Explore More in Ireland’s
Hidden Heartlands

Discover the beauty, culture, and activities that surround us.

IRELANDS HIDDEN HEARTLANDS

Discover
the Region  

Dunmore Country School is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, a region known for its quiet beauty, waterways, and rich heritage. While you’re here, why not make a day—or a weekend—of it? 

Outdoor Activities

  • Laois Angling Centre (Coolrain)

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  • Barrow Way Blueway

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  • Slieve Bloom Eco Walks

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Walking and Cycling Trails 

  • Slieve Bloom Way

    A 70 km circular trail through the Slieve Bloom Mountains across Laois and Offaly, featuring forest tracks, moorland, deep glens, and scenic ridges.

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  • Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop

    Looping from Glenbarrow Forest, this 4.2 km walk goes by riverbanks and includes a striking three-tiered waterfall and peaceful woodland.

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  • Kinnitty Castle Loop

    A moderate 4 km loop through Kinnitty Forest, with views over the grounds of the historic Kinnitty Castle and lush broadleaf woodland.

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  • Durrow leafy loops

    Covering country lanes, river banks, forestry paths, woodland tracks, foot bridges, hill paths and one busy main road, the delightful Durrow Leafy Loop takes five hours to complete.

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Local Food and Craft

  • Ballykilcavan brewery

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  • Kilkenny Art Market

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  • Cullahill Village and Castle Ruins

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Ireland’s Ancient East

The Midlands of Ireland, supported by the EU Just Transition Fund and Fáilte Ireland, is a territory dedicated to promoting regenerative tourism, helping local communities affected by the shift to a climate-neutral economy. This area is thriving with sustainable tourism development, thanks to numerous innovative initiatives and tourism projects. Visitors will enjoy the benefits of a diversified regional economy, the preservation of stunning natural habitats and biodiversity, and local communities offering a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

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Heritage Sites

  • Heritage House, Abbeyleix

    A museum in an old school building that tells the story of Abbeyleix and Laois, from ancient tribes to the industrial era, and houses local craft in its gift shop.

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  • Durrow Village and Castle Durrow

    Built in the early 18th century by the Flower family, Castle Durrow overlooks the charming Georgian streets of Durrow; the village preserves its architectural heritage and historic market square.

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  • Timahoe Round Tower

    Timahoe Round Tower in County Laois is one of the finest examples in Ireland. It stands on the site of a monastery, said to have been founded by St Mochua in the 7th century.

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your garden journey.

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