Kicking off a dog-friendly trip in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Watson the Adventure Dog floated in a canoe on the slow-moving waters of the River Shannon as the sun slowly rose – truly a unique experience for any dog. The trip along the waterway started from Portumna Bridge as the crisp fresh dawn opened into a beautiful morning.

A spot of paddling is the perfect way to see the natural landscape of this region, with lovely villages dotted all along the waterways. Stop by Lough Derg Watersports and choose from a fleet of different boats as expert guides show you the best of the lake.

By the shores of Lough Derg, the impressive Portumna Castle and Gardens casts a shadow on the surrounding lawns. Admire the architecture and browse the exhibits, both of which showcase how Irish aristocracy lived 300 years ago.

Spend some time strolling around the gardens with your pup. There’s a lot to see, from the Willow Maze to the potager gardens, which have been beautifully restored to their original splendour. Dogs aren’t allowed into the castle, but Watson enjoyed the gardens on his lead while his owners took turns to have a peek inside. Order a coffee to go from CaToCa Fine Food on the castle’s grounds and explore with a delicious hot drink.

Enjoy a morning on the edge of Lough Ree and watch the sun rise while playing fetch with your four-legged friend. Studded with islands, Lough Ree is a realm of saints, high kings, fallen warriors and even has its own sea monster.

Although Lough Ree's monster is reputed to be six feet long; it's not as big as Scotland's infamous Nessie, but over the years, there have been several “sightings” and many suspicious bumps on passing cruisers reported. The water was a bit nippy for prolonged sea monster chasing, but Watson was happy to lead the way on a brisk walk along Coosan Point.

If you have time, hop on a rental boat from Lough Ree Cruisers with your dog and cruise down calm waterways. Pull in for a harbourside lunch or pack a picnic and unwind, listening to the water lapping against the boat.

Dogs and owners alike feel refreshed after a few hours exploring beautiful Portlick Millennium Forest, an extensive woodland of gnarled roots and native deciduous tree set along the Whinning Peninsula. At 5km, the Westmeath trail is a nice distance for an entire afternoon’s walking, but shorter treks are also available.

Walking along tree lined trails can work up quite the appetite. The inviting Beans and Leaves is just a short drive away in Athlone and has a menu to suit everyone. Chill out with a delicious sandwich in the outdoor dining area which is dog-friendly.

The beautiful Saint’s Island is yet another monastery in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands only accessible through a series of winding country roads. In the heart of Longford, it became one of the most significant islands on Lough Ree after St Ciarán founded a monastery there in 544.

Although technically an island, it is linked to the mainland by a narrow 1km causeway that Watson loved running down. The walk is pretty in itself, but so is the destination. It’s easy to see why the monks came here – this remote sanctuary is a wonderfully peaceful and spiritual spot to get away from it all.

Plan another walk through the Longford countryside with a visit to Corlea Trackway and explore the remnants of an ancient road.

Travelling on to Leitrim, Watson explored the edge of Glencar Lough and the powerful Glencar Waterfall. The 15-metre high waterfall is a famous landmark of the Wild Rose County, from the soothing sounds of the cascading water to the moss-covered surrounds. It even served as inspiration for legendary poet WB Yeats in his piece 'The Stolen Child'. Don't forget to bring your camera. 

Explore the five unique walking trails at Cavan Burren Park and after, head into the visitor centre to learn about the history of a place that has stood still in time for thousands of years. Watson spent several hours exploring the trails throughout the park, regarded as one of the finest prehistoric relict landscapes in Ireland.

Spot fossils embedded in limestone and the coral of a tropical sea from 340 million years ago. Glaciers carved out the local, prehistoric landscape during the last Ice Age after which humans arrived and built the megalithic tombs and stone walls still visible today.