The Slieve Bloom Trail is located in the East Coast & Midlands Region of Ireland. Otherwise known as the heart of Ireland, composing of such counties as Louth, Longford, Meath, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare, Laois and Wicklow.

"There's certainly no better way of experiencing Ireland's unspoilt environment, rich cultural diversity, friendly people and fascinating heritage than by riding through our landscape".

And you will have more fun that you could ever imagine…

Welcome to the East Coast and Midlands of Ireland, a land of Celtic myth and mystery, majestic rivers, lakes, mountains and sea, with a warm and friendly people and interesting towns and villages to discover.  From the golden sands of the East coast, to the purple-headed mountains of Wicklow, and the Slieve Blooms, to the multi-hued Bog of Allen, majestic Shannon and the Midland Lakes. The East Coast and Midlands Region is the place to be.

It was here that Ireland was born. A region of great antiquity, from earliest times it was a cradle of European civilisation. Legendary Celtic warriors like Cuchulainn, Finn Mac Cool and Queen Maeve stirred men's imaginations and left their stories imprinted on the landscape of this region for eternity.

Here is a selection of Nearby Attractions

Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens and Gardens to St. Fiacre

"One Visit Three Different Worlds" - Why not visit the Irish National Stud, home to some of the worlds finest stallions, mares and foals, or the Japanese Gardens - vintage crop winner of the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 1993.

 

Clonmanoise

An early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran, in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs.

 

Birr
Birr is one of Ireland's finest examples of a georgian town. It is a virtually intact 18/19th century town, formal, spacious, and well planned, with georgian houses along it's tree lined malls and avenues. Birr Castle has been the seat of the Parsons family, Earls of Rosse, for fourteen consecutive generations. Georgian architecture is complemented by monuments to earlier earls, including one to a great astronomer, who built what, at the time, was the world's largest telescope in the grounds of Birr Castle. This telescope has now been restored.

 

Ireland's new Historic Science Centre and Birr Castle Demesne

Features the many pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and of other great Irish scientists in the fields of astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture. In the grounds, the Great Telescope built by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1840's; this was the largest in the world for 70 years. Birr Castle Demesne also host the most amazing Gardens in the country with Formal Garden and River Garden recently restored, parkland with thousands of rare trees and plants collected all over the world, rivers, lake and waterfalls. The neogothic Castle is the private family home of the Parsons family.

 

Boglands

Deep shades and varied tints, mysterious oozy depths and bracing fresh air - our bogs have inspired creativity throughout the ages. In their unique habitat a phenomenal variety of flora and fauna enthrals the expert and captivates the casual visitor. Fleecy bog cotton waves in the breeze, the sundew plant lies treacherously in wait to entrap insects in its sticky little arms and purple heathers throw a haze over the landscape. A colourful wilderness of flora and fauna grows on the surface of the boglands of Ireland. Both Boora and Blackwater bogs are open to visitors.

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre

The exhibition relates the story of the development of Tullamore town focussing on the Grand Canal and Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey/Irish Mist Liquer, Tullamore's most famous products.

Belvedere House & Gardens

This magnificent early 18th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere stands in 160 acres of Parkland on the shores of Lough Ennell. A multi media experience tells the story of Rochfortscruel imprisonment of his second wife and the creation of Irelands largest man made folly - the Jealous Wall.

 

Powerscourt Gardens and House Exhibition

One of the worlds greatest gardens, stretching out over 45 acres. It is a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes together with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs. The 18th century Palladian House incorporates a terrace restaurant and a house exhibition tracing the evolution of the Powerscourt Estate.

 

Glendalough Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is located beside the famous monastic site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. It houses an exhibition, audio-visual show entitled "Ireland of the Monasteries" and guided tours of the monastic site are provided.

 

Golf in the Heart of Ireland

There is a greater concentration of Golf in the East Coast and Midlands' region that in any other part of Ireland. Choose from among some of the finest parkland and links golf courses in the world.

This is an area used almost exclusively by the European Tour who have for the past four years played the Murphy's Irish Open at Druids Glen and the Smurfit European Open at the K Club over the past three years. And to crown its success in golf, the region will host the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2005.

There is virtually nowhere you can travel within this region that will be more than a 10 minute drive from one or other of its 84 golf courses. Courses and green fees alike will suit all categories of golfer.

For more information on golfing for partners participating on the Slieve Bloom Trail email info@slivebloomtrail.ie 

 

The Mecca for Racegoers in Ireland.

Punchestown, Home of Irish National Hunt Racing features the Festival in April, the Irish Derby is held at the Curragh and the Grand National at Fairyhouse. Race meetings are also held throughtout the year at Kilbeggan, Naas, Dundalk, Navan and  Bellewstown, with the famous beach races at Laytown taking place every summer.

Riders on the Slieve Bloom Trail are normally brought to an evening meet at Kilbeggan races when in season.

 

The range of visitor attractions, ancient monuments, great houses and gardens, sporting and recreational activities make the East Coast & Midlands Region the ideal location for your holiday to Ireland.