Day 1

Tour Ireland’s Hidden Heartland’s from Ardmore Country  House Kinnitty

Kinnitty Pyramid

Ardmore Country House is surely unique in that it is the only B&B in the world with a view of a pyramid from it’s front windows. Gaze through the front windows on to the wonderful view of the Kinnitty Pyramid which is located at the rear of St Finian’s church. The only one of it’s kind in Ireland it was built by Colonel Richard Wellesley Bernard of Kinnitty Castle as a burial chamber for his family.  Work on the mauseleum started in 1830 and was completed in 1834. The stonework is really amazing and worth taking a closer look. It serves as the final resting place of 6 members of the Bernard family. The last one interred in 1907.

Kinnitty High Cross

In the grounds of Kinnitty Castle across from the front door stands a fine 9th century High Cross. The cross is engraved with biblical scenes as well as  a reference to Maelsechnail  who ruled the ancient Kingdom of Meath from 846-862.

Before you leave Kinnitty Castle take a walk around the back over the bridge and down the back avenue. Here you will find 2 very interesting iron bridges. One is a Single-spire wire suspension footbridge built c.1840, over the River Camcor. The bridge is hung from cast-iron columns. The uprights are anchored to the ground behind with a pair of diagonal wrought-iron rods with circular framing. The deck is timber. Manufacturer’s name ‘T & D Roberts’ on downstream upright. They are of special technical interest due to the fact that their catenaries comprise lengths of parallel iron wires rather than the forged chain link or twisted steel cables. It is also significant because of its association with the Mountmellick Foundry.

It is one of only two suspension bridges in Offaly (the other is at Birr Castle demesne) It is a rare surviving example of a multiple-wire cable suspension bridge. It is no coincidence that both are in estate contexts and were restricted to private pedestrian use. This bridge together with the castle, outbuildings and gate lodges form an interesting group of related structures.

Birr Georgian Town

Just 15 minutes drive from Kinnitty take the R440 to the Heritage town of Birr. Take the walking tour of Birr {route leaflet available at Ardmore Country House} Visit Birr Castle Gardens with it’s Giant Telescope.

Day 2

Explore more of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands from mesolitic sites to the good old dew Tullamore Dew.

Ready for another day exploring the treasure of Ireland’s hidden heartlands.

First stop Lough Boora Discovery Park is a 20 minute drive.(16k) Lots of great off road walking and cycling paths, bike hire  an outdoor sculpture trail.

Clonmacnoise Heritage site

Ancient monastic site dates back to 550 on the banks of the river Shannon with many High Crosses and Round towers. The last high King of Ireland is buried there. (39k from Ardmore Country House 30k from Lough Boora Parklands.)

After a refreshing coffee break continue on to Athlone( 22k from Clonmacnoise 47k from Ardmore House) on the banks of the River Shannon. A visit to Athlone Castle will give you an interesting insight to the history of the town.

After a wander around the town if you still have time come back to Kinnitty via Tullamore Dew. (46k ) A visit to the distillery will take another 2 hours. 27 km from Kinnitty.

More places to see

Leap Castle, Rock Of Cashel and Kilkenny

Kinnitty to Leap Castle Ireland’s most haunted {Call Sean Ryan beforehand to book +353 579131115}

Damer House Roscrea

Kilkenny City

Rock of Cashel

Laois and Kildare

Kinnitty to Mountmellick Museum of Mountmellick Lace

Emo House and Gardens

Kildare-Kildare Village Outlet Centre, National Stud, Japanese Gardens

Newbridge Silver and Style Icon Museum