The Irish midlands house hundreds of castles and historical buildings, expansive boglands, plains and other scenic sites. Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary and Westmeath counties make up the Irish midlands. There are many attractions and activities in the midlands that offer something for adventurous, athletic, unorthodox and even easygoing tourists.
Castles
Although the Irish midlands are home to some lesser-known attractions, many of the more famous castles are located there. Cahir Castle in Tipperary county is one of the best-preserved castles in Ireland. It is located on a rocky island and was once a stronghold of the mighty Butler family. Another interesting site is Leap Castle along the road on Kinnity from Ballybritt and Clareen. It was named "Ireland's Most Haunted Castle" by "Ireland's Own." Other castles in the midlands include Ballaghmore Castle, Parkes Castle and Birr Castle, home to one of the world's largest telescopes.
Heritage Centres
Many people come to the Irish midlands to do research about their ancestral history. Even if you don't have Irish ancestors, you can come to heritage centers to find out about Irish history and culture. The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre in Offaly county offers a 45-minute guided tour about what it was like to live in a small Irish town in 1800s. Tour a historic and important old-fashioned brewery and walk on a boardwalk alongside the Grand Canal were there are gift shops, bistros and historic buildings from the 1800s.
Natural Areas
You might never find more serene, scenic environments than in Ireland's midlands. Even if you're looking for thrills and excitement, fulfill your need for adventure by visiting bogs, waterfalls and other natural areas. Boglands in the middle of Ireland are renowned, expansive and shrouded in mystery and surprise. People and objects that have fallen in bogs thousands of years ago periodically float to the surface intact and well-preserved. Bogs are also the homes of many rare species of water-dwelling insects and fish. In Leitrim county you can visit Glencarn Waterfall, the subjects of W.B. Yeats' famous poem "The Stolen Child."
Golf
In the first week of June a 72-hole golf tournament is held called the Tullamore Dew Causeway Coast Tournament. Golfers from all over the world come to the Causeway Coast, which was named a World Heritage site and dubbed "a golfer's paradise." Golf courses and tournaments open throughout the year include Ballycastle, which has 18 holes and is situated on a coastline, 54-hole Portstewart Golf Course and Royal Portrush, a one-hour drive from Belfast International Airport.
Guided Tours
Take a bus, bicycle or walk with a tour guide and learn about Ireland's culture from a professional. Guided tours last a few hours or even a few days, as the Irish Midlands have much to offer. When taking in sites, you will learn their history and superstitions as well as any secret paths, artifacts or other little details you would not find on a self-guided tour. You can also opt to rent a bicycle from Buckley Cycles or bring your own so you can trek through Ireland's long, winding roads. If you're short on time or would rather see more sites than roads, buses can be chartered for large groups or otherwise leave from the towns of Tober, Aghancon, Athlone, Ballinahown, Esker or Roscrea.
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