Check your passport expiry date before making plans to jet off, says Tánaiste

Thu, Jul 31, 2025

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, has reminded citizens to check their passport is in date before making travel plans and to apply for their passport online well in advance of their holiday departure date.

Disney expert dishes on how to save on your dream trip

Thu, Jul 24, 2025

Galway families considering a trip of a lifetime to the Disney parks could save several thousand euro by arming themselves with knowledge beforehand, according to a travel expert who specialises in Disney holidays.

Cruise in luxury with Fahy Travel

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Fahy Travel were delighted to host Suzanne Rowe of MSC Cruises, showcasing the very latest from MSC and Explora Journeys.

In recent months, MSC Cruises — Europe’s largest privately held cruise line — and its upscale spin-off, Explora Journeys, have made waves across the ocean travel industry, innovating in luxury, entertainment, and sustainability. All guests are welcomed onboard Explora with a bottle of champagne and a bottle of spirits (guests’ choice) on arrival.

Four fabulous autumn getaway ideas

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Caroline O’Toole, head of cruises and luxury holidays at JWT Travel, shares some great ideas for autumn getaways.

Killarney to host first Kerry Drinks Festival

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

A celebration of flavour and craftsmanship, the inaugural Kerry Drinks Festival, taking place on Saturday, November 15, promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, showcasing the rich diversity of the country’s drinks industry — from whiskeys and gins to craft beers, ciders, vodkas, liqueurs, and much more.

Championing Ireland’s natural beauty while supporting local communities

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Tasked with highlighting the natural allure and rich history of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland’s Fiona Dunne spoke to the Galway Advertiser about the region’s rising popularity, the benefits tourism brings to local communities and why the central plains should be on your must visit list this summer.

Exceptional food and warm welcomes at The Derg Inn

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

The Derg Inn is situated in the centre of Terryglass village on the north shores of Lough Derg, Co Tipperary, it’s the perfect location where exceptional food and a warm Irish welcome waits.

The Derg Inn has been operating in the village of Terryglass for the last sixty years and re-opened after a big renovation project a year ago under the management of Caragh Walsh and Lee Johnson (Head Chef). The Derg Inn provides beautiful food, using locally-sourced ingredients, at competitive prices to its guests in wonderful interiors that reflect the colour palette of the venue’s surrounding natural environment with bespoke handmade furniture to create a restful and calming atmosphere.

Attention, little voyagers!

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Did you know that Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is not just for adults and that kids can now explore it too?

Exploring the beating heart of Ireland by foot

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

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.

East Galway, the emerald heartbeat of the Hidden Heartlands

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

For decades, west Galway has drawn visitors with its rugged Connemara charm and the cultural heartbeat of Galway city. But venture east, and you’ll discover a quieter, equally compelling destination, East Galway, a jewel of the Irish Hidden Heartlands where authentic experiences, rich history, and gentle adventure await.

Curley’s Bar, a warm welcome in the heart of the Hidden Heartlands

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

Located on Main Street in Portumna, Co?Galway, Curley’s Bar is a beloved stop for anyone exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Situated at the crossroads of rivers, forests, and lakes, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of discovering the region’s natural beauty.

This vibrant pub is well-known for its lively traditional music sessions, with folk tunes filling the room from Thursday through Saturday evenings, and often on Sundays and bank holiday weekends. The atmosphere is friendly, with warm staff and locals noted for their hospitality. Indeed, “fantastic pub with friendly staff and locals. Awesome live music,” gushed one visitor. The spacious beer garden is a sunlit gem on fine days, perfect for families or groups to gather.

Athlone – the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Thu, Jul 17, 2025

At the very heart of Ireland sits Athlone – a vibrant town with a unique blend of outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, lively bars, and excellent food.

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.

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