Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Renting a car offers flexibility to explore the region, allowing for scenic drives through charming villages and riverside towns. Explore on two wheels on the numerous cycle routes or go by boat or canoe on the region’s waterways. Or hire a boat and set sail along the River Shannon. Ireland’s rail network, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and bus routes operated by local providers and Bus Éireann link all major towns and cities.

The River Shannon is the longest river in the Celtic Isles (which includes Ireland and Great Britain) at 360 kilometres. It meanders through impressive lakes, historic castles and bustling towns. The Shannon offers excellent opportunities for fishing, sailing and much more. It is named for the sea deity Sionnan, who, legend says, tried to find the source of all knowledge at the river’s origin. The beings of the ‘Otherworld’ were furious at her intention, so they pushed her out with such force that the water carved the country in two.

On the banks of the mighty River Shannon, you’ll find Athlone town. A town across two counties (Roscommon and Westmeath), it’s home to a bustling food, drink and cultural scene that makes Athlone a must-visit town. Check out Athlone Castle to learn about the city’s medieval history. Explore the local artist’s work at Luan Gallery. And you can’t go wrong with a pint and a feed at the oldest pub in the world, Sean’s Bar.

If you love history and science, you must stop at Birr Castle. Explore the Norman castle and its surrounding grounds, including its award-winning gardens, before heading out to see the historic Great Telescope, the Leviathan, once the world’s largest and still incredibly impressive. Come see where history and science collide.