Longford is a great place to get active, from relaxing bike rides and canoeing to leisurely canal cruising. Spend some time on the Royal Canal Greenway, a 130km walking and cycling corridor from Maynooth in County Kildare to Cloondara in Longford. This off-road trail meanders along the banks of the Royal Canal right up to the River Shannon, taking in buzzing towns and beautiful views along the way. 

Make a pitstop at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre to see an actual Iron Age trackway built in the year 148 BC – the largest of its kind ever discovered in Europe.

The first of its kind in the country, the Shannon Blueway in Leitrim is a network of pretty trails and waterways that you can explore by canoe, bike or on foot. If you want to stay on dry land, enjoy panoramic lakeside views as you walk or cycle the Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk until you reach Drumshanbo, or continue on to the end point in Leitrim village.

Take in Leitrim from the water with Slow Adventure. Follow your expert guide on a relaxing canoe trip through the county's web of calm lakes, canals and rivers.  

Head further downstream to the wilder landscapes of Clare for a spot of mountaineering, sailing or kayaking with the UL Sport Adventure Centre in Killaloe. Baysports in Athlone have their own aquatic playground right on the beautiful Hodson Bay. Bounce around on the water trampoline and conquer the obstacle course before taking on the tallest inflatable waterslide in the country. If you'd rather go at a more relaxed pace, they also have a selection of kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats available to hire. 

Golfers can explore the great courses along the banks of the River Shannon. Choose between the impressive golf clubs of Portumna, Athlone or Glasson and tee off with a view. 

Taking to the water on a cruise is an ideal way to experience the calm of the Midlands. Set sail on an adventure from Carrick-on-Shannon on a self-drive cruiser from either Emerald Star or Carrickcraft.

In Banagher, rent a boat from Silverline Cruisers and travel along the wildlife-filled flat lands of the Shannon Callows to the remains of Clonmacnoise – a 6th-century monastery complete with a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine Churches and over 700 early Christian headstones. Or opt for a more whimsical method of seeing the famous ruins by joining a Viking Tours' guide on a replica longboat down the River Shannon. Nearby is the small village of Shannonbridge with its small but delectable choice of pubs and cafes, and Shannon Harbour where the Grand Canal meets the mighty Shannon. 

For a sustainable and stress-free cruise down the Shannon, hop on an electric boat from Carrick Day Boats. The boat runs quietly, so you'll be able to get up close with local wildlife. 

It's said that Cavan has 365 lakes, one for each day of the year, and dotted across these lakes are beautiful, peaceful islands. Cavan is the source of both the Shannon and Erne rivers, and the undulating landscape of the northwest of the county is a great place to get away from it all. 

One of the county’s most idyllic watery gems is Lough Oughter, with the historic 
Clough Oughter Castle standing proudly on an isolated island in the lake. If you want to get a closer look at the castle, head to Cavan Adventure Centre just outside of Cavan town to get fitted with all the equipment you need to paddle out to the ruins.  

The 69km Lough Derg Way winds its way along the Shannon and canals to the lake port of Dromineer on Lough Derg – an ideal choice for experienced hikers who love lakeside trails with incredible views. 

Between Offaly and Laois, the Slieve Bloom Way is a 71km circuit that loops around the imposing Slieve Bloom Mountains on Ireland's central plain. With six trailheads and 17 looped hikes that vary in length, the track crosses forests, deep valleys and old roads, rising to a height of 460m at Glendine Gap. 

Further north, the 22km long Cavan Way makes its way through valleys and hills including the striking archaeology and geology of the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. The route eventually connects with the Ulster Way at Blacklion and the Leitrim Way at Dowra village. 

The Ballyhoura Way, which is part of the longer O’Sullivan Beara Trail, is a 89km trail that showcases the beautiful landscapes of the region. This trail through Cork, Limerick and Tipperary offers incredible views of the Golden Vale's rolling pastureland and the Glen of Aherlow, as well as access to forest trails in the Ballyhoura Mountains.

In Roscommon, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park is a 400-hectare park with lakes and forest trails and lots of outdoor activities. Take it easy with a leisurely walk on one of the park's forest trails or get your heart pumping on zipline through the trees. Explore the treetops on Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walk or challenge the kids to the Boda Borg adventure rooms, each filled with puzzles, physical challenges and riddles to solve. 

Preserving the heritage of the Arigna Valley in Roscommon is the Arigna Mining Experience. The tours, run by former miners, give a unique insight into the area's coal-mining history from the 1700s until the mine's closure in 1990. During the underground tour, experience what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world. 

Hear the story of the Famine unfold at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park. Through the museum's archive of letters, stories and images – much of which laid undiscovered for over 170 years – learn about the millions of Irish people who either died or emigrated during the Great Hunger.  

Journey to the ‘Otherworld’ at Rathcroghan near the medieval village of Tulsk in Roscommon. Once the seat of the legendary Queen Medb of Connacht, Rathcroghan is one of the most impressive and intriguing landscapes in Ireland, both mythologically and archaeologically. Visit the interactive visitor centre and museum before heading off on a tour of the sites. 

Explore the Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath, one of the most sacred locations in the world and the spiritual centre of Ireland. Learn all about its mythology, folklore, archaeology and history, from the Bronze Age to medieval time, on a guided tour of the resting places and residences of its goddesses, gods and High Kings. 

You’ll find some of the best gardens in County Offaly in the grounds of Birr Castle Demesne. Spread over 50 hectares, the gardens are home to 2000 species of plants and flowers, tall box hedges, local wildlife and the largest collection of giant redwoods outside of California. Take a walk in the formal gardens in the castle’s courtyard, along the terraces that overlook the Camcor river, or opt for routes that trace the castle's lakes, river and waterfall.

There are sand pits, climbing frames and Ireland's biggest treehouse for children, and the Historic Science Centre and Great Telescope will inspire future astronomers and young explorers.

Travel to Westmeath and wander the dreamy Tullynally Castle Gardens that date from the late 18th century. Roam the terraced lawns, walled flower gardens and ornamental lakes. The star of the show is the pretty summerhouses, each of which frames a different view amongst the rare trees and shrubs collected by the owners. If the weather isn’t playing ball, you can duck into the tearooms, sit by the cosy wood-burning stove and watch the world go by. 

Portumna in Galway is a key hub for cruise holidays on the River Shannon and its where you’ll find the impressive Portumna Castle. It was damaged by a blazing fire in 1826, but today the remaining castle is an imposing example of Irish architecture of the early 17th century. Completed in 1617 by the 4th Earl of Clanrickard Richard de Burgo, the castle now houses an exhibition on the lives of its former residents. 

While in Portumna, visit the Irish Workhouse Centre. Set in restored workhouses, the museum hosts an immersive exhibition where visitors can see what it was like to live in these infamous institutions. 

Stretch your legs on a walk or cycle through pretty Portumna Forest Park.

Afternoon tea is a real indulgence, and there are some great places nearby where you can treat yourself. Lough Rynn Castle in Leitrim is a favourite of the locals – the dining room overlooks peaceful Lough Rynn. 

The elegant dining room at Kilronan Castle in Boyle, County Roscommon, is another beautiful setting for afternoon tea. Lounge on a plush couch and sip on a perfectly brewed cup of tea while nibbling on pastries made by the chefs on-site. 

Enjoy delicious afternoon tea with a beautifully decorated table for two while you relax into the soothing environs of the Townhouse Café at Townhouse Doneraile. Cosy up in plump velvet seating in the bookcase-lined café and snack on sweet treats along with your tea or coffee.

A highlight of many short breaks to this part of Ireland is enjoying a delicious lakeside lunch in a friendly pub. You'll be spoilt for choice with Keenan’s of Tarmonbarry, Paddy's Bar in Terryglass and Larkins Bar and Restaurant in Garrykennedy. Or tuck into a burger beside a hearth fire at Skelly's in Ballymahon, Longford.

For a special occasion, the award-winning MacNean House & Restaurant in Cavan is a great option. Owned by Neven Maguire, this fine-dining spot serves a nine-course tasting menu showcasing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. There’s also a wide range of cookery courses available if you’re looking to bring the flavours back home with you.

Visit Leahy Beekeeping in Loughrea, Galway and learn about the world of beekeeping and honey making. Watch beekeepers handle swarms of bees and see them collect pollen from the nearby plants. Explore the grounds adorned with colourful elderberries, dandelions and heather before stopping by the kitchen to try fresh, raw honey. Pick up some honey and naturla skin products to take home with you.

Head to Brookfield Farm on the shores of Lough Derg in Tipperary and learn about sustainable farming and beekeeping. Taste test their wildflower honey, meet adorable lambs and pick up a gift to take home.