
Go Cruising on the River Shannon & its Lakes: Rent a cruiser from a ‘cruising capital’ like Carrick-on-Shannon or take a guided tour to explore the iconic River Shannon, Lough Ree, and Lough Derg.
Walk or Cycle a Green/Blueway: Explore the region’s lattice-work of trails. Try the Shannon Blueway by kayak or paddleboard, or cycle the Old Rail Trail Greenway or Grand Canal Greenway.
Explore Clonmacnoise Monastic Site: Visit the stunning ruins of one of Ireland’s most famous early Christian settlements, founded in the 6th century on the banks of the Shannon.
Visit the Guinness World Record’s ‘Oldest Pub’: Enjoy a pint and traditional Irish music at Sean’s Bar in Athlone, officially recognised as the oldest pub in the British Isles (and arguably the world).
Uncover Prehistoric History at Corlea Trackway: See an impressive section of an Iron Age bog road, built from oak planks in 148 BC, preserved and displayed in its own visitor centre.
Experience a Forest Adventure: Head to Lough Key Forest and Activity Park for the tree canopy walk, ziplining, or exploring historic ruins like the island castle, Parke’s Castle.
Descend Underground at Arigna Mining Experience: Take a unique tour led by a former miner, learning about the 400-year history of coal mining in the scenic hills above Lough Allen.
Discover the National Famine Museum: Visit Strokestown Park to explore the National Famine Museum, offering a sobering and vital insight into the Great Irish Famine.
Walk the Sacred Hill of Uisneach: Visit the mythological and sacred ‘centre’ of Ireland in County Westmeath, an ancient ceremonial site with stunning panoramic views.
Go Angling or Fishing: The region’s many lakes and rivers—especially Lough Derg and the Shannon—are renowned spots for coarse and pike fishing.
Explore a Historic Distillery: Take a tour and tasting at the Old Kilbeggan Distillery in County Offaly, the world’s oldest continually licensed distillery.
Kayak to a Castle: Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle out to the isolated Clough Oughter Castle, a ruin set dramatically on a small island in Lough Oughter, County Cavan.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car Offers the Most Freedom: While it is possible to use public transport for point-to-point travel, the most flexible way to explore the more remote sites like the monastic ruins, forest parks, and hidden heritage gems is by rental car.
Public Transport for Main Hubs:
Trains (Iarnród Éireann): Intercity rail services connect major towns like Athlone and Tullamore, offering a fast and stress-free option between key locations.
Buses (Bus Éireann & Local Link): Bus Éireann provides a network of regional routes. For smaller, rural villages and sights, the Local Link bus services offer a more extensive network for communities in the area. Check the Transport for Ireland (TFI) journey planner.
Car-Free Exploration: For a truly slow-paced trip, base yourself in a hub like Athlone or Carrick-on-Shannon and rely on walking, cycling the numerous greenways, or hiring a canal boat or cruiser.
On the Water: The River Shannon is your highway. Hiring a cruiser gives you unparalleled access to the region’s heart, allowing you to dock at villages and remote jetties.
Embrace ‘Soft Adventure’: The region is marketed for ‘soft adventure’—outdoor activities combined with a nature or cultural element. The focus is on gentle exploration, getting active in nature, and taking things at a slower, more relaxed pace. Plan for long, leisurely cycles or paddles rather than intense hikes.
The Water is the Heartbeat: The iconic River Shannon, its lakes (Lough Ree, Lough Derg), and the extensive canal network are central to the region’s identity. Many of the key towns (Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon) and historic sites (Clonmacnoise) are waterside. Plan to spend time on the water.
Authentic Pub Culture: The midlands is full of traditional, authentic Irish pubs, with Athlone’s Sean’s Bar being a famous example. Seek out a pub with a céilí (a traditional music session) for a genuine taste of Irish social life.
Hidden Heritage Gems: Unlike the more heavily marketed coastal routes, the ‘Hidden Heartlands’ rewards those who look beyond the main roads. You’ll find preserved ruins of abandoned Norman towns (Rindoon), ancient burial sites (Rathcroghan), and historic castles on small islands. Local B&B owners and publicans are excellent sources of knowledge for truly off-the-beaten-path locations.
Regenerative Tourism Focus: This region is working to promote sustainable and regenerative tourism. You will find many local businesses committed to the preservation of natural habitats and biodiversity, so supporting them is a great way to travel responsibly.
Hidden Gems
Clough Oughter Castle: A spectacularly situated ruin on an island in Lough Oughter, County Cavan. Best viewed from a kayak or a boat tour.
Rindoon Medieval Town: Located on a peninsula in Lough Ree, County Roscommon. The ruins of this 13th-century Norman town are remarkably preserved and a fantastic place for a quiet loop walk.
Derryglad Folk Museum: A privately owned, award-winning museum in Roscommon with over 7,500 items covering farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th Century to the recent past.
Lough Boora Discovery Park: A unique landscape of cutaway bog in County Offaly transformed into a nature and amenity park with walking, cycling, and sculpture trails.
Top Restaurants
The Oarsman Pub [$20-$35] – An award-winning gastropub in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, known for its high-quality ingredients, friendly service, and a warm, inviting pub atmosphere with a fantastic menu of modern Irish comfort food.
Murph’s Gastro Pub @ Derragarra Inn [$20-$35] – Famed for its rustic charm near Butlersbridge, Cavan, this gastropub under the current ownership of Chef Fergus Murphy is popular with locals for its excellent food and welcoming, traditional country inn feel.
Sean’s Bar [$15-$25] – Located in Athlone, Westmeath, this is officially Ireland’s Oldest Pub (dating back to 900 AD), serving simple, hearty pub fare alongside its legendary history and traditional Irish music sessions.
Larkin’s Bar and Restaurant [$20-$35] – A well-known lakeside spot on Lough Derg in Garrykennedy, Tipperary, offering great Irish food, a traditional pub atmosphere, and beautiful views, popular for its hearty roasts and fresh fish.
The Thatch Crinkill [$20-$35] – A traditional pub in Birr, Offaly, with old-world charm, serving hearty Irish classics and using local seasonal produce, often a stop on local foraging tours.
Paddy’s Bar & Restaurant [$20-$35] – A welcoming spot in the village of Terryglass, Tipperary, known for its comfortable, classic pub environment and serving traditional, wholesome Irish food.
The Lodge Bistro at The Shamrock Lodge [$25-$40] – Located in Athlone, Westmeath, this bistro is well-known and loved for its exceptional, classic Irish pub food and serves a delicious traditional carvery on Sundays.
Gleesons Townhouse & Restaurant [$25-$40] – Located in Roscommon Town, this establishment promises “Handmade, homemade and every plate prepared with passion,” focusing on organic, locally-sourced produce for breakfast through evening.
The Shed Distillery & Jackalope Café [$15-$25] – While a distillery, the cafe in Drumshanbo, Leitrim, offers excellent, high-quality light bites, lunches, and coffee, with a great atmosphere in the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
Honestly by Drumanilra Farm [$15-$25] – Located in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, this popular spot offers high-quality café and farm shop fare, focusing on ingredients from their organic farm nearby, including Dexter beef and organic lamb.
Buffalo Boy Steakhouse & Gastro Bar [$25-$45] – A lively two-story restaurant in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, offering a modern take on steakhouse and gastro bar classics, often using local cuts of meat.
Beans and Leaves [$10-$20] – Tucked away down a laneway in Athlone, Westmeath, this is a beloved, unpretentious Shannonside café-restaurant known for its high-quality coffee and delicious, simple fare, perfect for a casual discovery.
Thyme Restaurant [$35-$60] – A multi-award-winning restaurant in Athlone, Westmeath, focusing on exciting, modern Irish cuisine by Chef John Coffey and his wife Tara, passionately highlighting the region’s best producers.
Cottage Restaurant [$30-$50] – Just outside Carrick-on-Shannon in Jamestown, Leitrim, this friendly, traditional spot fuses wholesome Irish flavors with Chef Sham Hanifa’s Malaysian roots, creating a beautifully presented fusion dining experience.
La Provence Brasserie [$30-$50] – Located within the Athlone Springs Hotel, Westmeath, this brasserie-styled restaurant offers a crafted, signature menu that combines the finest locally sourced and seasonal ingredients in a modern setting.
The Brasserie at Glasson Lakehouse [$35-$60] – A modern Irish restaurant in Athlone, Westmeath, showcasing the best of local and Irish produce creatively prepared, known for its relaxed elegance and beautiful lakeside setting.
The Old Arch Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located in the charming town of Claremorris, Mayo (just bordering the region), this restaurant is highly-regarded for its modern cuisine and high-quality food in a beautifully restored old building.
Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum Café [$15-$25] – While primarily a museum, the café near Athlone, Roscommon, is known to offer high-quality, homemade meals and desserts, focusing on a local, authentic experience.
Dainty Bakery Café [$10-$20] – A simple, beloved local bakery and café in Roscommon Town, known for its delicious baked goods, cakes, and light lunches, a true community favorite.
Les Petites Tartres [$15-$25] – Located in Athleague, Roscommon, this charming café is worth the trip for its tasty homemade desserts and commitment to organic, fair trade coffee in a welcoming, colorful setting.
OstaW8 [$15-$25] – A popular and modern café/restaurant in Manorhamilton, Leitrim, offering creative and flavorful dishes for lunch and light dining, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.
The River Café [$20-$35] – A highly-rated spot in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, offering a modern menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a great view of the river.
MacNean House & Restaurant [$70-$120] – Located in Blacklion, Cavan, this is a world-renowned fine dining experience run by celebrity chef Neven Maguire, consistently winning awards for its fresh, seasonal produce, paired with an excellent wine list.
Sandstone Restaurant [$60-$100] – Located within Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens in Mohill, Leitrim, this award-winning restaurant offers a unique fine-dining experience, blending modern Irish cuisine with old-world elegance in a magnificent castle setting.
The Dungeon Bar at Lough Rynn Castle [$40-$70] – A more intimate and unique dining experience within the castle in Leitrim, offering high-quality food in a distinctive, historic setting.
Viewmount House [$60-$90] – Located in Longford town, this 17th-century manor house features a highly-regarded restaurant with seasonally changing menus, focusing on locally sourced ingredients like dry-aged beef and artisan cheese.
Clancy’s Bar & Istabraq Restaurant [$25-$45] – A family-owned bar and restaurant in Killaloe, Clare, offering a varied and high-quality menu of hearty Irish and international dishes, popular with locals and visitors.
Corner House Bistro [$25-$45] – A well-regarded spot in Roscommon town offering a mix of modern and traditional dishes with a reputation for excellent quality and service.
Wineport Lodge Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located on the shores of Lough Ree in Glasson, Westmeath, this restaurant attracts foodies from far and wide for its imaginative dining with an unpretentious approach and a focus on fresh, local produce.
P.S. Red [$25-$45] – Located in the waterside village of Lanesboro, Longford, this spot is a local favorite known for its enjoyable casual dining experience.
The Purple Onion [$25-$40] – Located in charming Tarmonbarry, Roscommon, this restaurant doubles as an art gallery, offering an intimate setting and good food, a true local gem on the River Shannon.
The Bailey Bar [$20-$35] – A highly-recommended bar in Athlone, Westmeath, known for its unreal and very reasonable food, offering a great spot for a quality meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Prince Bar (Athlone): Located in the heart of Westmeath, this stylish venue is renowned for its extensive cocktail menu and contemporary design, making it a focal point for Athlone’s social scene.
The Left Bank Bistro (Athlone): Situated near the banks of the River Shannon, this chic spot offers a refined selection of craft cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere in the historic Left Bank area.
Dead Centre Brewing (Athlone): While famous for its craft beer brewed on-site, this waterfront bar also serves inventive cocktails with a stunning view of Athlone Castle and the river.
The Wine Port Lodge (Glasson): Nestled on the shores of Lough Ree, this luxury lakeside bar offers high-end cocktails and an exceptional wine list in a tranquil, upscale setting.
Sean’s Bar (Athlone): Officially the oldest pub in Ireland, located in the town center; while famous for whiskey, its dedicated gin and cocktail offerings provide a modern twist to this ancient establishment.
The Thatch (Crinkle): A beautifully preserved traditional pub near Birr, County Offaly, that surprises visitors with a sophisticated cocktail selection and a cozy, authentic Irish hearth.
Sirkus (Athlone): A vibrant, circus-themed cocktail bar in the town center known for its colorful decor, creative mixology, and high-energy weekend vibes.
The Skyway Bar (Longford): Located within the Courtyard area of Longford town, this modern bar offers a sleek environment and a diverse range of seasonal cocktails.
The Landmark Hotel (Carrick-on-Shannon): Overlooking the River Shannon in Leitrim, the hotel’s bars offer a cosmopolitan atmosphere perfect for sipping classic martinis while watching the cruisers pass by.
Tanyard Lane (Tullamore): A trendy, urban-style bar in the heart of Offaly that specializes in craft cocktails and premium spirits, often featuring live acoustic music.
The Old Warehouse (Tullamore): Housed in a beautifully restored historic building on the Grand Canal, this venue offers a premium cocktail experience with an industrial-chic aesthetic.
Gleesons Townhouse (Roscommon): A sophisticated spot in Roscommon’s town square, offering a refined cocktail menu in a warm, boutique setting.
Nanny Murphy’s (Castlerea): A traditional exterior in Roscommon town that hides a surprisingly modern cocktail service, popular for its creative use of local botanical gins.
The Barrelstore (Carrick-on-Shannon): A craft-focused bar in Leitrim’s nightlife capital, featuring a wide array of spirits and expertly shaken cocktails in a rustic, wood-paneled environment.
JJ Harlow’s (Roscommon): Located in Roscommon town, this iconic pub is known for its “hidden” back bar vibe and a dedicated approach to classic cocktail craftsmanship.
Karma Nightclub (Athlone): One of the most famous clubs in the Midlands, located in the town center. It features multiple levels, themed nights, and high-energy DJs playing a mix of chart and house music.
Basement Nightclub (Carrick-on-Shannon): A premier late-night venue in Leitrim’s party hub, known for its underground feel and being a staple for stag and hen celebrations.
The Palace (Tullamore): Located in the center of Tullamore, this large nightclub offers a vibrant dance floor, VIP booths, and is the primary destination for late-night revelry in County Offaly.
Murtagh’s Bar & Nightclub (Carrick-on-Shannon): A multi-story venue where the ground floor offers a gastro-pub vibe, while the upper floors transform into a booming nightclub with diverse music genres.
The Spiral Tree (Longford): A popular late-night spot in Longford town that attracts a young crowd with its mix of commercial hits and dedicated DJ sets.
The Venue (Athlone): Situated within the Prince of Wales Hotel complex, this club offers a sleek, modern interior and hosts some of the region’s biggest touring club nights.
Cosy Joe’s (Roscommon): While it starts as a lively bar, the upstairs area in Roscommon town opens into a bustling late-night dance floor on weekends.
The Emporium (Tullamore): A stylish late-night venue that combines a lounge atmosphere with a high-energy dance floor as the night progresses.
Dunne’s Bar Late Lounge (Carrick-on-Shannon): A massive venue in the heart of the town featuring an expansive beer garden and a late-night club area popular for its upbeat atmosphere.
The Bridge House (Tullamore): An iconic Offaly institution that features a late-night bar and club area, known for its mix of live music and DJ sets that keep the town center buzzing until the early hours.