Things to do

The Boura Parklands / Rated: No.1 by Strawberry Hill Guests.
There’s a beautiful new landscape hidden at the centre of Ireland - a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, which until now has been an unshared secret. Whether you are into wildlife, wild flowers, or just wild scenery this is the place for you.
Through a creative combination of nature and the human hand new habitats are emerging on the cutaway bogs of Co. Offaly. Lands cloaked with great raised bogs for 10,000 years are at the dawn of a new era. Bogs harvested by Bord na Móna for energy since the 1940’s are establishing as unique and welcoming habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. Welcome, the Lough Boora Parklands await your arrival.
www.loughbouraparklands.com

Charleville Castle
Are you into scary or just plain creepy? Read on...
Charleville castle - Charleville Forest Castle is a Gothic-style castle located in Co. Offaly, Ireland, bordering the town of Tullamore, near the Shannon River. It is considered one of the finest of its type in the country. The castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, once the once the haunting grounds of Irelands druids thousands of years ago. Surrounded by a 700 year old Oak forest, the oldest in Ireland, stands Charleville Castle, known for generations as one of the world's most haunted Castles.
The Oak was the Sacred Tree of the Druids and in the grounds the Druid’s Initiation Circle reminds us that this was a Sacred Ritual site. The castle was built in by Charles Bury, the 1st Earl of Charleville, between 1798 and 1812 and is considered one of the finest Gothic Revival Castles in Ireland.
It is said that Bury was a devil-worshipper whose ghost still walks among the dungeons, catacombs and tower.
For decades Charleville has been visited by parapsychologists, paranormal investigators and documentary makers hoping to capture photographic or video evidence of the many phenomena reported throughout the years. Orbs (spectral light balls) are frequently seen in the building and the grounds. Legends say the castle was built on the site of an ancient druid burial ground. During the plague in the middle ages the same spot was used as a burial ground, and sick people were buried alive to prevent the spread of the black plague. There are many different types of supernatural presences including the spirit of young girl who fell to her death from a staircase banister.
www.questnews.net

Cloghan Lake fisheries - See Fishing page for further information.

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Tullamore is famous for its whiskey, "Tullamore Dew" and for its Irish Mist liqueur. The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre recounts the role of distilling in the town's development and the impact of the Grand Canal Transport System. After your visit, experience a courtesy taste of Tullamore Dew.
http://www.tullamore-dew.org/default_flash.asp

Belmont Mill, Watermill & Studios. Belmont, Co. Offaly.
Belmont Mill and Artist Studios are set in a water mill complex which dates back to the 18th Century.
Now it is an inspiring venue for artists and creative people. Located adjacent to the weir on the River Brosna in the Heartland of Ireland.
www.belmontmill.com

Shopping

Tullamore is a major midlands shopping town with some 250 shops including three shopping centres. Described as the "Mecca of the Midlands" it has lively night clubs and dancing Thursday and Saturday.
Birr, Banagher and Edenderry also have fine shops and pubs catering for the discerning visitor in search of character.
There is a six screen cinema at Bridge Centre, Tullamore. Booking Tel: 0818 719 719.
Nearby Athlone, is host to some of the most reputable Ladies Fashion Boutiques in Ireland.

Pubs

Offaly has pubs of great character and style especially in the smaller towns and villages. The best known are at Banagher, Shannonbridge, Birr, Crinkle, Cloneygowan, Edenderry, Ballycumber and Tullamore. Music is available in some, and details can be got at the local Tourist Offices.

An Dún Transport & Heritage Museum
Doon, Ballinahown, Athlone. Tel: 090643 0106
This museum houses an excellent exhibition of vintage and classic cars and trucks, along with a marvellous display of restored farm machinery and rural utensils. Relax in the quaint, comfortable coffee shop. Facilities on site include a souvenir shop. Recently expands to include a fascinating European model railways and cable car display.

Ashbrook Open Farm
Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly, Tel: 090574166.
Visit his working farm for a fund-filled and educational experience. View all the farm animals in their own home environment and find out where many of the supermarket products come from. Farmers John and Vera Carty extend a welcome to you to come and enjoy a guided tour of the farm.