Top Things to do in County Offaly
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Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in County Offaly, Province of Leinster
Discover the best top things to do in County Offaly, Ireland including St. Colmcille Church, Birr Equestrian Centre, St. Manchan's Monastery and Well, Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre, Charleville Castle, Clonmacnoise, Clonony Castle, Clara Bog Boardwalk, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Offaly Grand Canal Greenway.
Restaurants in County Offaly
1. St. Colmcille Church
2. Birr Equestrian Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
Birr Equestrian Centre has been catering for riders and horse enthusiasts for over forty years under the direction of Noel Cosgrave and his team of dedicated instructors. The centre is open 7 days a week to cater for your every need and there are a range of services from entertainment to sales and breeding. Birr Equestrian Centre is A.I.R.E. and Board Failte approved and all instructors are certified by the British Horse Society. Located in the Midlands we offer riding lessons; cross country treks and tuition; hourly, half day and full day trekking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains; trekking holidays in conjunction with local accommodation providers; pony camps and much much more! Carriage Driving, Archery, Laser Shooting and Clay Pigeon Shooting are also available on site.
3. St. Manchan's Monastery and Well
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
St Manchan of Lemanaghan was an early Irish saint who died of yellow fever in 664AD. He established a monastery here in 644AD, in which was kept the reliquary of St. Manchan which was made in 1130AD at Clonmacnoise. (now removed Boher parish church). Today you can see a church built on the site which was built later- possibly in the 14th cent. There are early houses a well and sacred tree here.
4. Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 824 reviews
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse. Set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this castle demesne boasts a rare collection of over 4000 trees and plants, wonderful wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls and lake. Suited to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, scientists, historians, family groups and photographers.
Reviewed By 319darac
This gem of a castle and beautiful parkland surroundings is only 90 mins from Dublin and well worth the trip. Perfect for families of all ages and especially for children. The tree house and playground is idyllic as well as fun ( and yes I did go on the slide and yes I had a go on the swings) beautiful food in the coffee shop and a shout out to Conor for the warm welcome at reception.. Highly recommended
5. Charleville Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Charleville Castle, the Masterpiece of Francis Johnston, once derelict, vacant, closed-off and decaying, has been rescued from near ruin by volunteers of the Charleville Castle Community. Built originally as a dramatic Power Center in the Midlands - a most important Irish symbol of the Union with Great Britain 1801 - it is a project of the Peace Process - authenticate, intact and "of the people". The long avenue to the forecourt is now fully open - some areas require supervised access or guides [set donation] - Volunteers rotate on duty 24/7 - 365 days a year - sharing actively with the public. It is famous for its ghosts stories and unique architecture - it is not a state-funded project and depends entirely on volunteers and supporters - the local community and many thousands more openly express love and support for the Castle. Come visit - we hope you will get a real feeling of what it is to keep a big Castle like this alive - hopefully your visit can be enhanced by a guided tour.
Reviewed By 446natem - Tullamore, Ireland
volunteer-run, donation-supported (no defined entry fee), personal feel to the tour. this is a different tour than you'll have at a more traditional/formal castle, as it's not as established and (thankfully) not run by a large entity. the tour guide was excellent, as was the access to the rooms, the relaxed pace of the tour, and the stories about the family.
6. Clonmacnoise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,021 reviews
Reviewed By kirish_12
We had a very atypical Irish vacation in that we had only a few hours of rain in two and a half weeks. We drove to Clonmacnoise hoping to beat the onset of the one rainy afternoon, and did--just. However, the atmosphere created by the gray-green filter that is Ireland was all the more appropriate for the spot. There is such a weight of history and momentous action that lingers there that people seem to fall silent as they move around the grounds, half hearing echoes from the past. Of all Irish places that I have visited over the years, I have only found this rivaled at the Rock of Cashel. You look out over the Shannon River (you could step in it if you exceeded the edge of the grounds) and have such a sense of the vulnerability of the place to raiders and vandals at the same time that your heart aches over the beauty of the scenery. When the rain finally came, we moved inside the visitors' center and saw the introductory movie, which was very helpful and was shown in several languages. Because of wear from weathering, three of the high crosses have been moved inside, each in a room of its own, each from a successive century, each with detailed and fascinating information about the progression of carving styles over time. No one rushes you, and we were not part of a huge crowd. Clonmacnoise is not so much a tourist attraction as it is a mood. Make every effort to go there.
7. Clonony Castle
8. Clara Bog Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By kusadasiman - New Ross, Ireland
We had a lovely stroll in the early evening around the small circuit of the boardwalk. It seemed very small when I arrived but it is actually a lovely few minutes passed looking at the wild flowers, bees and surroundings of the bog. If you are in the locality, it is worth a stop. Something simple and natural for a change.
9. Lough Boora Discovery Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Tiafleur84 - Dublin, Ireland
My boyfriend and I visited the park in august 2020 and had a lovely day! Parking was free possibly due to covid and unfortunately the cafe closes early which we hadn’t realised. There’s so much to do and see and you can rent bikes there too. We had a lovely couple of hours there and would have stayed longer if the weather hadn’t turned!
10. Offaly Grand Canal Greenway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By wyldwyll1 - Athlone, Ireland
Its been 2 years since my last review and i can happily report that the amenity is improving all the time. Additional Signposts, Dog foul Bins and other enhancements are in place. Starting in Tullamore. To the West the Greenway now extends 15km to Pollough (The wonderful Lough Boora Parklands is accessible a further 12km along, but there is some work yet to be done to enhance the route). The route is rural. The surface is a mix of tarmac and dust track but is well maintained and suitable for walkers and cyclists of all ages and abilities. To the East the greenway stretches to Ballycommon (6km) with similar underfoot conditions. Since Covid-19 this wide open air free amenity is well populated and appreciated by all. Plans to extend to Daingean (6km further East), Lough Boora Parklands (West) and Kilbeggan to the North of Ballycommon (partially constructed) are nearing construction (2021!). Tips :- Bring a lunch and plenty of water for long strolls. Toilets are not provided (yet!?), thus public houses in Tullamore, Pollagh (the Pull INN (lovely pub) and Ballycommon are your best bet for the time being if caught short (and to have a well deserving pint perhaps!). Out of towners seeking bike hire can hire from Buckley Cycles or the Tullamore Cycle Centre both providing top quality new bikes at affordable costs. Enjoy a trek/spin and spread the good word.
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