Hidden Heartlands

Simple, splendid, traditional, contemporary, quirky or quintessentially Irish, there’s a perfect self-catering home from home waiting for you on the island of Ireland. Self-catering is a great way to holiday, offering maximum freedom and flexibility. And on the island of Ireland, you can make your break truly memorable with a stay in a castle, cottage, beach house, historic tower or...

Explore the island of Ireland’s awesome UNESCO sites The island of Ireland’s UNESCO sites are destinations of world-class natural and cultural heritage that should top your to-do list. Despite being small, the island of Ireland looms large when it comes to the number of UNESCO designated sites and cities it harbours. From ancient geological phenomena to vibrant cities steeped in culture,...

Discover a host of hidden gems across the island of Ireland, from dazzling light shows to amazing architecture... Going off the beaten track in Ireland is worth it. There's a whole host of special places to discover, from impossibly beautiful little harbours to vast, undiscovered peninsulas, iconic castle ruins to ancient bog bodies. There's even what locals call a magic...

Some are used for affairs of State, others are must-sees on Ireland’s tourist travel, and many more converted into the living quarters for eccentric artists or American actors. And while scores remain in ruin along the coastal shores north and south of the island, many more have been converted into luxury hotels and guesthouses allowing visitors to step back...

With the festive season well and truly under way and the attendant bustle and stress beginning to take its manic hold, isn't it time to consider getting away from it all to relax and unwind? No matter where you are in Ireland you're certain not to be too far away from the superb break that The Bridge House Hotel in...

Fáilte Ireland has today (19/12/22) welcomed confirmation of the Just Transition Fund tourism allocation, which will transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East through a regenerative tourism scheme. €68million has been allocated to the National Tourism Development Authority to implement a Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands. The focus of the scheme is...

Abounding in natural beauty, mountains, cliffs and dramatic coastlines, there is something to captivate even the most seasoned travellers on the island of Ireland. It takes days, weeks really, to see the best of the greenest country in Europe, and trying to figure out what to do can be a bit overwhelming. So save some time and check out this...

Ireland's greenways and trails are a great way to see some of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of the country, and they have just received a new addition. Outdoor-lovers can now tackle a newly-launched scenic 130km walking and cycling greenway that passes through four counties. The Royal Canal Greenway stretches alongside a historic 225-year-old canal, and it begins in...

Ireland’s rural heartlands offer serene beauty, picturesque towns and villages and heritage gems, without the crowds. Relaxation is the watchword for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. With gorgeous lake lands, rivers, hills and forests, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a slow adventure in nature. The majestic River Shannon flows through the Heartlands, so taking a cruise is a great way to see...

Tourism Ireland named global sponsor of new documentary film Millions to view ‘Ireland’ in IMAX and giant-screen theatres across the United States An exciting new giant-screen documentary film called Ireland will go on release in select IMAX and giant-screen theatres across the United States in February 2022. Narrated by Liam Neeson, the film has been produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films and will be...