The 10 Best Museums in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,

Open May-Oct incl : No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum, which is hidden in South Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over ,7500 items includes horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment, laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930’s old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones , shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormacks photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more. its an ideal destina­tion for school tours, ICA Guilds, Ladies Clubs, Farming Groups, Vintage Clubs, Historical So­cieties, families,

NEW... unique and tranquil one bedroom lodge available for holiday rental. The studio and garden is situated between Doolin and Lisdoonvarna on the edge of the Burren and within site of the Cliffs of Moher. This apartment is situated in the home of a local artist amidst beautiful gardens. Guests are free to enjoy the gardens and visit the onsite Art Gallery .Original paintings and Fine Art prints available to purchase.Directions ,from Lisdoonvarna town centre take the N67 towards Doolin, at first T junction turn right on to R477, at Y junction immediately after turn right staying on R477, continue to first crossroads turn left onto R5064 where there is an Art Studio sign, its the 3rd. property on the right , full journey from centre Lisdoonvarna 2 kilometre approx.Postal code V95TR20

Thomas MacDonagh, Irish patriot, poet, teacher and a leader of Ireland's 1916 insurrection now has a museum and heritage centre in his home town of Cloughjordan. This centre is located in a renovated MacDonagh family home and brings to the public the story of this man and the place in which he grew up.

Foust Gallery is a studio gallery showcasing the artwork of Sara Foust and fine craft artists in Co. Clare. Discover Sara Foust’s vibrant paintings of the Clare landscapes, and watch the artist paint while you browse her work. The gallery is a bright and welcoming place to view art, with a vast selection of paintings and a wide array of fine gifts, cards and books. Foust Gallery is an anchor gallery of the Ennistymon Art Trail, and featured in documentaries about the Burren and the local area. Ennistymon is a hidden gem of artists, musicians, writers and poets, and a landscape to inspire them all.

Discover all there is to know about a water-powered Corn Mill. The Corn Mill is a recorded monument and an important part of our industrial heritage. Gain an understanding of how oats and wheat were milled in a bygone era.

Explore the story of the horse and its role in Irish culture over 2000 years. Located in the heart of the Golden Vale, the Fethard Horse Country Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture and heritage of the region. Part of Ireland’s Ancient East, this interactive experience examines the relationship between the people, the land itself and the horse revealing how they are all inextricably linked. Spread out over two floors within C17th Tholsel building the interactive nature of the exhibition makes it an enjoyable and informative experience for all ages. The entire building is Wheelchair Accessible.

The Burren Art Gallery is a unique art, craft, design and performance venue on the edge of the Burren near Tubber. The former church has been transformed into a flexible creative space, featuring modern exhibition lighting, net and audio capabilities. The exterior of the building is sensitively restored using natural materials, in keeping with local tradition and surroundings.