Destination Ireland - Summer 2021 - Destination Focus
However , there is an otherworldly sense of calm and serenity in this place - something a little inexplicable and ethereal . Perhaps the Shannon Pot knows things are going to get a lot more frantic as its waters flow on , so it ’ s just resting up before the journey . While not quite in the Niagara league , nearby Tullydermot Falls provide a delightful jolt to the system as you travel through the beautifully bleak countryside near Swanlinbar . Tumbling down into the rocks below in the Claddagh river , the majestic falls are a fantastic spot to just sit and ‘ chill ’ for a while - and those obsessed with their Instagram accounts won ’ t find many better places in Ireland to fill their feed . Unexpected , beguiling - and just gorgeous . Next on our agenda was The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre just outside Longford Town . I ’ ll be honest , we didn ’ t quite know what to expect here - but it was more than a little mind-blowing . Corlea is the site of an ancient wooden trackway built sometime in the Iron Age as a means to traverse the treacherous boglands in the area . To this day they are still finding artefacts from several eras and the knowledgeable guide believes there is more - so much more - still buried beneath the surface . But an 18-metre stretch of the original oak planks are preserved in a specially-designed , climate-controlled room at the centre , and you can ’ t help but be struck by the scale of the project and the ingenuity involved in the construction as you peer down on it . The Knights & Conquests Visitor Centre in neighbouring Granard invites you to experience Norman Ireland in all its glory - and all its gory details . You can learn about the era through an interactive journey in your own game of thrones , even discovering the weapons they used so skilfully , and dig for artefacts in the Norman CSI room Children have the option to dress up in the attire of the day and act out their whole visit in the style of the times - including taking on certain duties while being addressed by their newly given Norman name . This may become a tad confusing if their real name is Norman or Norma , but otherwise it ’ s great fun as well as being educational . There are many fine hotels to choose from in the region for a weekend of adventure , but the sumptuous Slieve Russell was our chosen ‘ digs ’. I ’ ve had the pleasure of staying here before - and playing the new PGA-branded golf course , but alas no clubs were in tow this time - and it is perfect for a weekend break . There is a staggering FOUR restaurants to choose from - including the highly regarded Conall Cearnach Restaurant - and a welcoming bar to help wash the dust off your throat . The golf course nestles up along the vast 300 acres of grounds here , and the luxurious spa and 50-foot pool are a fine destination to soak travel-weary bones in . Nevin Maguire ’ s restaurant in Blacklion is obviously hugely popular , but unless you ’ ve booked months in advance you ’ ll have to look elsewhere - and Murph ’ s Bistro in Butlersbridge fits the bill perfectly . Situated overlooking the bridge on the Annalee River , this gastro pub proudly displays its multiple foodie awards on the walls and the staff are among some of the friendliest I ’ ve encountered . Having eaten dinner here on one night we decided to return again for lunch the following day , such was the choice and quality of the food . Top-notch nosh - and the cocktails aren ’ t too shabby , either ! With ‘ staycations ’ becoming ever more popular , Ireland ’ s Hidden Heartlands offers plenty to experience for all ages - let ’ s face it , you ’ re smack-bang in the middle of it all .
Cavan Burren Park
Cavan Burren Park
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