Offaly is a must to visit this Summer!
Offaly’s well known magnificent attractions are always worth a visit; Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle Demesne, Tullamore DEW. However, Offaly also offers many hidden gems to explore, that will get you ‘off the beaten track’ this Summer!
Grand Canal Greenway
The majestic Grand Canal travels 131km from Grand Canal Dock in Dublin to Shannon Harbour in West Offaly. The Offaly section of Ireland’s newest greenway is now complete, so get on your walking shoes or hop on your bike and be one of the first to experience its tranquil setting. Offaly boasts 71km of greenway stretching from Edenderry to the picturesque Shannon Harbour with stops along the way in Ballycommon, Tullamore and Lough Boora Discovery Park a must.
Meelick Weir
The newly renovated Meelick Weir, with its 300m walkway across the Shannon, links Meelick in County Galway with Lusmagh in Offaly, is well worth a visit. The weir was originally built in 1840 along with the charming Victoria Lock and its lock-keeper’s house.
There are spectacular views of the Shannon and surrounding countryside where the counties of Galway, Offaly and Tipperary meet. In terms of wildlife, it doesn’t disappoint, as it is within both the River Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation and the Middle Shannon Callows Special Protection Area.
Slieve Bloom Mountain Biking Trails
If walking one of the 16 looped walks in the Slieve Blooms isn’t enough exercise, this low-lying mountain range on the Offaly/Laois border offers adrenaline seekers the chance to explore this quiet forest area on mountain bike. There are over 60km of purpose-built single track trails and forest roads that are designed for use by mountain bikes on waymarked circular routes. The routes are graded blue (moderate) and red (difficult/severe). There is also a family loop at Kinnitty Village for beginners to practise their skills. Mountain bikes, including electric, are available to hire locally in Kinnitty.
Perhaps coincide your stay around one of the many unmissable Summer events taking place.
Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival
Birr Vintage Week is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the summer, and this year marks 55 years of the festival. The week-long event features professional, national and international artists bringing visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop-up performers, workshops, exhibitions and lots more.
There’ll also be a variety of community events, including treasure hunts, quizzes and more – don’t miss the annual fireworks display.
And don’t forget to put on your best vintage dress or suit! Taking place from Friday 2 August until Saturday 10 August.
• birrvintageweek.com
Tullamore Show
Ireland’s premier livestock and agricultural event, the Tullamore Show, is back for 2024, at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, on Sunday 11 August. And, as usual, it will be another jam-packed event. It attracts the best cattle, sheep, and equine breeders from all over the country, alongside entrants for its other 1,000+ competitions. There are approximately 700 trade stands to explore, featuring agri-machinery, forestry, farm produce and more. Even if you don’t have an interest in agriculture, there’s a host of highlights for everyone, including fashion stands, a fashion show, cooking demonstrations, food stalls and live music. This promises to be a great day out for all the family!
• tullamoreshow.com
For more fun events and things to do visit www.visitoffaly.ie or check us out on Facebook and Instagram #visitoffaly