County Offaly Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in County Offaly, Ireland. Plan your trip now.


Introduction to County Offaly

Located in the heart of Ireland, County Offaly is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. It’s often overlooked by travelers but has much to offer, from scenic vistas and natural beauty to cultural attractions and sporting activities. The rich history of County Offaly is also evident in the number of castles, ruins, and museums that dot the landscape.

List of Places to Visit in County Offaly

Here is a list of the top places to visit when exploring County Offaly:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site: This ancient monastery dates back to the 6th century and is located on the banks of the River Shannon.

  2. Birr Castle Demesne: This historic castle, built in the 17th century, has beautiful gardens and a science center.

  3. Charleville Castle: This Gothic-style castle, built in the 18th century, offers tours and theatrical experiences.

Natural Attractions of County Offaly: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Slieve Bloom Mountains: These beautiful hills are ideal for hiking, fishing, and camping.

  2. Lough Boora Discovery Park: This 50-acre park has walking trails and unique sculptures made from reclaimed materials.

  3. Shannonbridge Fort: This fort was built in the 16th century and offers stunning views of the River Shannon.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Offaly

County Offaly has some of the best hiking and biking routes in Ireland, offering a variety of terrain and stunning scenery. Here are some of the top routes:

  1. Grand Canal Way: This route follows the canal through Offaly and is great for a leisurely bike ride.

  2. Offaly Way: This 38 km hike takes you through the Slieve Bloom Mountains and offers stunning views of Lough Boora.

Best Things to Do in County Offaly: Activities and Tours

  1. Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre: This popular attraction offers tours and tastings of Ireland’s most famous whiskey.

  2. Offaly Heritage Centre: This center offers a glimpse into the history and culture of County Offaly.

  3. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience: This historic distillery, founded in 1757, now offers tours and tastings.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Offaly

Day 1: Visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Site and explore the town of Birr.

Day 2: Hike the Offaly Way and visit Lough Boora Discovery Park.

Day 3: Take a tour of Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre and explore Tullamore town.

Day 4: Visit Charleville Castle and enjoy a theater experience.

Day 5: Bike the Grand Canal Way and stop for a picnic along the way.

Day 6: Explore Shannonbridge Fort and enjoy a boat ride on the River Shannon.

Day 7: Visit Kilbeggan Distillery Experience and the Offaly Heritage Centre.

Food and Drink Scene of County Offaly

No visit to County Offaly is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Offaly Stew: A traditional Irish stew made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.

  2. Boxty: A potato pancake typically served with bacon and eggs

Local Beverages

  1. Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskey: A smooth and flavorful Irish whiskey.

  2. Offaly Beer: A locally brewed beer with a distinctive hoppy taste.

Where to Stay in County Offaly: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

County Offaly offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes, from luxurious hotels to friendly hostels. Some of the top options include:

  1. Tullamore Court Hotel: A four-star hotel with a spa and restaurant.

  2. Bridge House Hotel: A four-star hotel with an on-site nightclub and bar.

  3. Spinners on Castle Street: A cozy guesthouse located in the heart of Birr.

What to Buy in County Offaly: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

County Offaly is home to a range of unique shops and markets where you can find interesting souvenirs and locally made products. Here are some top picks:

  1. Offaly Craft Makers: A cooperative of local artists and crafters, offering handmade pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

  2. Tullamore Farmers Market: A weekly market offering fresh produce and artisanal products.

Local Culture and Customs of County Offaly

The people of County Offaly are proud of their history and traditions. Some of the customs that are still observed today include:

  1. The Irish language is still spoken in some areas of County Offaly.

  2. Traditional Irish music can often be heard in pubs and at special events.

Best Time to Visit County Offaly

The best time to visit County Offaly is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild, and the countryside is lush and green. July and August are popular months for festivals and events, including the Tullamore Show and Birr Vintage Week.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Offaly

Here are some tips to keep in mind when visiting County Offaly:

Do:

  1. Try the local cuisine and beverages.

  2. Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment.

  2. Disrupt local celebrations or events.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Offaly

County Offaly is a safe destination for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions. Here are a few tips:

  1. Keep an eye on your belongings when in crowded places.

  2. Take care when driving on narrow country roads.

Health in County Offaly

There are no specific health risks associated with visiting County Offaly. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance and to bring any necessary medications with you.

Getting to County Offaly: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Offaly

The nearest airport to County Offaly is Dublin Airport, which is approximately 100km away. From here, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach County Offaly.

Bus Stations Near County Offaly

There are several bus stations located in County Offaly, including in Tullamore and Birr. Bus Eireann is the main bus company that operates in Ireland.

Other Options

Rail travel is also an option, with trains running from Dublin to Tullamore and other locations in County Offaly.

How to Get Around in County Offaly

The best way to get around County Offaly is by car or bicycle, as public transportation options can be limited in some areas. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from County Offaly: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that are worth visiting after exploring County Offaly:

  1. Dublin: The capital city of Ireland, known for its history, culture, and nightlife.

  2. Galway: A charming coastal city, famous for its traditional Irish music scene and festivals.

Conclusion

County Offaly is a beautiful and vibrant destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty to see and do here. Plan your trip now and discover all that County Offaly has to offer.

County Offaly County Offaly Charleville Castle, Tullamore Charleville Castle, Tullamore Clonmacnoise Clonmacnoise


    Birr
    Clonmacnoise