Top Things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
What to do and see in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Ireland including Dun Aonghasa, Dun Duchathair, Rathcroghan Royal Site & Visitor Centre, Lackeen Castle, Killone Abbey, Kilcooley Abbey, Athassel Abbey, Boyle Abbey, Kilmacduagh Tower, Mooghaun Hill Fort.
Restaurants in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands
1. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
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.
2. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
3. Rathcroghan Royal Site & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 435 reviews
Rathcroghan, in County Roscommon, is the hidden heart of the West of Ireland. When you visit this area, just off the N5 Dublin to Westport road, you can experience the home of Celtic Warrior Queen Maeve, the Goddess Morrigan, the Cattle Raid of Cooley, and seat of Gaelic Royalty – this is the Land of Legends for over 5,000 years. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the ancestors, imagine yourself transported back through time to the age of warriors and heroes, and enjoy this fascinating slice of Irish Heritage. The Rathcroghan Complex, with over 200 ancient monuments, is the historical royal capital of Connacht, Ireland’s Western province. We have been nominated to World Heritage Status, and Rathcroghan Visitor Centre offers a BRAND NEW Rathcroghan and Medieval Tulsk exhibition (open April 2014) with fully insured guided tours tailored to suit you; whether your interest is History, Genealogy, Literature, Archaeology, Heritage, Spirituality, or Mythology. Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, in the Medieval village of Tulsk, provides professional guided tours with a qualified historian/archaeologist; plus self-guide information, maps and advice; family friendly activities, workshops and special events, and full café facilities. You can shop for unique hand crafted gifts, an unparalleled specialist book selection, and expert advice no matter what your interest in Irish Culture, History or Heritage.
Reviewed By carolgleeson
The exhibition is very good, with an impressive bookshop for history lovers, the cafe has very good coffee and cake and the best of all is the guided tour by Mike McCarthy. It is excellent! He weaves together myth, archaeology, history, folklore into a great story. Very interesting and entertaining. The guided tour is a must for anyone interested in the story of Maeve.
4. Lackeen Castle
5. Killone Abbey
6. Kilcooley Abbey
7. Athassel Abbey
8. Boyle Abbey
9. Kilmacduagh Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Susanne900
We found this graveyard coinidentally. This is a beautiful ancient place. Great for pictures. The church ruins, the tower, the graves, all are pitoresque.
10. Mooghaun Hill Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
