Top 13 things to do in Offaly this summer
Tullamore Dew Distillery
Less than 5 minutes from the Bridge House Hotel is the world-famous home of Tullamore Dew. Enjoy a behind the scenes distillery tour and learn how the unique blend of Tullamore Dew whiskey is created from distillation to maturation. Soak up the sights, sounds and aromas from the 50,000 oak casks that are in the maturation warehouse and savour some of the award-winning whiskeys along the way! For more information log onto https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-tullamore-dew/
Mid Ireland Adventure
Mid Ireland Adventure lies on the banks of the River Shannon in the beautiful country town of Banagher 30 minutes from our hotel in Tullamore.
Get off the beaten track and enjoy a guided kayak safari or stand up paddle board safari and discover the inland waterways of Ireland. There are also a range of guided hiking and biking tours available with the company too to explore the monastic sites along the river. Enjoy 10% off when you stay at the Bridge House Hotel for bookings of four or more.
Log onto https://midirelandadventure.ie/ for more information on activities in Offaly.
Slieve Bloom Mountains
Along with the Massif Central in France, The Slieve Bloom mountains are the oldest in Europe. Reconnect with nature and explore the beautiful, picturesque eco trails ranging in distance from 4km to 70km. Organised walking and hiking tours are available and for those who enjoy cycling, the Slieve Bloom now boosts 80KM of trails making it one of the biggest in Ireland and the UK!
Enjoy 10% off bike rental from The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre when you book your accommodation at The Bridge House Hotel.
For more info on the Slieve Bloom mountains, check out https://slievebloom.ie/
Cruise the Shannon
Explore the river Shannon & hop abord your own cruiser. Start your riverside adventure in Banagher and cruise on one of the finest natural inland waterways in Europe as the unspoilt River Shannon meanders through beautiful countryside, past historic towns offering the best in Irish hospitality.
Decide whether to head north or south. If you choose a northerly direction, you’ll take in; Shannonbridge (great for angling by day, music, and banter by night) and Clonmacnoise monastic site one of the most popular attractions in Ireland, let alone on the Shannon and explore the ruined churches, the cathedral and the round towers, then on to Athlone the largest town on the river. Or opt instead to steer southwards and you’ll encounter Portumna (check out the Forest Park and Portumna Castle), Terryglass (enjoy some great pub grub), eventually arriving at Killaloe, a picturesque town once home to Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.
Either direction, you’ll take in the beautiful towns and villages along the Shannon, maybe pausing along the way for a spot of fishing or birdwatching from a unique water-side perspective. From youngsters to teens, they’re sure to enjoy the novelty of boat-living and seeing the world from a completely different water-side perspective! And all from the comfort of your own fully kitted-out cruising boat.
https://silverlinecruisers.com/
https://www.cruise-ireland.com/
Lough Boora Discovery Park
Once a commercial bog, Lough Boora has been transformed into a discovery park & home to countless species of birds and wildlife, fish-filled lakes, and a permanent exhibition of huge outdoor sculptures. These sculptures give the park an other-worldly feel, created using the old industrial materials of the bog such as locomotives, rail-line, and timber, all crafted into magnificent works of art. There is also an abundance of walking routes with bike hire options available too. Angling and bird watching are popular and for the younger visitors a ramble through the fairy trail is a must!
For further info, log onto https://www.loughboora.com/
Anna Harvey Equestrian Centre
For the equestrian enthusiast, a visit to Anna Harvey’s equestrian centre is a must when visiting Ireland’s hidden heartlands and is only 10 minutes from the hotel.
Beginners and experienced riders are catered for.
For more info see: https://www.annaharveyfarm.ie/equestrian-holidays/riding-for-groups
Birr Castle Demesne
Birr castle is over 400 years old and is home to the 7th Earl of Rosse. There are lots to do from taking a tour of the castle, explore some of the wonderful array of trees, flora and fauna along the many walkways within the estate and lake. For the science enthusiasts, Birr castle is home to the great telescope built in the 1840’s and was the largest in the world for over 70 years. The science centre onsite goes into the history and showcases how it worked and how it is currently used to explore the universe from Ireland! For the smaller kids, a stop at the Treehouse adventure area is a must! The playground features Ireland’s largest tree house.
For more info, log onto https://birrcastle.com/
Sky Dive
Learn to skydive with the Irish parachute club in Offaly. Take the plunge and learn how to do a solo jump or maybe you would prefer a tandem jump with an experienced instructor! Adventure awaits at the heart of Ireland if you dare! For more information log onto https://skydive.ie/
Charleville Castle
Only 10 minutes on foot from the hotel, Charleville Castle is a fabulous place to wander around. The grounds are beautiful and one of Europe’s oldest oak trees are located on the property. Constructed in 1798 this neo gothic castle has stood the test of time
Leap Castle
Explore Ireland’s most haunted castle which dates to the 16th century. This spooky manor has been frequented by some of the world’s top paranormal investigators. The owner of the castle Sean Ryan is happy to show people around if you are brave enough to take a private tour for yourself!
For more info log onto http://leapcastle.net/
Clara Bog Nature Reserve
For those of you who love the outdoors and nature a trip to Clara Bog nature reserve and boardwalk is a must! A host of native Irish wildlife can be found along the trail. For more info you can check out Clara Bog Offaly’s website here https://www.clarabognaturereserve.ie/
Playtown Tullamore
The younger kids will enjoy an afternoon at Playtown Tullamore where they can explore little mini shops, the airport, hospital and much more. There is also a sensory room too for kids with special needs. You can check out all there is to do this summer at Playtown Tullamore here. https://playtowntullamore.ie/
Gleendeer Pet Farm
Meet all the farm animals, help the staff at feeding times, explore the fairy trail, play in the playground and much more this summer at one of the top farms in the midlands.
With lots to do and see here, it’s a day out that the family won’t forget!
For more information, log onto https://www.glendeerpetfarm.ie/
