Lough Derg, the shining jewel of the River Shannon

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Situated in the beating core of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Lough Derg is the shimmering jewel of the River Shannon, offering a blend of natural beauty, heritage, adventure and serenity.

Explore the heart of Ireland on two wheels with Mullingar Bike Hire

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

If you’re looking to explore the scenic routes of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Mullingar Bike Hire provides the perfect starting point. Whether you’re heading out solo, with family, or a group of friends, Mullingar Bike Hire’s wide range of bikes and accessories ensures there’s something for everyone.

A journey through memory and tragedy — experience the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Nestled in the heart of County Roscommon, amid the rolling greenery of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, lies a place where history breathes from the very walls: the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. A visit here is no ordinary tour—it is a moving, immersive journey into the darkest chapter of Ireland’s past, a place where the echoes of sorrow and survival still linger in the air. For anyone exploring the soul of Ireland, this is not merely a recommended stop—it is a must-see experience.

A journey through time at Glenview Folk Museum – Ireland’s hidden gem in Leitrim

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Nestled in the rolling hills just outside the charming town of Ballinamore in County Leitrim, the Glenview Folk Museum is a delightful and thought-provoking window into Ireland’s recent past. Lovingly curated by the Kennedy family since its founding in 2000, the museum offers visitors a vivid and immersive glimpse into 20th-century Irish life — a time not so distant, yet fast disappearing from living memory.

Strokestown Park House, Gardens and The National Famine Museum

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

For those seeking a meaningful and unhurried journey through Ireland’s rich heritage, Strokestown House and Gardens, along with the redeveloped National Famine Museum, offer the ideal destination. Located in the heart of beautiful County Roscommon, this unique experience is perfect for visitors to embrace slow travel during the summer months.

Dean Crowe Theatre, a one-stop shop of entertainment

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Settle in for a night of entertainment during your Hidden Heartlands tour with Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre, Athlone. Situated on Chapel Street, the theatre started life as the church for St. Peter’s parish.

Built in two phases, the earliest in 1795 as the old church, the theatre has been through refurbishments and extensions to get to the modern theatre that stands today.

Tipperary: tour the premier county

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Around a two-hour drive from Galway city, it is not such a long way to discovering Tipperary. Located in the south-central part of Ireland in the province of Munster, the north of the county was initially brought into the Hidden Heartlands promotion in 2018, while the Nenagh Municipal District and part of the Thurles Municipal District were added in 2022. The landlocked rural county has added mountains, lakes, rivers, historic buildings, ruins and numerous activities and restaurants to the Hidden Heartland’s name, and is now waiting for you.

Offaly: Ireland’s faithful gem

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Welcome to County Offaly, a space to explore, relax and unwind. A part of the Eastern and Midland Region and the province of Leinster, and in the middle of the Hidden Heartland brand, it is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe. For walkers, cyclists, adrenaline junkies and lovers of the great outdoors, Offaly has something for you. Just a little over an hour away from Galway by car, The Faithful County is full of natural wonders, castles, activities, festivals, and places to stay to get a real feel for life in the Midlands.

Development progressing as planned at Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

The Hanly Castle Group are pleased to share an update on the ongoing expansion of the renowned Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens in County Leitrim, Ireland. This significant development is well underway and aims to further elevate both facilities and the guest experience at the existing luxury castle and estate.

Recharge your energy and enjoy the music at An Caislean Pub

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

An Caislean Pub in Portumna is a popular stop for anyone exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Located on Main Street, this traditional Irish pub is known for its friendly atmosphere, live music and great service.

Visitors often describe An Caislean as the liveliest pub in town. Many reviews mention the welcoming owner, helpful staff and the great mix of locals and tourists. Traditional music sessions happen regularly, creating a relaxed and enjoyable evening for anyone dropping in after a day out.

Lough Ree Boat Trips make exploring the Hidden Heartlands easy and accessible

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Situated on the calm waters of Lough Ree, Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips invites everyone, regardless of mobility, to experience the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Uncover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands this summer

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

With the Wild Atlantic Way on one side and Ireland’s Ancient East on the other, exploring the island’s Hidden Heartland is a must-do activity this summer.

The beautiful County Arms awaits you with warm welcomes and daily delights

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Looking for a break that feels like a breath of fresh air, with a little something different each day? The County Arms in Birr would love to welcome you.

Included in all stays from Monday to Friday, daily complimentary activities bring a lovely rhythm to your visit. You might join Darren McNamara, the wonderful head gardener, for a stroll through the stunning walled gardens, or test your general knowledge at quiz night. There is a chance to learn the secret to a proper Irish coffee at a masterclass, and if you are feeling energetic, try a splash of aqua aerobics in The Springs Leisure Club.

Angling in the Hidden Heartlands: Slow tourism with ebbs and flows

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

With its glassy lakes, winding rivers and gentle pace, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offers anglers something truly special, a place to slow down and tune into nature.

Discover Ireland’s Hidden Gem: Urban Glamping at Podumna Village, Portumna

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Looking for a refreshing escape that doesn’t involve airport queues, expensive car hire, or complicated logistics? Just 45 minutes from Limerick, located in the heart of Portumna town, lies a truly unique Irish holiday experience, Podumna Village, Ireland’s first-ever urban glamping site.

This is staycationing made simple, affordable, and unforgettable.

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, for getaway breaks in the heart of it all

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort, nestled in the heart of County Cavan, offers a peaceful retreat amidst breathtaking landscapes. Located just a short distance from Cavan town, the resort is the ideal base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural gems of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region. The resort houses at Farnham Estate are luxurious, spacious self-catering accommodations, making them ideal for a getaway break.

Roscommon: a county steeped in history

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Roscommon is a heritage county dotted with beautiful lakes, historic towns and ancient tombs. An hour and 20-minute drive from Galway city to Roscommon, you could be uncovering all the great things that make up Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in no time. Castles, abbeys, heritage museums, national museums and genealogy centres are just part of the reason you would miss if you did not explore County Roscommon this summer. Gain knowledge of what makes up Ireland, not just the Hidden Heartland’s Ros Comáin.

Animal interaction at its best at Glendeer Pet Farm

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

A visit to Glendeer is a fun, interactive experience for all the family, offering the opportunity to feed, pet and even hold some of the animals, which include chicks, deer, pigs, llamas, emu, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, two cheeky monkeys and much more. There are also several baby animals at Glendeer Pet Farm, including kid goats, rabbits and lambs, and more are arriving every day.

The first Galway golf courses

Thu, Jul 10, 2025

The first golf course in Galway was constructed by Lieutenant Colonel Jourdain, the last Colonel of the Connaught Rangers, on military grounds at Renmore Barracks, between the rifle range and Cromwell’s Fort, in 1893. Play was originally confined to military personnel, but then some members of the public were invited and it took off so well that the colonel and his friends were invited to lay out a course on Knocknacarra Hill.

Celebrating 50 years Of Druid

Thu, Jul 03, 2025

On this day, 50 years ago, Druid Theatre Company opened their first production, ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ in the Jesuit Hall on Sea Road. The following evening they staged “It’s a two foot six inches above the Ground World” and on the third night it was “The Loves of Cass Maguire”. It was an ambitious beginning.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.