Kilbeggan Distillery is the world’s oldest whiskey distillery, established in 1757 and still makes one of Ireland’s finest whiskeys.  From the creaking timber water wheel, to our giant steam engine, a guided tour of this distillery will transport you back two centuries and captivate your senses. This is no mere “visitor centre” but a real working distillery run by a team of young enthusiastic craftspeople, skilled in the traditional ways of making Irish whiskey.  On your guided tour, you will get close to the iconic waterwheel which once powered the whole distillery and kept whiskey flowing through Kilbeggan. Old mash tuns and fermenters are still in their original positions and the new Kilbeggan malt spirit flows from ancient pot stills – one of which is over 186 years old!  It is the quintessential Irish whiskey distillery, with whitewashed walls, weathered slate roof, brick chimney stack, creaking timber water wheel and even regular ghost sightings! Website: kilbegganwhiskey.com Phone: 0579332134 Email: info@kilbeggandistillery.com

Experience a magnificent immersive journey through history at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.  Climb the steps to the castle keep and enjoy the views across the majestic River Shannon or climb higher still to the castle battlements and look across the rooftops of the entire town. Take a step back in history through playful interactive exhibits, touch screen animations and an immersive 360 degree cinematic experience that brings the Great Siege of Athlone to life. Swords, cannon balls and stunning sculptures give these ancient stories depth.  Vibrant displays and historic artefacts will lead you along a 3D timeline that illustrates Athlone’s last 200 years. Enjoy the wonderful voice of John Count McCormack in a display dedicated to the memory of the world-famous Athlone tenor.  Join one of the informative guided tours for a journey through Irish history that you won’t forget. Rain or shine, this is a castle with a story. Website: athlonecastle.ie Phone: 0906442130 Email: info@athlonecastle.ie

The Mythological Centre of Ireland, this ancient ceremonial site is one of the most sacred and historical sanctuaries in the world.  The burial site of the Earth Goddess Ériu, the founder of Ireland and the Sun God Lugh, this enigmatic hill became the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the meeting point of the ancient provinces where laws were struck and divisions agreed. The ‘Catstone’, a huge weathered limestone boulder under which Ériu is buried, is the most famous of over forty surviving features on the hilltop. On Uisneach the first Great Fire of Ireland was lit to announce the dawn of summer and these ‘Bealtaine Fires’ and Druid Ceremonies are now celebrated with an annual festival in May.  Passionate local tour guides at Uisneach will take you on a fascinating journey into the spiritual past of ancient Ireland. Website: uisneach.ie Phone: 0877189550 Email: tours@uisneach.ie

Tullynally Castle’s majestic presence dominates a breathtaking landscape, with 12 acres of beautifully restored 18th Century gardens, terraced lawns, remarkable mature trees, walled flower gardens and ornamental lakes.  The current owner, Thomas Pakenham has added a wealth of unusual trees and shrubs, many of them collected as seed on his travels, including superb collections of rare magnolias and lilies. The sunny Tearoom in the Castle Courtyard offers teas, coffee and delicious homemade food throughout the day and a splendid family coach is on display. Tullynally stands atop the ‘Hill of the Swan’, with views of Lough Derravaragh, the legendary lake where the ‘Children of Lir’ were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother and condemned to 900 years of wandering. Tullynally Castle has been home to the Pakenham family (later the Earls of Longford) for over 350 years. Guided tours of the huge rambling Gothic Revival castle in all its grandeur are available Thursdays to Saturdays, including the early Victorian kitchens and laundries, with a fascinating insight into the real stories of Irish history. Website: tullynallycastle.ie Phone: 0449661856 Email: info@tullynallycastle.ie

This magnificent 160 acre estate on the shores of Lough Ennell features a fully restored Georgian villa, Victorian Walled Garden, 18th Century parkland and woodland walking trails.  But most intriguing are the various romantic follies and each of these impressive structures has a captivating story to tell.  The Jealous Wall at Belvedere is the largest folly in Ireland and hides a story of sibling rivalry and the haunting past of the ‘Wicked Earl’ who once owned Belvedere.  At the visitor centre, guided tours of the house and estate can be booked for groups, or you can choose to explore it yourself. The Victorian Walled Garden features many exotic plants and is well worth a visit, followed by stroll through the extensive mature woodlands and magical Fairy Garden.  For children Belvedere offers lots to do, with four great play areas and a 30m zipline.  Facilities include a fully licensed cafe, gift shop and ample car parking. Book your guided tour and learn the intriguing tales of the ‘Wicked Earl’ who built Belvedere and the stories behind the awe-inspiring follies waiting to be discovered on this lakeside estate and parkland. Website: belvedere-house.ie Phone: 044 93 38960 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie