Hidden Heartlands

Simple, splendid, traditional, contemporary, quirky or quintessentially Irish, there’s a perfect self-catering home from home waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Self-catering is a great way to holiday, offering maximum freedom and flexibility. And on the island of Ireland, you can make your break truly memorable with a stay in a castle, cottage, beach house, historic tower or...

Ireland’s rural heartlands offer serene beauty, picturesque towns and villages and heritage gems, without the crowds. Relaxation is the watchword for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. With gorgeous lake lands, rivers, hills and forests, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a slow adventure in nature. The majestic River Shannon flows through the Heartlands, so taking a cruise is a great way to see...

Your ultimate hiking guide - explore 25 epic Irish trails There’s nothing quite like the feeling of fresh air on your face and rugged terrain underfoot as you reach the summit of one of Ireland’s majestic mountains. Wander down woodland routes, escape to the coast on stunning seaside walks and conquer the highest peaks in the country, where spectacular views...

Tens of thousands of traditional music-loving folk gathered in the town of Cavan for the 2010 Fleadh Cheoil and less than 24 hours into my maiden festival visit, I found myself smack bang in the middle of Lough Oughter. Dating back to the early 1950s, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of Music in Ireland) was established to promote Irish traditional...

  Everybody knows a pint of Guinness always tastes better in Ireland – but beyond the famous black stuff there is so much more to explore for this year’s International Beer Day   The global celebration of beer on 5 August is the perfect excuse to go on a beer journey around the array of mainstream breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs dotted across...

Some are used for affairs of State, others are must-sees on Ireland’s tourist travel, and many more converted into the living quarters for eccentric artists or American actors. And while scores remain in ruin along the coastal shores north and south of the island, many more have been converted into luxury hotels and guesthouses allowing visitors to step back...

New Shannon Tourism Masterplan to transform tourism in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and drive rural development. A major new plan to develop the tourism potential of the Shannon region, The Shannon Tourism Masterplan, has been launched by Darragh O’Brien T.D, Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage and Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with...

Fáilte Ireland has today (19/12/22) welcomed confirmation of the Just Transition Fund tourism allocation, which will transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East through a regenerative tourism scheme. €68million has been allocated to the National Tourism Development Authority to implement a Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands. The focus of the scheme is...

Let the combination of sea, sand and serenity work its magic on a coastal break on the island of Ireland. If you’re ready for a break from the daily treadmill, you’ll find wave-lapped golden shores, dramatic cliffs and secluded hideaways waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Where better to enjoy great sea views than from a lighthouse. Stay in...

From deluxe wilderness retreats to spectacular lakeside lodges, the choice of cabin-style stays around the island of Ireland is nothing short of inspirational. Cabin holidays are all the rage in Ireland right now, whether it’s a break in the immersive Wild Rooms in County Wexford, the new Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway in County Leitrim, or in one of the huge number of cool, cosy and...