Midlands Region, NUTS 3 statistical region in central Ireland.
The Midlands Region comprises the counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, and Longford in Ireland's center. The area spans about 6,650 square kilometers and is characterized by rural farmland, small market towns, and connections between the country's major cities.
The region operated as a distinct administrative unit until 2014, when it was integrated into a larger planning framework. This restructuring reflected broader changes in how Ireland organized its regional governance.
Each county hosts traditional Irish music sessions and local markets where you can find regional agricultural products and crafts. These gatherings reflect how communities here maintain their connection to farming and local traditions through everyday social life.
Athlone serves as the main transportation hub with road and rail connections to Dublin and Galway. The central location makes it easy to navigate the region and travel to other parts of the country.
The River Shannon flows through the region, shaping the landscape with its banks and meadows. The area also has a significant wood processing industry that supplies a considerable share of Ireland's timber products.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.