Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to the Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, where we stay for the next four nights.

Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

We start the day with a relaxing cruise along the majestic River Shannon, departing from the charming riverside town of Carrick-on-Shannon. Sit back and take in the scenery as you glide through the heart of the heartlands, taking in the unspoilt landscapes and waterways.

Later, we visit the magnificent Strokestown Park, one of Ireland’s finest Palladian mansions, set within beautifully maintained gardens and parkland. The estate provides an insight into Irish country life and the stories of those who lived and worked here. We take a guided tour of Strokestown House, followed by free time to wander the Victorian Walled Gardens.

Our journey continues with a visit to the award-winning National Famine Museum, where powerful and thought-provoking exhibits tell the story of Ireland’s Great Famine. Through personal accounts and interactive displays, we gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in Irish history.

Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

Our day begins with a visit to the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian settlements. Founded by St Ciarán in the 6th century, this atmospheric site on the banks of the River Shannon features ancient churches, high crosses, round towers and centuries-old grave slabs. As you wander through these historic ruins, discover the rich spiritual heritage that made Clonmacnoise a centre of learning and pilgrimage for over 1,000 years.

We then travel to Athlone, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside, browse the local shops and cafés, or discover the town’s rich heritage. You may wish to visit Athlone Castle, a landmark that has stood at the heart of the town for centuries. Alternatively, enjoy a drink in the legendary Sean’s Bar, recognised by the Guinness World Records as Ireland’s oldest pub, with origins dating back to 900 AD.

Then, discover the Old Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Ireland. Find out more about the centuries-old traditions of Irish whiskey-making as you explore the historic buildings, view original distilling equipment and learn about the craft that has been passed down through generations.

Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

This morning, we visit the enchanting Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, a magnificent 160-acre Georgian estate set on the shores of beautiful Lough Ennell, just a short distance from our hotel. One of Ireland’s finest heritage attractions, the estate combines elegant gardens, peaceful woodland trails, striking follies and lakeside views.

Explore the beautifully restored 18th-century house and uncover the story of the Belvedere estate and the dramatic family rivalry that inspired the construction of the famous Jealous Wall. Built by the Earl of Belvedere to block the view of his estranged brother’s nearby mansion, this Gothic folly remains the largest of its kind in Ireland and a lasting testament to one of the country’s most intriguing family feuds.

We return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon at leisure. Take advantage of the hotel’s excellent facilities, enjoy a stroll through the surrounding lakeside parklands, or simply unwind in tranquil surroundings. Guests have complimentary access to the leisure centre, which features a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and hydrotherapy pool. For the ultimate indulgence, you may also wish to book a rejuvenating spa treatment (additional cost).

Alternatively, take the opportunity to join our optional afternoon excursion to the Irish National Stud, the only thoroughbred breeding farm in the world that is open to the public. Explore the beautifully maintained grounds and learn about the care, training and heritage behind some of Ireland’s finest bloodlines and wander through the beautiful Japanese Gardens, regarded as some of the finest in Europe.

Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

We head to Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital, with the opportunity to join an optional guided city tour and discover the many stories behind this historic city. Visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including O’Connell Street, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the grounds of Dublin Castle. There’s also time to browse the many shops and cafés, watch the world go by in one of the charming squares or pop into a traditional Irish pub for a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.

Hidden Heartlands of Ireland

We check out of our hotel early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore, a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Explore Strokestown Park on a guided tour of Strokestown Park House, an elegant Palladian mansion framed by formal lawns and a Victorian walled garden. Step through grand saloons and working kitchens for a vivid picture of life on a landed estate.

Continue into the National Famine Museum, where landlord papers, letters and eviction lists illuminate the Great Famine (1845–1852). Thoughtful exhibits connect local tenant stories to nationwide upheaval, tracing causes, resilience and the legacy of emigration.

Walk among the ruins of the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site on the Shannon’s banks, passing a roofless cathedral, round towers and ancient high crosses carved with scriptural scenes. The open river light and low horizons amplify the site’s contemplative mood.

Founded by St Ciarán in the 6th century, Clonmacnoise became a renowned seat of learning and pilgrimage. Pause by iconic round towers and inscribed slabs honoring kings and scholars, where centuries of devotion still feel near.

Discover the Old Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery (1757). Trace the craft from grain to spirit as you explore timber washbacks, mash tuns and heritage copper stills inside whitewashed stone buildings.

Outside, the waterwheel-powered mill recalls the industry that shaped this midlands town. Engaging guides share stories of coopers and distillers whose skills preserved a smooth, triple-distilled style now emblematic of Irish whiskey.

Explore Belvedere House, a Georgian villa overlooking Lough Ennell, where light floods sash-windowed rooms and rococo plasterwork frames elegant interiors. Wander curated gardens and woodland trails rich with birdsong and seasonal color.

On the lawns stands the dramatic Jealous Wall, Ireland’s largest Gothic folly, raised amid a notorious 18th-century feud. Lakeside breezes and far-reaching views lend a romantic, storied air to this heritage estate.

Visit the Irish National Stud in County Kildare (additional cost, £19pp), where breeding expertise shapes thoroughbred champions. Stroll between emerald paddocks and stable yards as guides reveal training regimes, pedigrees and Ireland’s deep equine culture.

Then wander the Japanese Gardens, created in the early 1900s to trace the Path of Life through bridges, stepping stones and lantern-lit corners. This optional experience is bookable on tour.

Join a guided city tour of Dublin (additional cost, £19pp) to connect Viking origins, Georgian elegance and modern creativity. Traverse O’Connell Street and the River Liffey quays for a compact orientation to the capital.

See highlights including Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the grounds of Dublin Castle, while hearing literary and political tales that color each landmark. This optional tour is bookable on tour.

Join a cruise the River Shannon from Carrick-on-Shannon, gliding past reedy banks, wooded islets and stone bridges as the waterway widens into calm reaches. Settle into an easy rhythm while the crew shares local notes and herons lift from the shallows.

As Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon shaped trade, travel and folklore across the midlands. From the deck, take in wide skies and island-dotted waterways—a serene window onto the Hidden Heartlands.