Explore The Area

Uncover local treasures and hidden stories across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

The Midlands of Ireland, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland, is a territory dedicated to promoting regenerative tourism, helping local communities affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy. This area is thriving with sustainable tourism development, thanks to numerous innovative initiatives and tourism projects. Visitors will enjoy the benefits of a diversified regional economy, the preservation of stunning natural habitats and biodiversity, and local communities offering a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

Irelands Hidden Heartland Logo

Places to Visit

Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre

Step into medieval Ireland at the Athenry Heritage Centre, where interactive exhibits, costumes, and guided tours bring the town’s rich past to life within the walls of a 13th-century church.

Portumna 
Castle

Explore the 17th-century home of the de Burgo family, with restored gardens and guided tours that reveal centuries of history.

Irish Workhouse Centre

Discover the moving story of Ireland’s workhouses through guided tours of one of the few remaining original buildings.

Pallas Karting

Experience high-speed thrills at Europe’s largest karting centre, with tracks and activities for all ages.

Turoe Pet Farm

Meet friendly animals, enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, and explore a family favourite in the heart of Galway.

Brackloon Castle

Brackloon Castle was built in the early 1500s by the O Maddens in the east of their ancient Gaelic lordship of Síl Anmchadha.

Shannon Bank Park

Banagher Shannon Bank Park is an open green park the banks on the River Shannon. This park has been reclaimed and developed into one of the most popular relaxing community facilities, you are surrounded by nature and can enjoy the many amenities available.

The Living Bog Mountbellew

Covering around 850 acres, it contains some of the finest examples of raised bog habitat in the country and remains one of Ireland’s largest restorable active raised bogs.

Ahascragh Distillery

Experience whiskey history in the making at Ahascragh Distillery, Ireland’s first zero energy emissions whiskey and gin distillery.

Other Williamite /Jacobite Sites 

Athlone Castle

Uncover centuries of conflict and culture in this riverside fortress, brought to life with interactive exhibitions and panoramic views.

King John’s Castle

Step inside a 13th-century stronghold on the River Shannon, where immersive displays and medieval walls tell the story of Limerick’s past.

Battle of the Boyne Centre

Explore Ireland’s most famous battlefield through exhibitions, trails, and gardens at this landmark heritage site.

Discover More with Fáilte Ireland

For more ideas on where to go, what to see, and how to plan your trip around the region’s hidden gems, visit Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands site — a brilliant resource for discovering the lesser-known magic of Ireland’s west.

Follow the Story

From new exhibitions to Heritage Week events, keep up with everything happening at the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre — straight to your feed.
Two people smile with their faces showing through cutouts in a painted board depicting figures in elaborate royal costumes, reminiscent of those worn during the Battle of Aughrim, set against a vivid red background.
Two mannequins in elaborate 17th-century attire—one seated at a desk with a quill and paper, the other standing behind in a patterned gown—set against a backdrop featuring a historic Battle of Aughrim flag.
A diorama features miniature figures arranged on a terrain model, depicting the Battle of Aughrim with information panels and illustrations along the front edge.