The Midlands of Ireland
The Midlands of Ireland is often overlooked because travelers tend to head straight from Dublin toward Galway, the west coast or the south. But if you have extra time, it offers a completely different side of Ireland: ancient monasteries, castles, whiskey distilleries, peaceful lakes, canals, forests, boglands and beautiful countryside. It is also a good region for slowing down and experiencing smaller Irish towns.
⭐ Clonmacnoise Monastery
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is a spectacular sixth-century monastery situated on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded around 548–549 by St. Ciarán, the monastery became an important center of religion, learning, craftsmanship, and trade. Its strategic location along a major east-west route helped it flourish, and today visitors can explore the remains of seven churches, a cathedral, two round towers, and three magnificent high crosses, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's early Christian heritage.
Check their website for closures and parking information.
Time: Takes 1 hour to explore approx
Sean's Bar-Ireland's Oldest Pub
While visiting Athlone and the Monestary-make a stop into Ireland's oldest operational pub. Sean’s Bar is famous for being recognized as Ireland’s oldest pub—and its story is fascinating. The pub claims its origins date to around 900 AD, when an inn was established beside an important crossing point on the River Shannon. Guinness World Records officially recognized Sean’s Bar as Ireland’s oldest extant public house in 2004.
Athlone Castle
Athlone Castle has a long and fascinating history dating back to 1129, when King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair built a wooden fortification on or near the site. The stone castle that stands today dates from around 1210, when it was built for King John of England. It was extensively fortified in the late 13th century, adding curtain walls and distinctive round towers. Although rebuilt and restored over the centuries, these medieval features remain an important part of Athlone's historic character.
Check their website for opening hours
Time: 1 hour to explore approx
Whiskey: Kilbeggan & Tullamore
Anyone who knows me knows I love Irish Whiskey! Tillamore Dew is one of my favorite sipping whiskey's I can easily find in bars in the US.
The Midlands is an excellent place to learn about Irish whiskey.
Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath dates to 1757 and is recognized as the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Tours explain the traditional production process and include whiskey tasting.
You can also visit the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre in Tullamore for another whiskey experience.
If you're traveling with friends or younger adults, these can be particularly enjoyable stops because they're more interactive than simply visiting another historic building.
Belvedere House, Gardens & Park
PROBABLY HAUNTED
The story of Belvedere House is centered on the tragic marriage of Robert Rochfort, later the 1st Earl of Belvedere, and his young wife, Mary Molesworth. Married in 1736 when Mary was only 16, the couple's relationship deteriorated as Robert became increasingly distant and jealous. He eventually accused Mary of having an affair with his brother Arthur, and after a disputed confession, Robert had Mary confined to their home at Gaulstown. She remained under house arrest for decades while Robert moved to Belvedere House and continued to expand and embellish the estate.
The family's rivalries continued when Robert's brother George built nearby Tudenham House, prompting Robert to construct the enormous Gothic folly now known as the Jealous Wall to block the view between the two estates. Arthur was eventually arrested and imprisoned, while Robert lived in luxury until his death in 1774. Only then was Mary released, after spending much of her adult life confined and separated from the freedom she had once enjoyed. Today, Belvedere House and its follies preserve this dramatic story of jealousy, rivalry, and family conflict, while serving as a reminder of the importance of trust, love, and freedom.
Birr Castle
Birr Castle, in County Offaly in Ireland's Midlands, is much more than a historic castle—it is a fascinating combination of heritage, science, gardens, and nature. The site has Norman origins dating to around 1170 and has been home to the Parsons family since 1620. Today, visitors can explore the castle demesne, which covers about 120 acres of gardens, woodland, rivers, and walking trails.
The highlight for many visitors is the Great Telescope, also known as the Leviathan of Parsonstown. Built in the 1840s by William Parsons, the 3rd Earl of Rosse, it was once the world's largest telescope and was used to make important astronomical observations, including identifying the spiral structure of galaxies. The estate also features a Historic Science Centre, beautiful formal gardens, rare trees and plants, and historic photography exhibits.
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