Athlone Town Centre
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Walking www.sportireland.ie
Lough Derg Blueway (West) – Tuamgraney, Scarriff & Mountshannon. Fascinating history and tranquil harbours are what draw visitors to these beautiful villages on the western shores of Lough Derg.
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Horse Riding www.gohorseridinginireland.ie
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Lough Derg Blueway (East) – Nenagh, Dromineer & Garrykennedy. With a wide selection of heritage, crafts and hospitality, Nenagh and the many other picturesque villages dotted along Lough Derg provide endless exploration options for visitors.
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Cycling www.cyclingireland.ie
Golf www.golfireland.ie
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Fishing www.fishinginireland.info
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Lough Derg Blueway (South) – Killaloe & Ballina. Connected by an 18th century 13 arch bridge over the River Shannon, the twin towns of Killaloe (Co. Clare) and Ballina (Co. Tipperary) are the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
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Lough Derg Blueway (North) – Portumna. From the Castle to the Workhouse, there are layers of history to uncover and great food to enjoy.
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• Hymany Way (80km) • Ormond Way (83km)
Counties Clare, Galway and Tipperary are brought together by the magnificent Lough Derg where 160km of shoreline awaits. With endless paddling trails, wonderful walks and cycle ways and stunning views, the Lough Derg Blueway offers plenty of variety for all visitors.
R497
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This long distance walking and cycling trail follows the fourteen-day march taken by Dónal Cam O’Sullivan Beare and 1,000 supporters in 1603. The Way, the longest in Ireland, runs almost the length of the country and takes the walker and cyclist to some of its most beautiful and least explored areas; along the coast of the Beara Peninsula, across six mountain ranges, along the banks of the River Shannon and through the lake regions of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The following trails can be explored as part of the Beara-Breifne Way in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower):
Lough Derg Blueway
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© Clare County Council
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www.secretirelandescapes.com Bespoke day tour experiences. Killaloe, County Clare.
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35 Rathbaun Farm
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www.mynextadventure.ie Guided kayaking tours. Killaloe, County Clare.
www.rathbaunfarm.com Irish sheep farm experience. Ardrahan, County Galway.
For more info on activities, visit:
Old Rail Trail
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R445
Please check with operators for opening arrangements before visiting.
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www.pallaskarting.com Karting, paintball, splatball. Tynagh, County Galway.
R494
www.trailriders.ie Mountain biking. Ballyhoura Mountains, Ardpatrick, County Limerick.
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Old Rail Trail
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www.killaloerivercruises.com River cruises on River Shannon & Lough Derg. Ballina, County Tipperary.
Lough Gur Pottery
52 Trailriders
www.loughdergebiketours.ie E-bike tours. Killaloe, County Clare.
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25 Killaloe River Cruises
34 Pallas Karting & Adventure Centre
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Tipperary
www.emeraldstar.ie Cruising on River Shannon. Portumna, County Galway.
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www.silverlinecruisers.com Cruising on the River Shannon. Banagher, County Offaly.
33 Emerald Star – Le Boat
www.killaloerivercruises.com Cruises on River Shannon & Lough Derg. Killaloe, County Clare.
R494/R495 Dromineer (10km) R494 Garrykennedy (12km)
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www.dicksbikehire.ie Bike hire. Portumna, County Galway.
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Find us on Facebook Stand up paddle board tours. Shannon Harbour, County Offaly.
32 Dick’s Bike Hire
Irish Seed Savers
www.loughgurpottery.com Pottery workshops. Bruff, County Limerick.
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Education & Training Centre
www.heartlandsecotours.ie Walking & nature tours. Tulla, County Clare.
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50 Lazy Dog Clay Bird
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www.midirelandadventure.ie Hike, bike tours, stand up paddle board. Banagher, County Offaly.
48 Animal Magic www.animalmagic.ie Falconry and animal entertainment. Kilmallock, County Limerick.
www.lazydogshooting.ie Knocklong, County Limerick.
www.irishseedsavers.ie Heritage seed gardens & orchards. Scarriff, County Clare.
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www.kilfinaneoec.com Canoeing, surfing, hill walking, rock climbing, mountain biking. Kilfinane, County Limerick.
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Old Rail Trail
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www.tearaways.ie Family activities, farm activities. Clonmona, Rathcabbin, County Tipperary.
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Irish Parachute Club
www.skydive.ie Sky diving, tandem jumps, free falls. Clonbullogue Airfield, County Offaly.
31 Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Centre
40 Heartlands Ecotours
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www.dergisle.com Water sports, land-based activities, survival training. Scarriff, County Clare.
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www.hushabyefarmalpacas.com Alpaca experience. Killeigh, County Offaly.
Find us on Facebook Guided walking tours. Nenagh, County Tipperary.
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30 Nenagh Walking Tours
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Find us on Facebook Alpaca experience. Ballinagar, County Offaly.
www.loughdergwatersports.com Kayaking, canoeing on Lough Derg. Kilgarvan Quay, County Tipperary.
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www.westcoastaquapark.ie Inflatable water park. Killaloe, County Clare.
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Discovering Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower)
Hilltop Farm Alpacas
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www.hiddenheartlandstours.ie Boat tours & water taxi. Athlone, County Westmeath.
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www.clarepaintball.ie Paintball, splatball, archery, airsoft. Quin, County Clare.
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15 Viking Tours Ireland www.vikingtoursireland.ie Nature cruise with Viking & religious history. Athlone, County Westmeath.
www.carrickcraft.com Cruising on River Shannon. Banagher, County Offaly.
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47 West Lake Aqua Park
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www.elevateathlone.ie Go karting, laser tag, VR. Athlone, County Westmeath.
14 The Planet www.planetathlone.ie Multi-activity family entertainment centre. Athlone, County Westmeath.
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www.loughdergebiketours.ie E-bike tours. Nenagh, County Tipperary.
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13 The Hot Tub Boat www.hottubboat.ie Hot tub boat cruise on Lough Ree. Coosan Point, County Westmeath.
28 Lough Derg eBike Tours
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12 Rock ‘n’ Bowl www.rocknbowl.ie Multi-activity family entertainment centre. Mullingar, County Westmeath.
www.birroec.ie Land & water based sports. Birr, County Offaly.
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www.derrymoresprings.ie Kayaking, fishing, aqua golf, aqua waterpark. Killucan, County Westmeath.
11 Mollie Moo’s www.molliemoos.ie Family fun, farm activities. Tudenham, Mullingar, County Westmeath.
Birr Outdoor Education Centre
www.turoepetfarm.com Pet farm with family activities. Loughrea, County Galway.
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Water Adventure Centre
10 Lough Ree Cruisers www.loughreecruisers.com Cruise hire on River Shannon. Glasson, County Westmeath.
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Find us on Facebook Boat tours. Dromineer, County Tipperary.
37 Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park
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www.ulsport.ie/ulac Adventure activities. Killaloe, County Clare.
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www.barracudaboattrips.com Boat trips on River Shannon & Lough Ree. Athlone, County Westmeath.
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www.slieveaughtycentre.com Walking, cycling, trekking. Loughrea, County Galway.
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www.athloneguidedtours.ie Guided walking tours. Athlone, County Westmeath.
www.aquasplash.ie Water based activity centre. Dromineer, County Tipperary.
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R446/N6/M6 Ballinasloe (30km) Galway City (86km)
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www.discoverireland.ie Guided walking tours. Athlone, County Westmeath.
www.lilliputadventure.com Kayaking, rock climbing, archery, hill walking, abseiling. Mullingar, County Westmeath.
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Walking Tours of Old Athlone
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www.glendeerpetfarm.ie Pet farm, family activities. Athlone, County Roscommon.
© Clare County Council
08 Inventure Watersports www.inventure.ie Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, raft building. Athlone, County Westmeath.
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Silverline Cruises, Banagher, Co. Offaly
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Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
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Free
Activities & Adventure Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower)
R497 Tipperary (55km)
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R498 Thurles (39km)
Discover More Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower) National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS)
Lough Derg, Co. Tipperary © Fáilte Ireland
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offer an enchanting oasis of parklands and loughs, outdoor fun and aquatic adventures. These inland counties are united by their proximity to Ireland’s longest river, the picturesque River Shannon which acts as the backbone and spirit of the region. There is a never ending list of things to see and do, and a treasure trove of fond memories waiting to be made along the water. Here, you can take your time and reconnect with nature in this tranquil unspoiled region. Escape the stresses of everyday life in the peaceful parklands, majestic castles and monastic sites or release your worries with adrenaline-filled mountain-biking and water sports aplenty. Discover the abundance of charming towns and meet the vibrant communities who channel the energy of the Shannon in their stories, music, food and art. No matter what type of adventure you’re after, you’ll find something truly magical off the beaten track.
The towns along the water are bursting with life, from Ireland’s oldest pub in Athlone Town, to the colourful marina of Dromineer. You can pick up some authentic Irish creations, from the textiles at McKernan Woollen Mills, to the fresh produce at Killaloe Farmers Market or the delicious homemade chocolate at Wilde Irish Chocolates in Tuamgraney. Celebrate Irish art at Luan Gallery or enjoy a different type of craft at a tasting masterclass in the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience.
Trace the stories of lifetimes past at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna or go further back to the Stone Age on the Lough Boora Mesolithic Loop. There are lots of fascinating historic sites, such as Béal Ború, a ring fort which was once home to the Irish High King Brian Ború, the Dominican Abbey at Lorrha Monastic Village, or the hedge school, ring forts, stone circles and impressive dolmen at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park. Follow the steps of O’Sullivan Beare along the Ballyhoura Way, part of the Beara-Breifne Way or explore the boggy Tountinna Hill on the Lough Derg Way. Admire the interesting wildlife at Clara Bog Nature Reserve or Doneraile Estate. Make a splash at Baysports in Athlone, with its large exhilarating
Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway
Visitors can explore and enjoy some of these wonderful places which are managed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
Coillte Forest Parks & Trails
Three sites of particular interest in the Lower region of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands are Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Slieve Bloom Mountains Nature Reserve, and Little Brosna Callows in County Offaly.
© Destination Lough Derg
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands showcases some of the best outdoor recreation sites in the country, thanks to the many forest parks and trails managed by Coillte, our State Forestry Company. In the Lower region of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, visitors can explore and enjoy some wonderful, lush forests, wild bogs and scenic countryside with numerous marked walking trails of varying length.
Galway
Tipperary
• Monivea Wood
• Doonane/Keeper Hill
• Mountbellew Forest Park • Portumna Forest Park
Clare
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower) stretches over Offaly and parts of Westmeath, Roscommon, Galway, Clare, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. Discover the grandeur of many medieval castles, from the spiral staircase at Nenagh Castle and the medieval dungeons at Athenry Castle to the stunning gardens of Portumna Castle or Birr Castle Demesne. Relive the Siege of Athlone in the 360° cinematic experience at Athlone Castle.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands showcases some of the most important nature reserves in Ireland. A nature reserve is an area of importance to wildlife which is protected under Ministerial order.
waterpark. Hear fantastic tales from Viking Mike on a Viking Tour around Lough Ree or explore the waterways on a kayaking safari with Mid Ireland Adventure. You’ll get a spectacular view of the Slieve Bernagh and Arra Mountains from the River Shannon with Killaloe River Cruises.
• Ballycuggaran Forest • Cahermurphy Forest
Discover more in the Upper Heartlands, grab a map & go explore!
• Cratloe Wood
• Knockanacree Woods • Sopwell Wood • Step/Knockanroe
Limerick
Our bogs are home to a dazzling array of wildlife, from frogs and giant water-walking spiders to rare birds, including the beautiful curve-beaked curlew. Today, healthy bogs are quite rare with just 1% remaining active, growing and living as they should. Most of these living bogs can be found here in the Hidden Heartlands where a lot of conservation work is being done to restore these fascinating places.
Offaly
• Galty Castle Wood
Why not visit one to find out what you can do to help our bogs (and our planet) survive and thrive!
• Durrow Abbey Forest
• Glenstal Wood
Bogs to visit in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Lower) include:
• Glenafelly Forest • Glenregan Forest • Golden Grove
Cork • Ballinaboola Forest • Glenanair Forest
© Tourism Ireland
Bogs
• Ballyhoura Forest Park
• Glasderry Wood
Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Co. Offaly
More information: www.npws.ie
• Doon Wood
• Garryhinch Forest
For personalised advice and information, talk to us or visit us online!
Across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands there are thousands of kilometres of tracks and trails to enjoy from a walk under the leafy canopies in a forest park, to cycling along the banks of the Royal or Grand Canals or kayaking on the Lough Derg Blueway.
+353 1 2655 634 / 1800 230 330
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Be Considerate of Others 3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife 4. Travel and Camp Responsibly
• Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Clara, Co. Offaly
6. Dispose of Waste Properly
• Sopwell & Scohaboy Bog, near Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary
*(operates seasonally)
We are committed to the Leave No Trace Principles and believe by working together, we can all make a difference to reduce the pressure points on our environment. So as you get out and about in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands show that you Love This Place by following the Leave No Trace principles:
• ‘Galway’s Living Bog’, Carrownagappul Bog SAC, Mountbellew, Co. Galway • Lough Boora, Co. Offaly
Tourist Information Centres: Athlone, Athlone Civic Centre, N37 DN02.* Mullingar, Market Square, N91 PW95.*
Leave No Trace, Love This Place
DiscoverIreland.ie
5. Leave What You Find 7. Protect Nature from Fire
• Knockbarron Wood
• Griston Bog, Ballylanders, Co. Limerick
Practising a Leave No Trace ethic is very simple: make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit.
• Slieve Bloom Kinnitty MBT Trails More information: www.coillte.ie
More information: www.raisedbogs.ie
More information: www.leavenotraceireland.org
Slieve Bloom MBT Trails, Co. Offaly © Fáilte Ireland