OUTDOOR ACTIVITY BREAKS IN IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS

BE A BUSY BEE

TIPPERARY is renowned for its agriculture, but the produce on Brookfield Farm, just outside Nenagh, is that bit different. It’s all about bees here, and visitors can witness the honey-making experience and get a sense of the wide range of products that can be made thanks to these extraordinary creatures, including wax candles and lip balm.

Lough Derg is a short drive away and Dromineer’s beach has long drawn visitors. It’s a lovely place to relax, whether you stay on the shore or take a boat onto the lake. There are plenty of dining options in the vicinity — why not get ideas for a picnic in the award-winning Country Choice deli and cafe in Nenagh?

FORAGE FOR YOUR DINNER

THE food we put into our bodies can have a significant impact on our general health and increasing numbers of us are rejecting highly processed ready meals in favour of natural, sustainable and seasonal produce. Foraging for wild foods is a wonderful way to eat healthily and Wild Food Mary from Offaly is renowned nationwide for her connection to the earth. She takes groups on foraging expeditions near her home in Birr and there’s so much potential food available to us completely free of charge.

Offaly is one of 11 counties the Shannon borders or runs through and the village of Shannon Harbour is the spot where the great river meets the Grand Canal and the Brosna River. It’s the perfect spot to try out canoeing.

Shannonbridge is a 10-minute drive away and an ideal place to stop off for an excellent meal. The River Cafe is located in the striking Old Fort building and you’ll want to take pictures of the remarkable 16-arch masonry bridge that gives the village its name.