The 10 Best Historic Sites in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

April 27, 2022 Leonarda Pillsbury

Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Creevelea Friary, Dun Aonghasa, Ballyglunin Railway Station, The Irish Workhouse Centre, Hall of the Vicars Choral, Rock of Cashel, Ennis Friary, St Marks Cemetery and Famine Graveyard, O'Brien's Monument, Boyle Abbey.
Restaurants in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

1. Creevelea Friary

Dromahair, Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon Ireland 353-71-61201
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Creevelea Friary

Reviewed By wam272 - Hong Kong, China

Explored the historic Abbey with no-one else around. Quite eerie and real sense of history as we wandered in and out of the ruins. Really good panels throughout clearly describing the form and function along with the history over hundreds of years. Seeing the town of Dromahair in the distance we decided to walk down the hill and follow the pathe running beside the river into the village. A complete step back in time and a really pleasant experience, absolutely loved this place.

2. Dun Aonghasa

Cill Mhuirbhigh, Province of Connacht Ireland +353 99 61008 [email protected] http://www.heritageireland.ie
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,399 reviews

Dun Aonghasa

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. Ballyglunin Railway Station

Tuam Road Athenry Ireland +353 91 563 081 http://www.facebook.com/BallygluninRailway
Excellent
90%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Ballyglunin Railway Station

Reviewed By Ozzysix - County Kildare, Ireland

A hidden gem in the west of Ireland, went looking for this as it was one of the locations used in The Quite Man. It is been renovated at present and there are great plans for its future. It was like stepping back in time really enjoy my time there.

4. The Irish Workhouse Centre

St Brigid's Road, Portumna Ireland +353 90 975 9200 [email protected] http://irishworkhousecentre.ie/
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 458 reviews

The Irish Workhouse Centre

Reviewed By Harrogate2008 - New Romney, United Kingdom

We had a truly interesting visit and our guide was so informative. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.

5. Hall of the Vicars Choral

Cashel Ireland
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Hall of the Vicars Choral

Medieval house on the Rock of Cashel, displaying many 13th-century religious and historical artifacts.

6. Rock of Cashel

Rock Vista Moor Lane, Cashel Ireland +353 62 61437 http://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,052 reviews

Rock of Cashel

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. Ennis Friary

Ennis Friary Abbey Street, Ennis Ireland +353 65 682 9100 http://monastic.ie/history/ennis-ofm-friary/
Excellent
49%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 334 reviews

Ennis Friary

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.

8. St Marks Cemetery and Famine Graveyard

Cashel Ireland
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

St Marks Cemetery and Famine Graveyard

9. O'Brien's Monument

Road R478 Derreen Across the road from St Brigids Well, Liscannor Ireland http://www.considinesbar.com/st-brigids-well/monument/
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

O'Brien's Monument

10. Boyle Abbey

Boyle Ireland 353-79-62604, 353-79-62145 http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/boyleabbey
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 174 reviews

Boyle Abbey

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