In the centre of Ireland, away from the busy coastlines and well-known tourist spots, the Hidden Heartlands offer a quieter, more relaxed experience. With heritage trails, lakes, and woodland paths, it’s a region best explored on foot.
Among the standout routes is the Shannon Blueway, a picturesque network of walking and cycling paths hugging the River Shannon. Starting in Leitrim Village, the trail weaves through the countryside to Drumshanbo, offering walkers a peaceful journey past canal locks, wildlife-rich wetlands, forest edges and even Ireland’s first floating boardwalk, the Acres Lake Boardwalk. The 6.5 km route is suitable for all levels and ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Further south, Lough Boora Discovery Park in County Offaly offers a unique mix of nature and art. Once a peat-harvesting site, it has been reimagined as a biodiversity haven with over 50 km of looped walking trails. The Mesolithic Trail is particularly popular, combining history, sculpture, and birdlife in a family-friendly 9 km loop.
For those seeking more of a challenge, the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which span Laois and Offaly, provide some of the region’s most breathtaking panoramic views. The Glenbarrow Eco Walk is a 10 km loop along waterfalls and ancient woodlands that showcases the raw beauty of the area, with well-marked trails and educational panels highlighting flora, fauna, and local lore.
Portumna Forest Park offers a delightful mix of walking experiences suitable for all ages and abilities. Meandering through peaceful pine and oak woodlands, well-maintained trails range from short loops to longer routes. The 6?km Seven Bridges Trail highlights the park’s historic past, tracing old railway bridges, while the accessible lakeside boardwalk immerses you in shoreline views and reflections. With signposted routes, picnic areas, and easy amenities, Portumna Forest Park is a top Hidden Heartlands walk.
No walking feature would be complete without mentioning the Beara-Breifne Way, Ireland’s longest waymarked trail. While the full 500 km journey stretches from Cork to Leitrim, key sections run through the Hidden Heartlands, including charming village-to-village hikes rich in local stories and rural hospitality.
These walking routes are more than just trails. They are an invitation to slow down and reconnect with Ireland’s inland beauty. As tourism shifts toward sustainability and authenticity, the Hidden Heartlands are finally coming into their own, one quiet step at a time.
