Offaly
Enjoy castles, abbeys, and eye-catching scenery in the very heart of Ireland
Sightseeing
Take a trip to one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites
A Scenic Drive through South Offaly
Enjoy a wonderful journey through historic South Offaly with its exceptional heritage highlights and spectacular views.
Birr Castle Demense and Historic Science Centre
Birr Castle Demense contains Ireland’s largest gardens with a winter garden, formal garden, terrace garden and a river garden. While the castle is not open to the public you can visit the famous historic science centre, which contains the Great Telescope – a pioneering achievement built in the 1840s and the largest telescope in the world for 70 years.
Clonmacnoise National Monument, County Offaly
One of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites founded by St Ciaran in the sixth century, Clonmacmoise is situated on the water meadows of the River Shannon.
See more highlightsSilver River Geological Reserve
Explore this fascinating and beautiful area that was formed over 400 million years ago and boasts a beautifully untouched river gorge.
Slieve Bloom Mountains
The beautiful Slieve Blooms loom in the south-east of Offaly offering great opportunities for walking and cycling.
Activities
One of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites founded by St Ciaran in the sixth century, Clonmacmoise is situated on the water meadows of the River Shannon.
Equestrian
Offaly is the ideal spot to learn how to ride, improve your existing skills, or enjoy a trek through spectacular countryside.
Fishing
Head to Edenderry for some excellent coarse fishing in the Royal and Grand canals, which stock a good selection of pike, perch, bream, roach, tench and eels.
Golf
Offaly offers a delightful selection of excellent golf courses from the stunning landscape of Esker Hills to the magnificent 6,000 metres of golf course at Portarlington.
See more highlightsWalking
The Offaly Way links the Slieve Bloom Way with the Grand Canal Way and despite being only 29km long takes you through varied and beautiful landscape with mountains and rivers.
Children
Escape the ordinary and enjoy Offaly’s family highlights with a stunning nature trail and magnificent railway trip
Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway
Take a 9km rail trip through Blackwater Bog on a 3ft narrow gauge railway.
Lusmagh Pet Farm, Birr
Kids will love getting close to a variety of farm animals and pets including geese, rabbits, donkey and goats. There's even a pair of ostriches and if they don't appeal, then children can enjoy a ride on one of the friendly donkeys!
Slieve River Nature Trail, Cadamstown
Explore a landscape that was formed over 400 million years ago and is now a geographical reserve and an area of natural unspoiled beauty.
Culture & Festivals
Head to Tullamore for festival fun and delightful whiskey treats
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Learn all about the famous Tullamore Dew whiskey with this interesting exhibition that recreates the working stations of the old distillery, as well as telling the story of Tullamore’s 9,000-year history.
Tullamore Phoenix Festival
Taking place from the 14th to the 16th July in Tullamore, this fast-growing festival includes hot-air balloons, skydiving, art exhibitions, street entertainment, a French market and canal barge trips.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
From the old-world luxury of a spectacular castle to the understated elegance of a traditional pub
Kinnity Castle, Kinnity
Kinnity enjoys a fascinating and turbulent history and even has its own friendly ghost known as The Monk. Now an internationally renowned luxury hotel, Kinnity boasts bedrooms style in a traditional fashion and many enjoy lavish four-poster beds.
The Thatch Bar and Restaurant, Birr
Not only is this spot a fine old characterful pub with a traditional thatched roof, but it’s got excellent food, too, whether you fancy casual bar food or a more indulgent meal in the restaurant.
