Unwind with an autumn wellness break in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
The beautiful landscape and serene ambiance of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is the perfect place to enjoy a wellness break this autumn.
Fowley's Falls, Co Leitrim
County Leitrim is one of Ireland’s hidden heroes. A rural haven for slow adventurers and those seeking a wellness retreat, its rivers, loughs and mountains offer the ideal destination to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with nature.
The perfect accommodation can be found at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway, where stylish and sustainable lodges nestle in a 100-acre estate that is covered by forest and woodlands. Each lodge has its own private area of woodland from where you can wander along the 5km of tracks and trails through the estate. The accommodation minimises environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials, conserving energy and water, and supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. There is also a Wellness Sanctuary tucked away in the original walled garden where you can enjoy seaweed baths, outdoor hot tubs, and saunas.
Drumhierny is a great base from which to explore all that Leitrim has to offer. The county town of Carrick-on-Shannon is a good place to start. A charming place for a stroll, it also one of the main cruiser hire centres along the Erne-Shannon waterway. While on a visit to the town, Honestly Farm Kitchen is a must visit because of their commitment to sourcing fresh, organic, and local ingredients grown at nearby Drumanilra Organic Farm. Their focus on minimising waste and reducing carbon footprint make for a healthy, ethical, and environmentally conscious dining experience.
In the village of Leitrim you can embark on the guided Slow Adventure Jackalope Cycle Tour. Choose either a standard or electric bike and enjoy the ride alongside the tranquil river up to the village of Drumshanbo. Here the experience includes a tour of the Shed Distillery, home of the award-wining Gunpowder Irish Gin, which fuses oriental botanicals with local Irish ones. After lunch at the distillery’s Jackalope Café, you will be driven back to Leitrim village by the trails team.
To discover more slow adventure activities in the area, check out what’s on offer at Adventure Gently based in Dromahair. Here you can enjoy riverside yoga or guided canoe tours on the River Bonet from Dromahair to Lough Gill.
Hikers should not miss a climb to O’Rourke’s Table, a mountain on the outskirts of Dromahair, or a walk along the trail to Fowley’s Falls which cascade in a series of levels over the exposed bedrock to form a spectacular torrent of water. From the falls there is an easy walk to the Organic Centre in Rossinver. This social enterprise works to increase knowledge and awareness about organic growing, biodiversity, climate change, food sovereignty and sustainable energy.
Arigna Mining Experience, Tunnel, Arigna, Co Roscommon
A visit to the Arigna Mining Experience is a must for those interested in the history and heritage of the area. Located in the neighbouring county of Roscommon, it tells the story of Ireland’s coal mining industry and explores the themes of energy – past, present and future. The guided tour takes you into the disused mines to experience first-hand the conditions that the miners worked in and tells their stories.
While on your short break in Leitrim you’ll also find lots of excellent eateries serving wholesome seasonal and locally sourced food. These include The Oarsman Restaurant and The Red Bank Restaurant in Carrick-on Shannon and Ósta café in the W8 centre in Manorhamilton.