Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

The River Shannon

The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland and stretches from Co. Cavan for 259km to the Atlantic Ocean at Co. Limerick. There are plenty of activities along the Shannon, and the Shannon Blueway consists of 100km of paddling trails, 30km of walking trails and 23.5km of cycling trails.
Explore the shores of the many lakes along the Shannon. Lough Derg is dotted with picturesque villages which offer boat hire, leisure facilities and a variety of restaurants and pubs.

Walking and Cycling Trails

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is full of hidden gems that can be explored on foot or by bike along one of the Greenways. The Old Rail Trail stretches for 40km from Garrycastle to Mullingar.
As well as a number of nature walks, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands plays host to a part of the distilling history of the island. The Whiskey Walking Tour in Athlone is a 90 minute journey through the town's distilling traditions.

Soft Adventure

For those who are looking for a bit of adventure during their time on the island of Ireland, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is the place to be.
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park has a wide range of adventures for visitors of all ages and nearby Zipit is treetop high ropes forest adventure park that offers aa unique outdoor experience for  everyone to enjoy.

10 unforgettable experiences

• Lough Derg Way: A 64km winding trail along the Shannon to the lake port of Dromineer with incredible views
• Wilde Irish Chocolates: Over 80 handmade chocolates can be seen in production in this small artisan factory in Tuangraney in Co.Clare
• Cavan Adventure Centre: Something for everyone with kayaking, canoeing, boats, bikes and camping available
• Woodland Segway: Explore Lough Key Forest Park in a unique way on a segway
• Portumna Castle: Built before 1618 and ravaged by fire in 1826, the castle is an imposing example of 17th century Irish architecture
• The Irish Workhouse Centre: Step into history and discover what life was like in the Irish workhouses
• The Arigna Mining Experience: This experience shows visitors what it was like to work in the mines from the 1700s to 1990 when the mine was closed
• The National Famine Museum: The museum tells the story of the Irish Great Famine of the 1840s 
• Dead Centre Brewing: The brewery tour gives guests an insight into the world of Irish craft beer making
• Golf: Ireland's Hidden Heartlands plays host to a selection of the island's beautiful parkland courses