Top Reasons to Go

Stately Clonmacnoise: Atmospheric and still spirit-warm, this great early Christian monastery survived Viking, Norman, and English invaders over the centuries.

Castles: While known for its rich farmlands, the Midlands is also home to stately homes and gardens, including fairy-tale Tullynally Castle, Charleville Castle and Birr Castle.

Hiking the Slieve Bloom Mountains: Dip in and out of the 32-km (20-mile) Slieve Bloom Trail, ideal hiking country for those with a yen to rise above their surroundings.

Athlone: The restored 13th-century castle along with the quirky shops and Europe's oldest pub are worth taking time to visit, as is the Luan Gallery.

The Treasure House of Emo: A quintessential landmark of 18th-century Palladian elegance, Emo—the former home of the Earl of Portarlington—has a spectacular rotunda inspired by Rome's Pantheon.