In the heart of Ireland lies my home county of Offaly. Known for its vast boglands, Offaly is often overlooked as a place to escape to. Ok we may not have the wild rugged coastline of the west, beautiful beaches of the south or great hikes like the north but there is still plenty here to offer and many things to do!
Many visitors to Offaly stay in the town Tullamore and if you find yourself here thinking “What the feck is there to do here” well fear not I have a list of places you can go to for some fresh air.
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9 Scenic Walks Near Tullamore
1. Grand Canal Greenway
You could say the heart of the Midlands is the Royal Canal. In recent years there has been nationwide works to transform the canals into fantastic walking and cycling amenities.
The Royal Canal is 132km starting in Ringsend Dublin, it goes through Offaly Tullamore, Daingean, Edenderry and onwards to Shannon Harbour.
*I highly recommend a stop at Ballycommon Bakehouse, the best coffee and cakes in the area!
2. Mount Lucas Wind Farm
Located on the Mount Lucas bog the wind farm boasts 10 km of walk/cycleways.
Generally a very quiet place, with views of the surrounding fields and wind mills. Do not be surprised if you don’t bump into anyone on your walk!
It is open 7 days a week with free onsite parking.
3. Lough Boora Discovery Park
Formerly Bord Na Mona boglands, Boora has been transformed into a very popular 2,000 hectare local attraction.
There are multiple trails to follow for walking and cycling and along the way you can explore the Sculpture Park, Mesolithic settlement and a very pretty fairy trail.Visitors can also do other activities such as fishing and bird watching.
You can rent bike in Lough Boora and, there is a cafe that overlooks the lake.
4. Garryhinch Forest
Located between Portarlington and Mountmellick, Garryhinch is an enchanting woodland with two trails – the Garyhinch loop (3km) and the River Barrow loop (4km).
Both trails start at the carpark and the routes are marked, they are easy and usually quiet. Because it’s a forest, I would not recommend visiting if it has been raining as it can often flood.
5. Croghan Hill
The remnants of an extinct volcano, Croghan Hill overlooks an ancient pagan burial ground dating back to the Bronze age.
With a height of 234m tall it is surprisingly steep but the views make up for it. you will be rewarded with views far across Offaly, the best time to climb is at sunset.
Also, only a short drive away is the village of Daingean, where you can grab a takeaway and admire the canal views.
6. Cadamstown Silver River Eco Walk
This 7km walk has a little bit of everything, waterfalls, river, forest and traipsing through fields. I was even lucky enough to spot a deer.
We found it a bit tricky to find route so I will try my best to describe it for you, click each place in italics for a google map link.
1 – the walk starts on Letter Road to the Holy Well through a gate across a concrete bridge.
2 – from here Mary Scully’s cottage is a 1km uphill walk away
3 – at Mary Scully’s cottage take a left down a forest path towards a lane that will lead you to a waterfall
4 – after the waterfall you will be cutting through a field and out to a tarmac lane back towards Cadamstown.
7. Emo Court
Designed in 1710 for the Earls of Portarlington (fancy!) this neo classic mansion and surrounding gardens are a popular local attraction.
If you would like to see the interior of the mansion you will need a guide but anyone can walk around the grounds and parklands free of charge.
8. Derryounce Lakes
Derryounce is a 40 acre lake about 2km outside of Portarlington, there are 3 trails to follow, yellow (3km), blue (5.5km) and red (14km).
I recommend the blue trail which will take you around the lake and into a woodland area (pictured above).
9. The Ridge of Cappard Loop
Part of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the ridge of Cappard in Clonaslee has a number of short trails. There is a 300m broadwalk up to the panoramic viewpoint where if the weather permits you can see the Wicklow Mountains.
From the viewpoint you follow the blue arrows to stay on the trail.
The walk takes approximately 45 minutes.
Where to stay in Tullamore
Bridge House Hotel – 4 star hotel in the centre of Tullamore. Has a leisure centre, spa, outdoor heated pool, restaurants, bar and nightclub onsite. Prices start at €150 per night.
Court Hotel -another 4 star hotel located at the top of the town. Prices start at €140 per night
Tudor Lodge B&B – is a family run b&b on Arden Rd, just a short walk into the town centre.
Food recommendations in Tullamore
Blue Apron – Michelin Guide restaurant. This is my personal favourite place to go in town for an occasion, it is a bit pricey but they also do a 3 course set menu on Wednesdays and Thursdays for 35.
Old Warehouse – owned by Shane Lowry this new gastro pub is set in an old Tullamore Dew distillery. Their cocktails are also amazing!
Chanapa – is an authentic Thai restaurant, they even serve Khao Soi, for anyone who has been to Thailand you know how difficult it is to find this dish outside of Thailand!
Cafe India – just really good Indian food. There are many Indian restaurants in Tullamore but this is the one I always go back to.
Lana – delicious and affordable Asian street food. My go-to meal here is the Indonesian Lamb Rendang!
The Bridge House – kind of an institution in Tullamore, they do an excellent carvery!
Conway & Co – the best coffee in town!
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