Inside Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands are a treasure. This is the stretch of the country where rivers flow slowly, roads soften, and history sits close to the surface rather than behind glass.
It’s a region built for slow travel, where you can stay somewhere beautiful without coastal prices, eat exceptionally well without chasing reservations, and explore new spots where story and landscape are closely intertwined.
Here, we have a carefully chosen route to guide you through the Heartlands, beginning with places to stay, moving naturally into where to eat, and ending with landscapes and sites that give this region its undeniable depth.
Wineport Lodge
If you’re looking for a base in the Hidden Heartlands, look for places that make slowing down feel effortless.
Wineport Lodge sits right on the edge of Lough Ree, with rooms that open toward the water and evenings that stretch naturally across the terrace.
It’s refined without feeling formal. Your mornings will begin quietly, with light moving across the lake, and your days will end just as gently. From here, the Shannon corridor, Athlone, and nearby heritage sites are all within easy reach, making it an ideal anchor for a few unhurried nights.
Glasson Lakehouse
Glasson Lakehouse has a more sociable kind of comfort. Set above Lough Ree, it blends lakeside views with a relaxed, contemporary feel that never tips into stuffiness.
This is a place where long breakfasts turn into late lunches, and evenings revolve around conversation as much as dinner. It works particularly well if you like polish without ceremony, and a stay that feels restorative rather than removed.
Gleeson’s Townhouse
For something more affordable and deeply rooted in place, Gleeson’s Townhouse is filled with warmth and reliability. Located in Roscommon Town, it’ll offer you a traditional Irish stay with thoughtful service and a strong sense of local rhythm.
The rooms are comfortable without excess, and the location makes it easy to explore both Roscommon and the wider Heartlands. You’ll feel welcomed the moment you arrive, especially if you value atmosphere over gilded amenities.
The Prince of Wales Hotel
Right in the center of Athlone, The Prince of Wales Hotel is a practical, well-located option if you’d like walkable access to the town’s restaurants, pubs, and river paths.
It’s a solid base for exploring the Shannon region, offering comfort and convenience without distraction. If you keep your days and nights simple, this is an easy place to come back to.