traveldk.com

This early Christian site, founded by St Ciaran in the 6th century, draws tourists into Ireland’s often neglected Midlands. The grounds are atmospheric, especially on a grey Irish day, and include the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th–13th-centuries), two round towers, three high crosses and dozens of early Christian grave slabs. The visitors’ centre offers an audio-visual show and exhibitions.

It’s rare that a castle plays second fiddle to its surroundings. Here, however, the gardens, covering more than 150 acres and containing 2,000 species of rare trees and shrubs, take the prize. Spring blossoms and autumn foliage are mesmerizing. The grounds are also home to the Earl of Rosse’s 72-inch (180-cm) telescope. Built in the 1840s this was once the world’s largest.

Designed in 1790 for the Earl of Portarlington, this is another fine example of architect James Gandon’s work (see City Hall), and his interiors in this lovely house remain unchanged. The fine gardens are divided into two sections: the Grapery leads you down to a lakeside walk; the Cluckery acquired its name from the nuns who used to reside here.

You might call it dirt, but they call it peat around these parts, and it is valuable. Bord na Mona (the national peat board) runs this 5.5-mile (9-km) rail trip through the Blackwater Bog and the Blackwater Power Station. The tour teaches you everything you need to know about harvesting this acidic resource and the importance it has played in powering the Emerald Isle.

Although largely dominated by the castle and its grounds, the town of Birr has much to offer visitors. Its beautiful Georgian style has been lovingly preserved, many of the buildings retaining their original fanlights and door panelling.

Towering 150 ft (45 m) above a flat plain, the Rock of Dunamase is one of the most impressive and historic sights in Ireland. The sight was included on Ptolemy’s world map in AD 140, such was its fame, and the ruins date back thousands of years. Standing amid its history, you can see all the way to the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

Despite a perfect Austenstyle setting, there was no sense or sensibility in the actions of the Earl of Belvedere. He began the house in 1740, spent his life fighting his brothers and built the Gothic Jealous Wall to block the view of his sibling’s house. He also imprisoned his wife for 31 years, suspecting she’d slept with one of them. Visitors, however, are free to roam the beautiful gardens and the shore of Lough Ennell.

Originally constructed in the 17th century, most of Tullynally today is a result of the second Earl of Longford’s remodelling of it as a rambling Gothic Revival castle, housing a collection of Irish furniture and portraits. Outside are romantic grounds and walled gardens.

Despite only rising 2,000 ft (615 m), the surrounding flat plain aids in creating an imposing image of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The summits have been declared a National Nature Reserve and the Slieve Bloom Way has been marked out for hikers who have waterfalls, hidden glens and peaceful villages to look forward to.

Once the largest raised peat bog in Ireland, the bog has been gradually shrinking as it is used for powering the island. It is home to some of Ireland’s most interesting indigenous plants and insects, including the carnivorous sundew plant and bog cotton.