Tullamore

Tourism

Tullamore (Tulach Mhór in Irish) the ‘Midlands Gateway’ is the capital of County Offaly. Famous for it’s popular Irish whiskey, Tullamore Dew, Tullamore is the ideal base for exploring the midlands of Ireland. The town is home to many traditional pubs and features a great selection of shops.

The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre

Visit The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre for an insight into the history of the town. Resting on the banks of the Grand Canal the centre gives a fascinating insight into the urban history of the town and canal along with the distilling which took place there until 1950.

Charleville Forest Castle

Designed by Francis Johnston, designer of the majestic GPO in Dublin, this 200+ year old Gothic castle is a powerful reminder of Irelands recent history. Building was started by Charles William Bury, Earl of Charleville, during the tumultuous year of the failed Irish revolution in 1798, with the design features particularly implemented to celebrate the victory over the 3rd French revolutionary expedition to Ireland. The castles haunted status has seen it featured on many TV programs along with drawing many paranormal tourists. The lands surrounding the castle is also a feature due to the stunning primeval oak woodland and it has recently been the home of a large music festival, a theatre production and the Tullamore Agricultural Show. It is an essential attraction for any visitor to Ireland.

Walk the Slieve Bloom

The Slieve Bloom mountains straddled the southern Co Laois border of county Offaly and are a favourite among hikers and cyclist alike. The breathtaking scenery of the mountains has a curious history. As the most ancient mountain range in Europe (along with the Massif Central in France) they originally stood as the tallest mountains in Europe at 3,700 metres. Since then weathering as reduced their size considerably with the highest peak , Arderin, standing at only 526 metres.

Lough Boora

Just south of Tullamore are the unique 'Lough Boora' parklands. The boglands support an astonishing variety of wetland flora and fauna. Visitors to the area can also enjoy the sights of the village Rahan, a 6th century monastic settle set up by St. Mochuda. It became a large centre for learning before St. Mochuda moved on to Waterford.

Durrow

Another 6th century monastic settlement was established by St. Columba just on the outskirts of Tullamore. The Book of Durrow a celebrated illuminated manuscript. It is currently under the care of the Trinity College Library in Dublin. Worth seeing on site is the Celtic cross of Durrow an ancient relic of the monastry.

Clonmacnoise

Another early Christian site near Tullamore was founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre. There is an audio-visual show as well as a number of exhibitions. Access for people with disabilities to Visitor Centre.