Experience Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, a beautifully unspoiled part of Ireland where life moves at its own pace. Listen to the ebb and flow of trickling streams, kayak across wonderful waterways and explore magical forest treks and trails.
Meander across expansive lake lands, majestic mountains and open valleys. Visit the riverside towns and villages dotted throughout this enchanting region. Make sure to stop and soak up the peaceful atmosphere, there’s nowhere quite like it.
Taking to the water on a cruise is the perfect way to experience the tranquil calm of the Midlands. Choose from Emerald Star or Carrickcraft for your cruise rental sail to Lough Ree, from either Carrick-on-Shannon or Portumna on a three to five day trip.
At Banagher, rent a boat from Silverline Cruisers and travel along the wildlife haven of the Shannon Callows to the remains of the monastic city of Clonmacnoise – at the crossroads of two major historic routeways. Nearby is the small village of Shannonbridge with its small but delectable choice of pubs and cafes, and Shannon Harbour where the Grand Canal meets the mighty Shannon.
You won’t want to leave Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, a stunning 400-hectare park in Roscommon with lakes and forest trails and lots of outdoor activities. For a unique way to explore the park glide along quietly and take in all the scenery on the Rockingham Roll Segway from Woodland Segway. Get out onto the water with a boat trip on the lake or get a bird’s eye view from the treetops on Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walk.
Preserving the heritage of the Arigna Valley in Roscommon is the Arigna Mining Experience. The tours, run by former miners, gives a unique insight into coal-mining life from the 1700s until its closure in 1990. During the underground tour, experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world.
A creator of new recipes, an inventor, an experimenter – PJ Rigney dreamed of building his own distillery, but not just any distillery. The location was crucial – it had to be wild, un-manicured, in the heart of rural Ireland. A place of curiosity & inspiration, surrounded by nature, immersed in rich history. He discovered the beautiful village of Drumshanbo, on the shores of Lough Allen, at the foothills of Sliabh an Iarainn (The Iron Mountain), and PJ knew he had found the location for his distillery. Experience the story here.
