Nestled in the country’s heartlands are five of Ireland’s lesser-known gems.
Tucked in the centre of the country are the Midlands, often overlooked by tourists yet offering a quiet charm that rewards travellers willing to slow down.
Compact and picturesque, these Midlands towns provide a genuine glimpse into small-town life on the island without the crowds and tour buses.
For those who prefer authenticity more than spectacle, and who would rather skip the big tourist attractions (and attendant crowds), the Midlands is just the place for a calm, quiet holiday.
5. Longford, Co. Longford – remnants of the distant past
Surrounded by lovely green farmland, Longford has a quaint historic centre with St. Mel’s Cathedral as its focal point. Acclaimed writers Maria Edgeworth and Oliver Goldsmith were natives of Longford, and book lovers can explore their legacy on the Longford Literary Trail.
Nearby, those curious about Ireland’s ancient history can take in the Corlea Trackway, a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age bog road.
Situated in its original location, in a museum built around it in the shape of a Celtic cross, the trackway and the museum’s guides offer an unparalleled view of the island’s history. A network of nearby trails provides access to the surrounding countryside.
4. Roscommon, Co. Roscommon – centuries of history in one place
Roscommon boasts two noteworthy and picturesque ruins. Roscommon Castle, built in the 1200s, offers visitors the opportunity to explore not only the striking Norman ruins but also the surrounding Loughnaneane Park.
The park’s trail of carved wooden sculptures is a tribute to Irish history and mythology. The remains of Roscommon Abbey, located in the town centre, provide an atmospheric setting for photographers.
In nearby Strokestown, the National Famine Museum, located in the former Mahon estate, tells the tragic history of the Famine in the county that was arguably the most devastated by it.
3. Abbeyleix, Co. Laois – a Georgian beauty with a Titanic connection
“Charming” tends to be overused in describing small Irish towns, but charming is exactly the word to describe Abbeyleix. This classic Georgian planned estate town features a wide, tree-lined main street that retains much of its 1700s feel.
On the southern edge of the town, boardwalks allow visitors to explore the Killamuck Bog. The raised trail also offers an easy base to explore the nearby Heywood Gardens, one of the best things to do in Laois.
Those with an interest in history will enjoy the Abbeyleix Heritage House Museum, which is housed in a former carpet factory that manufactured the deep-pile carpets used in the Titanic’s staterooms.
2. Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim – for boating, cruising, or fishing, this is your place
Undoubtedly one of the country’s loveliest riverside towns, Carrick-on-Shannon bills itself as Ireland’s only island town. Fortuitously positioned where the River Shannon divides around it, Carrick-on-Shannon offers all manner of water sports.
Boaters can also cruise all the way into Northern Ireland via the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Landlubbers have plenty of options, too, including a bustling restaurant and pub scene.
The Carrick Carnival is a ten-day festival held each June, and provides visitors to the town with live music, traditional entertainment, and tons of food options.
1. Birr, Co. Offaly – a heritage town and nature lover’s dream
In a country blessed with an abundance of charming and historic small towns, it takes a lot to be considered one of the best.
However, Birr is widely regarded as one of the country’s prettiest heritage towns, with its postcard-perfect streetscapes that are little changed from the 1700s and 1800s.
Nature-lovers have their choice of the Slieve Bloom Mountains for hillwalking or the gardens of Birr Castle Demesne, home to more than 5,000 species of trees and plants.
History lovers have plenty to keep them interested as well. The Birr Stone, 250 million years old and once regarded as the “Navel of Ireland,” was once believed to be the gathering place of the legendary Fianna.
When planning your Irish holiday, don’t overlook the country’s “hidden heartlands.” They may get less attention than some of the country’s more famous areas, but they are no less beautiful and offer a slower pace, as well as abundant opportunities to explore history and nature.
These are just a few…don’t forget Tullamore, Athlone, Mullingar, and Portlaoise, among others.
Your questions answered about the Irish Midlands
If you are new to the Midlands and still have questions, we have answers! Below, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequent questions about the Midlands.
What counties make up the Midlands?
The core Midlands counties are said to be Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford. Roscommon, Kildare, Meath, and Leitrim are also sometimes included.
Where does the term “Hidden Heartlands” come from?
The term “Hidden Heartlands” is Failte Ireland’s slogan to promote tourism in the Midlands.
What is the land of the Midlands like?
The Midlands are characterised by gentle hills and peat bogs, as well as the River Shannon, the country’s longest river.
