Top Things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Inishbofin, Dun Aonghasa, Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, Clare Coastal Walk Project, Wild Atlantic Way, Rock of Cashel, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Ennis Friary, Cliffs of Moher, Boyle Abbey.
Restaurants in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
1. Inishbofin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This tiny rustic island has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years.
Reviewed By rebeccaruva - New York City, United States
Inishbofin is a beautiful island just off the coast of County Galway. There is a lovely hike around the island and the people there are simply wonderful. With picturesque beaches, views of both County Galway and the Atlantic Ocean, and stunning cliffs on the west side of the island - Inishbofin is great for a day trip or a few days stay. I stayed at the Hostel on the island with a friend, and the women who ran the place was very nice and accommodating. The hike around the island has stunning views. On the North-West side of the island there is a blowhole that is a treat to see. On the East side of the island there is a lovely walk around the beaches and fields. There are also some small tide pools on East End Beach and cool places to explore. Inishbofin is easy to get to from Galway on public transportation. If you need to get to Galway from any other major city in Ireland, you can use Bus Eireann or other bus companies for an easy trip. From Galway, you should take a CityLink bus to Cleggan, which is where you will pick up the ferry to the island. For a day trip, it would be easiest to get to the island on the morning ferry and take the last ferry out in the late afternoon. You should double check the Inishbofin ferry site for the latest schedule depending on the time of year you are going to Inishbofin. (BE WARNED, if you take the last ferry out and catch the CityLink bus into Galway, and expect to catch the last buses out of Galway (ex. Bus Eireann to Limerick or Shannon Airport) you will most likely NOT make these buses. Expect to spend the night in Galway or catch the midday ferry so you do not have any chance of missing your bus.)
2. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
3. Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 332 reviews
Open May-Oct incl : No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, which is hidden in South Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over ,7500 items includes horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment, laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930’s old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones , shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormacks photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more. its an ideal destination for school tours, ICA Guilds, Ladies Clubs, Farming Groups, Vintage Clubs, Historical Societies, families,
Reviewed By astokes610 - Dublin, Ireland
Vert enjoyable experience at this museum. Everything so well preserved and presented you can see the owners have so much love and appreciation for the past. Was lovely to speak to the owner and hear how he has been collecting for the past 40 years. A great trip down memory lane.
4. Clare Coastal Walk Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By WhereToTry - Waterford, Ireland
Spectacular views on this walk. Truly amazing and well-worth taking a few hours out of your day to go on it. It is not too difficult but good walking runners or boots are definitely a must. There are quite a lot of boggy areas (even in dry weather) to cross over. This is definitely a must if in Doolin or nearby.
5. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
6. Rock of Cashel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,052 reviews
A majestic medieval fortress now in ruins: contains the Hall of Vicars and a 13th century cathedral.
Reviewed By Kelly-Irishlove
Our visit to the Rock of Cashel was intriguing The views are spectacular Explore the site on your own and with the guided tour, each offers a plethora of experiences and views The guides are very knowledgeable and have a great sense of humor as well. There is plenty of parking in the car park, there are also gift shops near by.
7. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,347 reviews
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Castle Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Bunratty Folk Park Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! meet the village characters, sample some freshly baked bread by our resident Bean an Ti's (woman of the house) and for little visitors explore of quaint fairy village and pirate adventure playground
Reviewed By Ecowoman
Spent about 2 hours here exploring the past through their various buildings and re-creations. Very well done heritage park, showcasing dwellings from different regions (coast, mountain farm, strong farmer, labourer, stable, and up to the Bunratty House and the (ice cream) Brother’s home). There are animals (petting area, 2 Irish wolfhounds, donkeys, miniature ponies, fallow deer in the field, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc), a playground for the younger kids, a tea room and pub, along with several gift shops in the village and at the entrance. The castle is more of the utilitarian style rather than one that was lived in. Functional rooms, and none made for comfort! There are lots of tight, steep and winding staircases, which may be challenging for some folks. You can get to the top of one of the towers, with a view over the River, and surrounding area. There is free parking across from the entrance, and more on the highway before turning off. If you’re interested in Mead and Poteen tasting, travel the Low Road past the park, look for the signs and turn left. Called the Bunratty Winery, and the products are made on site. Highly Recommended on a pleasant weather day, as most of the park is accessible outside. €17 pp entry.
8. Ennis Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By DGandSAG
We throughly enjoyed admiring the beautiful architectural ruins and reading the informative displays at the Ennis Friary. While there, it was easy to feel that the rest of the world melted away, as we took our time looking closely at the exhibits and ruins and reading all of the informative wall panels. Also, the friendly staff from the National Monuments Service who were on duty during our visit clearly had passions for history and for serving the public. Both staff members deserve a special shout-out, as they were incredibly helpful in explaining the history of the complex and the surrounding parts of Ennis. If you want to experience a peaceful place that transports you quietly back to another time, you'll enjoy a visit at the Ennis Friary.
9. Cliffs of Moher
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,738 reviews
Spectacular cliffs stretching 700 feet over the rugged Atlantic coast is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and is a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife, home to 35 species of birds. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience operates under an ethos of sustainability, environmental protection and conservation. Safe accessible viewing areas and pathways along the cliff edge appeal to all levels of ability. A short walk to O'Brien's Tower provides an excellent lookout on Ireland's beautiful western shoreline. The Visitor Centre hidden underneath the hillside houses an exhibition, two cafes, gift shop, toilets, first aid centre, information points and baggage store. Admission includes access to all areas, map and secure parking. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Reviewed By NicolaS4264
I stayed in doolin and decided to catch the public bus from there (€3.30) up the visitor centre (didnt do the tourist bus that costs €8 and stops further along the cliffs). I actually got off the bus about 500 m from the visitor centre and the traffic was at a standstill. It was free to visit the cliffs and I then walked the cliff walk back to doolin (this took me 2 hrs). Stunning. I wanted to go in the morning but there was thick fog, so after taking local advise I went up at 3pm once the fog had burned off. Great pics and the sun was good on the cliffs (you get amazing views away from the visitor centre area as well so worth walking further around).
