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Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Ireland

Unexplored, beguiling & picturesque

Ireland’s hidden heartlands offer much more than just outstanding rural tranquillity and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life. Amongst the rolling hills, flourishing countryside and dewy lakes are charming Irish towns and a superb selection of museums, mansions and monasteries which combine in an enchanting mix of the ancient and the mythological. At the very core of this beguiling region, the lovely town of Athlone is the perfect base for touring. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful River Shannon, this Bronze Age settlement offers history, heritage and a warm welcome. The jumble of streets are dotted with antique shops and colourful houses, and this town is also home to a revered institution: Ireland’s oldest pub.

IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS

Immerse yourself in the essence of Ireland

From £939 per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling by air in a specific month Coach tour from £749 per person.

Best time to go

May, June, September, October

Suggested Hotel

Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar

  • Stunning lakeside setting in own extensive grounds near Mullingar
  • Family owned
  • Contemporary, luxury feel
  • Renowned for dining and service
  • Swimming pool and spa

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.

Attractions:

Athlone Castle

Squatting robustly in the centre of Athlone and overlooking the beautiful River Shannon, this 12th century fortification has witnessed dramatic battles and sieges during its centuries of history. Fringed with hulking battlements, the exhibitions here are immersive and informative.

St Peter & St Paul's Church

The elegant spires of St Peter and St Paul’s Church protrude into the skyline of Athlone, adjacent to Athlone Castle on the west bank of the Shannon. Completed in 1937, this monumental church designed by Ralph Byrne incorporates baroque elements and classical references into its detailed façades, and its copper-domed towers shimmer with verdigris.

River Shannon Cruise

Explore the magnificent River Shannon during a boat journey on the River Run, a pleasure cruiser which departs from Athlone. Enjoy tea or coffee with biscuits aboard the luxury vessel whilst admiring panoramic views of this glorious waterway.

Galway

Richly historic, the bohemian city of Galway heaves with remnants of medieval history, lively Irish pubs and Gaelic culture. Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch are amongst the town’s most interesting sights, and the Galway City Museum tells the story of this colourful port.

Carrick-on-Shannon

Lying on the border of counties Leitrim and Roscommon, this charming riverside town is a lively and popular holiday destination. Lined with graceful buildings, it also has a thriving arts and music scene.

Rindoon

Standing starkly on a peninsula which juts into the vast Lough Ree, this deserted medieval town is enigmatic and fascinating. Its ruined 13th century castle and fortified walls point to its history as a key defensive settlement in the Anglo-Norman conquest. Wandering around the ruins reveals glimpses of ancient plots and the remains of a hospital, a church and a windmill. The thriving town was sacked following a Gaelic resurgence in the 14th century, and subsequently abandoned.

Strokestown Park & the National Famine Museum

This fine Palladian property was the seat of the Mahon family, and still retains many original furnishings in its regal state rooms. Surrounding the property are 6 acres of walled gardens and lovely areas of woodland. Within the estate is the important National Famine Museum, which chronicles the great Irish famine of the 1840s. Denis Mahon of Strokestown Park was the first landlord to be assassinated due to his response to the devastating social disaster.

Belvedere House

This beautifully restored Palladian villa sits within a magnificent estate, peppered with follies and a Victorian walled garden. Built in 1740 for Robert Rochfort, stories of scandal and intrigue surround the property, which has been restored to its former grandeur.

Alternatives

Don't fancy the flight?

This tour is also available by coach and ferry, from £589 per person.

Tullynally Castle

With over 350 years of history, this property has been extensively added to in a combination of classical and Victorian styles – adapted from a fortified house, into a Georgian mansion, into a Gothic revival castle. Admire its Palladian proportions, teetering towers, and bold battlements before stepping inside to discover the grand hall, dining and drawing rooms, the library, and the Victorian servants’ quarters. Outside, the lovely gardens follow a layout mostly defined in the 1800s, with areas of woodland, walled gardens and ornamental lakes.

Clonmacnoise

Now the site of peaceful ruins, this former monastery was a great centre of learning and religion for 600 years. The captivating site has towers, churches and a cathedral that can still be seen in the structural remains, as well as three fine high crosses. Rich with intricate carvings, these crosses are masterpieces of early Irish sculpture.

Derryglad Folk Museum

The Derryglad Folk Museum documents the bygone days of farm life in Ireland from the 18th century. Packed with artefacts, it has fascinating memorabilia such as trade tools, horse-drawn equipment, radios, plus a photography room.

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We love to talk travel! If our site has inspired you, please do get in touch to discuss your group's specific requirements on the phone number below. Alternatively, drop us an email and we'll get back to you.

Our office hours are 09:00 – 17:00 (UK time), Monday to Friday. If you are on tour and need to contact us outside of office hours, please call the 24hr on tour assistance number.

(If calling from abroad, please remember to add 0044 and drop the first 0 from the below numbers.)

Call: 01225 764205
Email: enquiries@successtours.com

24hr On Tour Assistance Number:
07957 838280