Midlands East
Known as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow has outstanding scenery – mountains, valleys, lakes and coastline. Renowned for its walking trails, The Wicklow Way is one of the most famous. The ancient monastic site of Glendalough, Powerscourt Gardens, Mount Usher Gardens, Wicklow Gaol and Parnell's Avondale house are some of the many attractions well worth a visit.County Louth also has a rich medieval past. The town of Dundalk has connections with the mythical hero Cuchulainn. It is a vibrant shopping town and has a newly refurbished Town Hall & Basement Gallery, an award winning county Museum & the magnificent St. Partick’s Cathedral that dates back to 1837. Drogheda, on the river Boyne, has many fascinating buildings including St. Laurence’s gate, Millmount Museum and Martello Tower. The relics of St. Oliver Plunkett, martyred in 1681, are preserved in St. Peter’s church. The heritage town of Carlingford displays its past in Kings John’s Castle, mint and Interpretative Centre.
All this combined with quality golf, equestrian, angling, and walking makes it an ideal holiday location.
The Midlands of Ireland comprising Counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath is an area of unspoilt scenery, rich heritage, wonderful sporting and recreational attractions as well as top class accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
Longford and Westmeath with its rivers, lakes and canals ensures many watersports are enjoyed here as well as top class angling with all species of coarse fishing and brown trout. An area noted for its history and varied heritage, visitor attractions include the heritage village of Ardagh, Corlea Trackway Centre near Kenagh, the Bog Oak Sculptures in Newtowncashel, the magnificent Belvedere House and Gardens outside Mullingar, Athlone Castle and Lockes Distillery Museum situated in Kilbeggan, which hosts horse racing during the summer months. Towns such as Longford, Athlone and Mullingar continue to attract visitors as a short break destination.
Cruising, fishing, golfing and equestrian enthusiasts should look no further than Laois and Offaly. The heritage town of Tullamore has put Offaly firmly on the map as a short break location and from here the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise and of Course the famous Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre can be visited. For those who enjoy country walks and visiting gardens, then County Laois provides both. Tranquillity reigns along the banks of the Grand Canal at Vicarstown or the walking routes of the Slieve Blooms.
Splendid gardens surround the Gandon House at Emo or the Lutyens gardens at Heywood.


