There’s nothing like kicking back for a couple of days and reconnecting with nature in one of Ireland’s most undiscovered places.
Leave behind the hustle and bustle and tap into the relaxed rhythm of Ireland’s great outdoors. With exciting family friendly activities, endless walks and breathtaking waterways to explore you might have a hard time squeezing them all into one short break.
Explore The Royal Canal Greenway
Longford has lots of ways to get active, from relaxing bike rides to canoeing and leisurely canal cruising. Spend some time on the Royal Canal Greenway, a 130km walking and cycling corridor from Maynooth to Cloondara in Longford. This is a wonderful off-road trail that meanders along the bank of the Royal Canal right up to the River Shannon. Along the way, visit the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre to see an actual Iron Age trackway built in the year 148 B.C. – the largest of its kind uncovered in Europe.
Get active on the Shannon
The Shannon Blueway is a web of trails that lets you explore the area by canoe, bike or on foot. Surround yourself with beautiful lakeside views on the floating boardwalk on Acres Lake as you continue your walk or cycle into Drumshanbo, connecting on to Leitrim village.
Experience the wild Clare landscape by mountaineering, sailing or kayaking with the UL Sport Adventure Centre in Killaloe. For those of you love to play a round of golf there are amazing courses along the banks of the River Shannon in Portumna, Athlone and Glasson.
Go island hopping
It’s said that Cavan has 365 lakes, one for each day of the year, and dotted across these lakes are beautiful, peaceful islands. Cavan is the source of both the Shannon and Erne rivers, and the undulating landscape of the northwest of the county is an exceptional place to get away from it all. One of the county’s most idyllic watery gems is Lough Oughter, with the historic Clough Oughter Castle standing proudly on an isolated island in the lake. The choice is yours to pedal or paddle around the archipelago of islands of the Erne River system.
Walk through idyllic countryside
The 64km Lough Derg Way winds its way along the Shannon and canals to the lake port of Dromineer on Lough Derg. It’s an ideal place to explore on foot with lovely lakeside trails and incredible views.
Between Offaly and Laois, the Slieve Bloom Way is a 70km circuit that loops around the spectacular Slieve Bloom Mountains on Ireland’s central plain. There are six trailheads and 17 looped hikes that range from 4km to 16km. The track crosses forests, deep valleys and old roads rising to a height of 460m at Glendine Gap.
Uncover a forest adventure
You won’t want to leave Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, a stunning 400-hectare park in Roscommon with lakes and forest trails and lots of outdoor activities. For a unique way to explore the park glide along quietly and take in all the scenery on the Rockingham Roll Segway from Woodland Segway. Get out onto the water with a boat trip on the lake or get a bird’s eye view from the treetops on Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walk.
Connect with the past
Preserving the heritage of the Arigna Valley in Roscommon is the Arigna Mining Experience. The tours, run by former miners, gives a unique insight into coal-mining life from the 1700s until its closure in 1990. During the underground tour, experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world.
See the story of the famine unfold at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park. More than two million people either died or emigrated during the Great Hunger when blight destroyed the potato crop. Inside the museum is a compelling archive of letters, stories and images, much of which laid undiscovered for over 170 years.
Journey to the ‘Otherworld’ at Rathcroghan near the medieval village of Tulsk in Roscommon. Once the seat of the legendary Queen Medb of Connacht, Rathcroghan is one of the most impressive and intriguing landscapes in Ireland – both mythologically and archaeologically. Visit the fine interpretive centre and museum at Tulsk before heading off on an intriguing tour of the sites.
Explore the Hill of Uisneach, one of the most sacred locations in the world and the spiritual centre of Ireland. Learn all about its mythology, folklore, archaeology and history, from the Bronze Age to medieval time, on a guided tour of the resting places and residences of its goddesses, gods and High Kings.
Explore the grounds of a historic castle
You’ll find some of the best gardens in County Offaly in the grounds of Birr Castle Demesne. Spread over 50 hectares, the gardens are home to 2000 species of plants and flowers, tall box hedges, local wildlife and a Giants Grove, the largest collection of giant redwoods outside of California. Take a walk in the formal gardens in the castle’s courtyard, along the terraces that overlook the Camcor river, or by the lakes, river and waterfall.
There are sand pits, climbing frames and Ireland’s biggest treehouse for children, and the Historic Science Centre and Great Telescope will inspire future astronomers and young explorers.
Travel to Westmeath and wander the dreamy Tullynally Castle Gardens that date from the late 18th century. Roam the terraced lawns, walled flower gardens and enchanting ornamental lakes. The star of the show is the pretty summerhouses, each of which frames a different view amongst the unusual trees and shrubs collected by the owners. Even if the weather isn’t playing ball, ducking into the tearooms and sitting by the cosy wood-burning stove is the perfect place to watch the world go by.
Relax and rejuvenate at Johnstown Estate
The Spa at The Johnstown Estate is set on 120 acres of stunning parkland in Enfield, County Meath.
Their aim is to make their guests spa resort experience effortless and calm, while they refresh and revitalise at this luxury spa hotel in Ireland.
The Johnstown Estate is where Georgian splendour meets modern day luxury. Situated on Ireland’s Ancient East, the estate is home to one of Ireland’s premier spa resorts, ensuring that their guests can recharge and relax all year around. Their team of fully trained spa therapists will take care of your every need from the moment you arrive with an in depth consultation with their Elemis skin care therapists. Discover the true meaning of a spa break in the peace and tranquillity of The Johnstown Estate.
They are also home to the exclusive Elemis Spa which comprises 18 deluxe therapy rooms, relaxation rooms, outdoor deck pool and thermal suites. The leisure club has a large gymnasium and a 20m indoor swimming pool.
Each of their Elemis Spa therapies begins with the Welcome Touch, a foot cleansing ritual combining the use of warm compresses and the infusion of essential oils. The menu at the spa has been developed by a specialised team, with extensive clinical and scientific studies. Elemis Professional Spa therapies are world renowned for their powerful massage sequences combined with the most dynamic activities available in the world today.
Prepare for peace and tranquillity at Farnham Estate
Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort is a multiple award winning property that brings together hospitality, comfort and natural beauty.
Upon entering the 16th century estate, visitors are greeted by acres of rolling countryside and a sense of peace and tranquillity.
The four star hotel boasts 158 guest rooms and suites, which offer panoramic views of the estate. One of the estate’s gems is the Health Spa, which stretches over 40,000 square feet and incorporates 19 treatment rooms using the world renowned EPSA and YonKa product ranges, an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy Infinity pool, a gymnasium, soothing relaxation rooms and the Water Mint Thermal Suite with the main focus being on relaxation and rejuvenation.
The estate also boasts 11km of walking trails and one of Ireland’s top 18-hole championship golf courses which was designed by Jeff Howes and is spread over 500 acres of rolling countryside and dense woodland.
A luxurious stay at Farnham Estate continues with an exceptional dining experience in The Cedar Rooms Restaurant and is the recent conversion of an old stone building, historically lived in by the Estate Managers who looked after the extensive 1,300 acres of land over its 400 year history. Named after one of the oldest trees on the Estate, the magnificent Cedar of Lebanon stands pride of place on Farnham Lawn.
For a more casual dining experience Maxwell’s Grill Room provides a warm and relaxed ambience with extensive views of the majestic trees on Farnham Lawn. Using the finest of local, seasonal produce, the menu caters for a wide range of tastes with a grill section, classic bistro dishes and an extensive accompanying wine list. The hotel is also home to the Wine Goose Cellar Bar, situated in one of the estate’s underground tunnels.
While guests will find everything they need for a wonderful break within the perimeter of Farnham Estate, County Cavan also provides a number of activities and attractions. In the region, there are fantastic places for fishing and horse-riding, as well as heritage sites and a number of cultural festivals.
