WATER-BASED BREAKS IN IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS

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The Shannon is not just our longest river — it’s Ireland’s most fabled by far. And it’s a river that either flows through or borders no less than 11 counties. The very best way to explore this magnificent watercourse is on a cruise. It’s a slow, steady, meditative way to connect with the Shannon — and it’s surprisingly easy to pick up.

When it comes to cruising on the Shannon, there are several operators, including Silver Line Cruisers and Emerald Star. They’ve all run boats here for decades and are well used to dealing with people who are attempting to navigate these great waters for the first time.

A stretch of the river bound to captivate newcomers is close to Carrick-on-Shannon and via Lanesborough.

Carrick is a lively town and there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to stop off for a hearty meal and refreshing beverage.

EXPLORE A MONASTIC MARVEL

Holy Island is a remarkable place. It’s to be found on Lough Derg, Co. Clare, and it was here that a monastery was built in the 8th century. A great deal of what was constructed back then remains intact, including a round tower and the ruins of six churches.

Local historian Gerard Madden takes visitors out to Holy Island by boat from Mountshannon Pier. There are daily tours, weather permitting, until the end of September.

The nearby village of Tuamgraney boasts another experience of a more recent vintage. The McKernan Woollen Mills is all about using authentic, traditional skills to make some covetable items of clothing, and visitors are welcome to see the process in action.

A confectionary factory, Wilde Irish Chocolates, is also to be found in the village and tours are available there as well.

GO BOATING IN THE HEART OF IRELAND

There’s something wonderfully relaxing about a boat trip along a stretch of the Shannon, or on Lough Ree — one of the country’s most fabled lakes. Barracuda Boat Trips operate out of historic Athlone and cater for all tastes: if you simply fancy a 90-minute cruise in one of their small, glass-roofed boats, they can accommodate.

If you’re after a full day on the water, they’re more than happy to oblige and to show you around some of Westmeath’s finest watery places. The team will also provide boats for those who fancy an afternoon’s fishing.

No trip to Athlone is complete without a visit to its famous stronghold. Athlone Castle is a place teeming with history and it played a major part in the Siege of Athlone in 1690 during the Williamite War.