Best things to do in County Offaly Ireland a hidden gem

A visit to Offaly, located in the heart of Ireland, is one of those areas that few tourists venture to. But trust me having been there many times it is well worth a visit. This is a county rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Often overlooked for more tourist-heavy destinations, Offaly offers a peaceful and authentic Irish experience with an abundance of unique attractions in Offaly from ancient monastic sites to scenic nature reserves and historic castles.

County Offaly, in Ireland’s Midlands, is a destination rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. It offers unique attractions like Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site with atmospheric ruins along the River Shannon. Nature lovers can explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains for scenic hikes and stunning views, while the Bog of Allen offers a chance to experience Ireland’s unique boglands and ecosystems.

Offaly also boasts Birr Castle, home to beautiful gardens and the Great Telescope, once the largest in the world. This county is an ideal stop for those seeking a quieter, authentic experience, complete with warm hospitality and small-town charm.

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History of County Offaly

The Kingdom of Uí Failghe was one of several ancient Irish kingdoms that once encompassed the area now known as County Offaly. Other notable kingdoms in the region included Mide in western Offaly and Munster in the south. These kingdoms were eventually dismantled during the Tudor plantations. In 1556, the Parliament of Ireland established “King’s County,” replacing the traditional kingdoms with administrative baronies. The county was named in honor of Philip, the reigning king of Ireland at the time.

The modern name Offaly is derived from the Irish term Uíbh Fhailí, meaning “Descendants of Failge.” This likely refers to a local tribe or a prominent chieftain from the area.

Where is County Offaly and how to get there from Dublin

County Offaly is located in Ireland’s Ancient East, in the province of Leinster, bordering counties Laois, Tipperary, Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, and Kildare. Known for its scenic landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns, Offaly is part of Ireland’s Midlands region, making it easily accessible from major cities, including Dublin.

Getting to Offaly from Dublin

By Car: Driving is the most convenient way to reach County Offaly from Dublin, as it allows you to explore the countryside and reach various attractions more easily.

By Train:
You can take a direct train from Dublin Heuston Station to Tullamore, Offaly’s main train station.

By Bus:
Several bus services connect Dublin to County Offaly, with Tullamore and Birr being the main stops.

Whether you prefer to rent a car and drive, take a train, or travel by bus, reaching County Offaly from Dublin is pretty easy and when you go don’t forget to explore Tipperary or Kildare or even venture over into Galway.

FAQs about County Offaly

What are the best things to do in County Offaly?

There are a variety of things to do in County Offaly for visitors. Some of the best things to explore include a visit to Clonmacnoise, a renowned monastic site featuring ancient ruins and high crosses. The Slieve Bloom Mountains provide excellent hiking opportunities with stunning views. For family-friendly activities, Lough Boora Discovery Park offers outdoor adventures and a fairy trail. Don’t miss Birr Castle and its demesne, which is a perfect spot for leisure walks. You can also enjoy a tour of the Tullamore Dew distillery to learn about Irish whiskey production.

What is the history of Birr Castle?

Birr Castle is an iconic landmark in County Offaly, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance. The castle was built in the 12th century and has been a residence for the Earls of Rosse. It is famous for housing the Leviathan of Parsonstown, the largest telescope in the world during the 19th century. The castle grounds, known as Birr Castle Demesne, feature beautiful gardens and parkland, making it a popular place to visit for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

What outdoor activities can I enjoy in the Slieve Bloom Mountains?

The Slieve Bloom Mountains offer a range of outdoor for those of you who enjoy long walks, hiking, and bike riding. Hiking is particularly popular, with numerous trails such as the Offaly Way, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Birdwatching, mountain biking, and nature photography are also enjoyable here.

What is Clonmacnoise, and why should you visit?

Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic site in County Offaly, Ireland, located along the banks of the River Shannon. Founded in the mid-6th century by St. Ciarán, Clonmacnoise became one of the most important centers of religion, learning, and craftsmanship in early medieval Ireland. It was a thriving community for centuries, attracting scholars, monks, and pilgrims from across Europe.

Things to do in County Offaly 

Things to do in Tullamore: Base your stay in Offaly at Tullamore Village and enjoy your stay in the heart of Ireland’s midlands.County Offaly is home to a wealth of attractions that showcase Ireland’s historical and natural treasures. A standout is Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic settlement on the banks of the River Shannon, featuring atmospheric stone ruins, high crosses, and round towers that date back to the 6th century.

Birr Castle is another gem, offering beautifully landscaped gardens and the Great Telescope, a historic marvel that once stood as the largest telescope in the world. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains, with scenic hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints, or visit the Lough Boora Discovery Park, where outdoor sculptures dot the landscape alongside walking and cycling paths through wildflower meadows and boglands. Offaly’s unique sites provide a blend of history, art, and nature that captures the heart of Ireland’s Midlands.

Why Visit Tullamore Village?

Tullamore, the county town of Offaly, is a charming and vibrant village at the heart of Ireland’s Midlands. Though it may be lesser-known compared to bigger Irish cities, Tullamore offers visitors a mix of culture, history, nature, and famous Irish hospitality. 

Tullamore Dew Distillery Experience

Tullamore is synonymous with the famous tullamore D.E.W. whiskey one of Ireland’s most iconic whiskey brands. The Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre offers is a great distillery tour and gives you insight into the history and production of Irish whiskey. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that take you through the whiskey-making process, from distillation to maturation, followed by tastings of their award-winning whiskeys. It’s a must-do for whiskey lovers and those interested in Ireland’s distillation heritage.

Cruise Along the Grand Canal

For a relaxing and picturesque experience, take a leisurely cruise or walk along the Grand Canal, which meanders through Offaly’s rural landscapes. The canal, once a vital transportation route during the 18th and 19th centuries, is now a serene waterway perfect for exploring by boat, kayak, or on foot. You’ll pass by charming locks, quaint villages, and lush green fields. The village of Tullamore, Offaly’s largest town, offers a good starting point for canal adventures.

Tullamore Phoenix Park

The Tullamore Phoenix Park is an expansive green space ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. It features walking trails, playgrounds, and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a great spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. The park often hosts local events and festivals, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the village.

Charleville Castle

Just outside Tullamore is the stunning Charleville Castle, a Gothic revival masterpiece built in the early 19th century. While parts of the castle are still privately owned, guided tours offer the chance to explore its majestic interiors and learn about its intriguing history. The surrounding Charleville Forest is perfect for walking, with ancient trees, including the famed “King Oak,” one of the oldest oaks in Ireland.

Tullamore Arts Centre

Tullamore is also a hub for the arts, with the Tullamore Arts Centre and frequent cultural events, including local theatre, music, and art exhibitions.

Clonony Castle

Clonony Castle, a striking 16th-century tower house in County Offaly, Ireland, offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past. Built by the MacCoghlan clan, the castle stands as a reminder of Ireland’s Gaelic heritage and turbulent history. In the 1500s, the castle was gifted to the Boleyn family by Henry VIII, linking it to Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated queen of England, and creating an intriguing historical connection.

With its thick stone walls, narrow spiral staircase, and commanding views of the surrounding countryside, Clonony Castle evokes the era of fortified family homes. Today, visitors are captivated by its beautifully restored interiors, complete with period details and artifacts. The castle grounds also feature a small graveyard where two Boleyn relatives are said to be buried, adding to the castle’s mysterious charm. Clonony Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s rich history and medieval architecture.

Five hundred years later it was home to the American former ballerina Rebecca Armstrong Black who bought it in 2002. The widow of the Scottish novelist Campbell Armstrong says “it was love at first sight” when she set eyes on the then ruined 15th-century castle outside Clonmacnoise.

St. Manchan’s Church at Boher

In St. Manchan’s Church at Boher, Ballycumber, you’ll find St. Manchan’s Shrine, a remarkable 12th-century reliquary showcasing exquisite early Irish Christian metalwork. This ornate shrine is believed to have once held the remains of St. Manchán mac Silláin, an early Irish saint known for founding many early Christian churches across Ireland.

Originally, St. Manchan served at the renowned monastery of Clonmacnoise before establishing his own monastery at Lemanaghan, near Boher. The shrine’s front and back display large, decorative crosses, while intricately crafted figures, some appearing to wear kilts and one holding a small axe, adorn its surface. Although the figures’ identities remain a mystery, they add a sense of intrigue to this extraordinary piece.

Explore Lough Boora Discovery Park

Lough Boora Discovery Park is a unique outdoor destination where art, nature, and history converge. Once a peat-harvesting bog, the park has been transformed into a vast nature reserve and sculpture park. The scenic walking and cycling trails wind through lakes, wetlands, and grasslands. Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species that call the park home, including whooper swans and grey partridges. Lough Boora Discovery Park is also home to a huge exhibition of outdoor sculptures created by Irish artists set out along the 3km Lough Boora Sculpture Loop Walk.

Explore the Mystical Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

Clonmacnoise, founded by St. Ciarán in 546, gets its name from the Irish “Cluain Mhic Nóis,” which means “Meadow of the Sons of Nós.” it was once the centre of religion and learning in Ireland. Its location in County Offaly, Ireland, made it a key center for religion and learning in early Irish history. Today, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, featuring well-preserved ruins, including a cathedral, round towers, churches, high crosses, and early Christian grave slabs.

Discover Birr Castle Demesne and it historic Science Centre

Birr Castle Demesne is home to one of the world’s greatest scientific legacies. The Parsons family, who still reside in the castle, built what was once the largest telescope in the world in the 1840s, known as the “Great Telescope.” Today, visitors can marvel at this impressive piece of engineering and explore the award-winning gardens, home to rare plants, exotic trees, and the world’s tallest box hedges.

The Science Centre at Birr Castle contains interactive exhibits that highlight the contributions of the Parsons family to astronomy and photography.

We went to a brilliant agricultural show at Birr Castle which was just one of their many special events. We saw Sheep Trials, jousting re-enactments, ate tons of free samples and much more. Keep your eye out for special events that are often free of charge.

Hike the Slieve Bloom Way Mountains

The Slieve Bloom Mountains, shared by counties Offaly and Laois (where you will find the ruins of Dunamase), are one of Ireland’s oldest mountain ranges and a haven for nature lovers. Peaking at 527 metres is the highest point known as Arderin the mountains can be explored by a number of looped walking trails that have been developed or by car, horse or bicycle. These walks or hikes range from one to four hours in length.  At the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains are several small traditional Irish villages where you can grab a pint in the local pub.

With scenic walking trails, forested paths, and breathtaking views, the mountains offer a perfect escape for hikers of all levels. The Ridge of Capard walk is particularly popular, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Pack comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain. Climb the steps of the iconic round towers, a feat that rewards you with panoramic views of the River Shannon and the surrounding countryside

Biking the Slieve Bloom Mountains

The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre and its sister company, Mid Ireland Adventure, offer a variety of outdoor activities in County Offaly, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the River Shannon to archery workshops and hiking tours. With two bases in Offaly, one located along the River Shannon in Banagher and the other nestled at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Kinnitty, you won’t be short of a great day out with the Mid Ireland Adventure team.

Hike the Offaly Way

The Offaly Way is a 37-kilometer trail in County Offaly, Ireland, offering moderate difficulty and showcasing stunning scenery. Along the route, walkers will pass through a mix of fields, forests, and charming villages steeped in Irish history and culture.

Visit Leap Castle, Ireland’s most Haunted Castle

Ireland’s most famous haunted castle is Leap Castle. Known as one of the most haunted places in Ireland, Leap Castle has a dark and bloody history. Built in the 13th century, the castle has been the site of murders, power struggles, and mysterious deaths. Visitors can explore its atmospheric halls and hear the chilling tales that surround this notorious stronghold.  

Leap Castle, a 16th-century fortress with a grim and violent past, is said to be haunted by restless spirits. The castle has a dark history of imprisonment, torture, and even cannibalism, which has fueled numerous reports of paranormal activity.

For the daring, private tours of Leap Castle can be arranged with the owner. These ghost-hunting tours allow visitors to explore its eerie halls using paranormal investigation equipment.

Relax at Charleville Castle

Charleville Castle is a stunning haunted Gothic revival castle located near Tullamore. Known for its grand architecture, the castle is set within a sprawling wooded estate. Although not fully open to the public, guided tours are available, offering an opportunity to explore the elegant interiors and learn about the castle’s history. Charleville Forest, surrounding the castle, is perfect for a leisurely walk, with ancient trees, including Ireland’s oldest oak, known as the King Oak.

Attend the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival

If you’re visiting Offaly in the summer, don’t miss the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival, a vibrant event celebrating arts, culture, and community. Held annually in the charming heritage town of Birr, the festival features an array of activities, including vintage car parades, street theatre, live music, art exhibitions, and workshops.

Marvel at the Monastic Site of Durrow

The monastic site of Durrow is another gem in Offaly’s collection of early Christian heritage. Founded in the 6th century by St. Columba, Durrow is less famous than Clonmacnoise but equally fascinating. It once housed a thriving monastery and was known for the production of illuminated manuscripts, including the Book of Durrow, an early precursor to the more famous Book of Kells. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and reflect on the spiritual legacy of this ancient site.

Stay at the Kinitty Castle Hotel

Kinnitty’s Irish Castle Hotel is a 19th-century gothic revival castle situated at the foothill of the magnificent Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Offaly. As you travel up the winding avenue, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the 13th-century castle, set amidst vast parkland and 60 acres of rolling lawns. Step inside the lavish medieval revival castle, rich with original features, heritage colors, and a majestic atmosphere that dates back to 1209. Expect distinctively styled guest bedrooms, high ceilings, cast iron roll top baths, and original castle features.

The children can explore the Kinitty Fairy trail and learn all about Irish folklore.

BOOK YOUR STAY AT KINITTY CASTLE HOTEL NOW Rooms are around €227

Kinnitty Pyramid

Did you know that the small village of Kinnitty has its very own replica of an Egyptian pyramid? Built in 1830 by the Bernard family, this unique structure served as their family mausoleum. The Bernards, former wealthy landowners of nearby Kinnitty Castle, buried six family members here, the last interred in 1905.

It’s believed that Richard Wellesley-Bernard, master of Kinnitty Castle, was inspired by Egyptian architecture during his travels in the early 19th century. Set atop a hill and visible from the village, the Kinnitty Pyramid is accessible by steps, offering a close-up view of this curious landmark.

Offaly may not always be at the top of travel itineraries, but it is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a lover of history, nature, or culture, the county offers something for everyone. From hiking the serene Slieve Bloom Mountains to exploring ancient monastic ruins, Offaly provides a refreshing, off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of Ireland.

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Photographs courtesy of Failte Ireland