Things to Do in Ireland

A roofless cathedral, round tower and Romanesque chapel perched on a natural limestone outcrop above the Tipperary plain — seat of the Kings of Munster for 600 years.

Norman castle at the heart of Kilkenny's medieval city, with 50 acres of riverside parkland that's free to walk. Base yourself in Kilkenny for the best midlands day-trip coverage.

One of Ireland's largest and best-preserved medieval castles — a three-ward fortification on a rock island in the River Suir, built by the Butler dynasty.

A sixth-century monastic city on the River Shannon — the most important early Christian site in the Irish midlands, with round towers, carved high crosses and cathedral ruins.

A 120-acre demesne in the midlands town of Birr containing the restored Great Telescope — the world's largest telescope for 70 years — and Ireland's finest private historic garden, with the tallest box hedges in the world. The Parsons family have lived here since the 17th century.

A Viking-themed river cruise on the Shannon at Athlone — costumed guides, views of Athlone Castle from the water, and a run out onto the approaches of Lough Ree. One of the most enjoyable heritage experiences in the Irish midlands.

A 350-acre forest park on the shores of Lough Key in north Roscommon — woodland walking trails, a Victorian walled garden, ruins of a castle on an island in the lake, and the Boda Borg activity centre. One of the best family parks in Connacht.

A Palladian Georgian mansion, a 4-acre walled garden, and the National Famine Museum — the most important famine heritage site in Ireland outside Dublin. The Mahon family papers archived here provide the most complete documented record of a single estate during the 1845–52 famine.

A 12th-century Cistercian abbey near Thomastown with one of the finest surviving cloisters in Ireland — its pillars carved with knights, bishops, dragons and a cast of medieval figures.