Walking

Walking Ways near Strawberry Hill

The Offaly Way - Sli Uibh Fhaili
The Offaly Way has been developed by Offaly County Council as a long distance walking route which links two other long distance walking routes namely the Slieve Bloom Way and the Grand Canal Way. Phase two of the Offaly Way will see it extended north of the Grand Canal along the Brosna River. A map guide deals with Phase One of the Walk from the Slieve Bloom mountains to the Grand Canal and is available from the Tourist Office. The Cadamstown village is the starting point of this route. The village is also linked to the Slieve Bloom Way which at its nearest point is only one mile away.
The walk from Ballyboy to Kilcormac is along the Silver River. In olden times a mass path along the bank of the river was used by the people of Ballyboy when going to mass in Kilcormac.

The Bogland - Na Portaigh
Leaving Kilcormac behind, the walk enters the extensive peatland area covered by Boora Bog. Milled peat production was commenced at Boora by Bord na Mona in the 1950's. The Boora district extends over a production area of 18,8000 acres, with 1,750 cutaway acres under forestry. Plans have been formulated by Bord na Mona for the establishment of a parkland area comprising 5,500 acres of cutaway bog in the area which will encourage agriculture and grassland, forestry and amenity and conservation uses.
Lough Boora is now a 35 acre (14 hectares) nature reserve colonised by fen-type vegetation. Prior to bog development this was a small peatland lake, which is now recognised as having been a remnant of a former great Shannon Lake. The Lough Boora site is now recognised as being of great importance in the study of environmental and human history in Ireland. In 1977, Dr Michael Ryan excavated the site at Lough Boora for the National Museum. Excavations revealed that Mesolithic man had established a temporary settlement here prior to the bogs formation around a series of hearths of fire sites were found some 500 artefacts made of chert (a hard silicerous stone like flint). Most were simple blades and arrow heads. A number of stone axe heads were also found. There was no evidence of any structures. What appears to have existed at Boora was an encampment for hunters. Radio-carbon dating put the occupation of the site into the period 6800-6000 BC. Before this the only evidence for human activity in Ireland at this time is to be found in the north-eastern counties.

Grand Canal Towpath
Route: Dublin to River Shannon (at Shannon Harbour). The Grand Canal is now being developed as a Long Walking Route from the River Liffey (Dublin) to the Shannon. The Offaly Section, involving over 64 kilometres of canal and traversing large tracts of bogland, enters the county near Edenderry and extends westwards through the towns and villages of Daingean, Tullamore, Rahan, Pollagh and Belmont to join the Shannon at Shannon Harbour. Several leaflets are available describing the Grand Canal Way from Edenderry to Shannon Harbour. For further information on Slieve Bloom Walks contact Joan Roche, Slieve Bloom Walking Club Centre, Cadamstown, Co. Offaly 0509 - 37247. A list of Guided Walks with details is published annually by the Slieve Bloom Rural Development Society Ltd., c/o Kinnitty Community Centre, Kinnitty. Tel: 0506 - 37299.

Turraun
Turraun is now a designated Nature Reserve, and the recolonisation which is naturally occurring here is the subject of ongoing academic analysis and research. Baseline ecological surveys of the cutaway bog were undertaken here in 1990. Turraun is the first extensive area of cutaway to be exhausted and today it boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Over 80 species of birds and over 1850 species of plants have been recorded in the Reserve. Since the establishment of a lake, a flock of 200 Whooper Swans has colonised the site. Also present is one of our most endangered species, the Grey Partridge. In addition many rare species such as Garganey, Goldeneye and Gadwall have been recorded in the reserve. The intention at Turraun is to create a wetland nature reserve as amodel to illustrate the potential for wildlife conservation on cutaway bogs.

The Offaly Way proceeds westward from Turraun towards Ferbane. The route is co-terminous with the Grand Canal Way until it reaches Derry Bridge. At this point the walk will extend northwards to join the Brosna River at Kilcolgan Bridge, and continues along the river passing Cool Castle en route to Ferbane. Until this extension of the Offaly Way is completed the town of Ferbane may be approached along the Grand Canal.

Pullough to Shannon Harbour
A very satisfactory walk (some three hours) is that from Pullough to Ferbane. Start at the church (the Breeches church) or the Pull Inn and walk to Ferbane.
A second option is that described by Michael Fewer in Irish Waterside Walks (Dublin, 1997) pp 118-121. A walk of some 2 ½ hours to Shannon Harbour and 3 hours to return to Ferbane via the Brosna.
Both this stretch of canal and that from Pullough to Ferbane are superb. The canal is calm and quiet like a lazy meandering river. Belmont (Lios Derg a Redfort) was an important milling centre in the 18th and 19th centuries. The canal loch here is a double loch. On to Shannon Harbour, the village which grew around the canal and where the old canal hotel empty since the 1830's still stands. It was to here that Guinness stout was brought for distribution in Connacht. It was here also that emigrants arrived to leave Ireland in the pre 1840's.

Birr Castle Demesne
Visitor attraction,
Birr, Co. Offaly.
Tel: 05791 20336.
Exquisite gardens highly rated with five stars in the official listing of Gardens of Outstanding Historical Interest. Laid out around a lake and two rivers, the Demesne's outstanding features include the tallest box hedges in the world, formal gardens and terraces with summer flowers. The Great Telescope, largest in the world for over 70 years and now restored, operates regularly throughout the day. Facilities include picnic areas and toilets.

Birr Heritage Centre
John's Hall, John's Mall, Birr.
Displays take one through centuries of Birr's History

Cloghan Castle
Banagher, Co. Offaly Tel: 05791 51950
Ancient castle in beautiful parkland setting, wildlife sanctuary and the largest flock of Jacob sheep in Ireland. This castle with eventful history is now a private home with almost all rooms open to view. A most entertaining guide tour is assured. Living history at it very best.

Clonmacnoise
Shannonbridge
Tel: 09067 4195
The ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise is one of Europe's most highly regarded sites of its kind. It was founded in 545 AD by St Ciaran. The monastic ruins are the most extensive of their kind in Ireland consisting of a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, and three high crosses. There are also the remains of a 13th century castle. There is an audio-visual show as well as a number of exhibitions. Access for people with disabilities to Visitor Centre. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer

Lusmagh Pet Farm
Banagher, Co. Offaly.
Tel: 05791 51233.
The peaceful rural countryside around Banagher is the setting for Lusmagh Pet Farm. This every popular farm boasts a large variety of farm animals as well as a nature trail, farm machinery and breading ostriches and a coffee shop.