Top Things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Inishbofin, Lough Corrib, Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Clare Coastal Walk Project, Beauty Of The Burren Walks, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Glencar Waterfall, Loop Head.
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. Lough Corrib
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
In the past we have done the tour near the near the shores of Lough Corrib on bicycles but this time we used a friend’s boat. There are also boats for hire at several locations around the lough, and boatmen are also available. We headed out for a cruise into the Lough and had great views of the many islands and the multiformed Connemara Mountains. The lake (lough” in Irish/Gaelic) is famous for its salmon fishing and wild brown trout, with the added avantage that angling is free on Lough Corrib, which is 33 miles long from Maum Bridge to near Galway City, making it the second largest lake in Ireland with over 365 islands. After tea in the majestic Ashford Castle we later visited the adjacent Lough Carra and Lough Mask in county Mayo – stunning in fine weather and a most enjoyable area to visit.
3. Burren Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.
Reviewed By 346katier
The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.
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. Beauty Of The Burren Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Beauty of The Burren Walks offer guided walking tours of the Burren.We pick you up from your accommodation (in the Doolin area)in our bus and drop you back after the walk. The walks are an excellent opportunity to discover the unique landscape that is the Burren. With our expert guide, walkers explore the fascinating history, geology and botany of the area. A walk with us is a walk to remember.
Reviewed By twoodyt - Dublin, Ireland
Incredible walks through the unique Burren, travelling over limestone roads and green paths. You will never forget the views.
6. Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
Fun for all ages!!Whatever you choose it is the perfect location to do as much or as little as you like!Boda Borg questing is a great way to spend a few fun filled hours with family or friends. After entering the weather-independent house only teamwork, ingenuity, trial and error will allow you to survive the challenges.The Lough Key Experience is an engaging audio tour, directing you through 19th century tunnels to the top of the Moylurg Tower and over the Tree Canopy Trail.The Adventure Play Kingdom is a purpose built outdoor children’s play area providing stimulating and entertaining activities and equipment suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.Enjoy the stunning views & homemade cooking from the Lough Key Café and outdoor deck or browsing for a memento in our Gift Shop.Thinking of spending a few days experiencing the delights that North Roscommon and the surrounding area have to offer? Why not book a pitch for your tent or caravan in the Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to September.
Reviewed By 607rayn - County Dublin, Ireland
We arrived by boat at their large marina You can get there by road to the camping and caravanning site There is so much to do here, swimming in the lake, fishing, going on long or short walks, a tree top canopy walk, cycling, boat trips. Zip line, and so much more Plenty of picnic tables, and the staff are very friendly. So much fun for all ages
7. 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).
8. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,429 reviews
Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality, and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and neo-Gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. History talks and Garden tours throughout the summer. Dine-in Mitchells Cafe or the Garden Tea House or treat yourself to crepes and ice cream at our Express Cafe. Explore our magical Fairy Village and say hello to our Connemara Ponies and pet rare breed pigs. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts including chocolate, pottery, and beauty products handmade on site. So much to see, do, and discover!
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
We had only two hours to enjoy this vast 15,000 acre property. It was not enough. Please take your time to enjoy all there is to be seen. Once a hunting lodge, Mitchell Henry created an iconic castle for his wife Margaret. The property was so vast it included the home for tenants who provided services for the property. Over 300 people. This estate was home to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester for a time and then a speculator purchased it in 1914. Eventually it became those to a group of Benedictine nuns who fled Europe. In 1923 it became a boarding school until 2010, There is the Abbey (home) to tour, the walled Victorian Garden to stroll, two churches to visit and hiking routes. The Visitor center has a very nice self-service restaurant. We enjoyed a ham sandwich, salmon quiche, beet salad and apple pie. There is also an extremely nice Craft Shop and Pottery studio. Items can be shipped home. The grounds are accessible from the Galway City bus station. Call the Kylemore visitor centre for details.
9. Glencar Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Reviewed By 106virginiar - Fort Myers, United States
The drive through the valley is worth the eye candy with the extraordinary mountains surrounding you, then to arrive at the car park lined with welcoming sheep and a magnificent lake. You feel like you are in a dream. A very short walk and some steps you see the breathtaking waterfall.
10. Loop Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By TravelBugDonegal
A lovely unspoilt part of Co Clare. Cliffs and seaviews are amazing. There is a large stack running parallel to the top of the cliff face. Much quieter than the Cliffs of Moher but equally as impressive. Many lovely wee towns on this route.
