Exploring our heartland: A trip up the middle of Ireland

Lakes, laneways, castles and canals in the centre of the island — this is the hidden Ireland that you’ll be so glad you visited, says Jo Kerrigan

Kilkenny Castle is located in the heart of a bustling city full of medieval atmosphere,

Everybody has heard of the Wild Atlantic Way and now the Ancient East, but not many think of the quiet roads and peaceful villages of our country’s centre, where time really does seem to have stood still.

If you’re looking for a holiday away from it all, where taking things slowly is a way of life, and the old traditions still linger, then you can’t do better than to head right up the middle of Ireland, leaving the crowded coasts to others and discovering some wonderful places that will be yours alone.