Ireland's Hidden
Heartlands
With its rich mix of beautiful landscapes, rugged hills, soft bogs, peaceful lakes and vibrant townscapes, welcome to one of the most surprising and unspoilt parts of Ireland.
Following your visit to us here at Moon River, there is so much more for you to explore.
The water offers leisurely boat trips, water sports and great fishing, while numerous walks, cycle trails and pony trekking allow you to take in the views, or explore the rural heartlands and small villages in this quiet, relaxing part of the country.
Find an Experience to Suit You
Use our map to discover what each region has to offer.
 | 1 Shed Distillery | The Shed Distillery is the Home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. The Curious Journey Tour is available from 10th September 2020. |
 | 2 Arigna Mining | Arigna Mining Experience was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future. This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700’s until closure in 1990. Arigna Mining Experience |
 | 3 Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre | The Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre, located on Acres Lake, Drumshanbo, provides audio-visual displays and interactive information on the Sliabh an Iarainn, Arigna and north Leitrim areas. There are features on both the landscape and the geology of Leitrim with special emphasis on the industrial and musical heritage of this area. |
 | 4 St Georges Heritage and Visitors Centre | St Georges Heritage and Visitors Centre offers tours of the Attic Memorial in Carrick on Shannon. https://st-georges-heritage-visitor-centre.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral |
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1 River Run | Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Shannon with the warm hospitality of the Moon River crew! Moon River seats 110 passengers and a full bar is provided along with coffee, tea and snacks, ensuring you are fully relaxed to revel in the beauty of Ireland’s finest river. |
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2 Leitrim Surf Company | Specialise in guided stand-up paddleboarding safar’s on The Shannon Blueway and tours of the Leitrim coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way. They are fully mobile and can also provide tailor-made excursions on any river, lake, canal or sea; Leitrim and beyond… |
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3 Adventure Gently | Offers guided tours of the waterways of Northwest Ireland in Canadian Canoes, including the Shannon Blueway. As our name suggests they provide a gentle, enjoyable, safe experience but still with a flavour of excitement and achievement. They welcome small groups, individuals and families. |
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4 ZipitZipit | Treetop high ropes forest adventure park located in Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. You can climb high into the reetops, swing into cargo nets, even ride a bmx across a bridge, before zipping down one of our many ziplines. Suitable for families, individuals and groups to enjoy up to 3 hours of excitement and adventure. |
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5 Baysports | Baysport is a home to Ireland’s inflatable waterpark & holds the Guinness World Record for the TALLEST floating slide in the WORLD! The perfect fun outing for the family whether the sun is shining or not – you’ll be getting wet either way! |
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6 Slow Adventure in Leitrim | About creating inspiring connections with the outdoors. Slow Adventure creates memories through meaningful guided experiences as you invest time in a place, in it’s traditions and community. |
 | 1 Lough Key Forest and Activity Park | Lough Key Forest and Activity Park with 8 km of woodland trails. |
 | 2 Derrycarne Wood | Derrycarne Wood, Dromod Co. Leitrim. This woodland is situated in an area that was formerly part of the Derrycarne Demense. The lands were owned by the Nesbitt family in the early 1800s. They were subsequently acquired by Edward Willis and William Ormsby Gore MP. The lands around Derrycarne were sold to the Irish Land Commission in 1924. There is very little physical evidence left of these times, Derrycarne House having been demolished in the 1950s. The woodland provides a very pleasant walk along the shore of Lough Boderg. Cruisers have access to this lake through the Shannon water system. The remains of an ice house can be seen along the shore. The trail passes through mixed wood land of beech, oak, and holly together with Sitka spruce and Lawson cypress. |
 | 3 Bothar na Naomh | Bothar na Naomh is a lovely Recreational, Heritage and Nature Trail that starts at Cloone Village County Leitrim. It is 3.75 km long and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. It is a family friendly walk, in a woodland setting and near Annaghmaconway Lake. If you go in Spring, you’re in for a treat when the wild flowers are in bloom. There is car parking available. Also Annaghmaconway lake has 10 fishing points and a boat slip. You will thoroughly enjoy this walk |
Looking to stay longer?
With so much to see and do in Ireland’s Hidden HEartlands why not extend your trip, and stay in one of the many hotels, guesthouses, or B&Bs in the area.
Where to eat and drink?
Feeling thirsty or peckish? Whether you’re a consummate carnivore or a vegan, you’ll find plenty of foodie delights in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Check out our list of recommended places for your visit.
Uncover Carrick-On-Shannon
Are you looking for a fun day out for all the family? Do you want to experience nature and jump into history down the River Shannon? Then look no further than Moon River cruises.
We’re the only luxury passenger cruiser in Carrick-On-Shannon and our public cruises run every week.
We’ve been giving tours and trips to both locals and tourists for 25 years and we love to provide our passengers with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Your journey is just beginning
Discover more of what Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has to offer.
