Offaly, located in the heart of Ireland, has some of the most breath-taking walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the county. From the challenging Slieve Bloom Way – a 70kim long-distance walking trail that crosses through the Slieve Blooms Mountains, to the serene Grand Canal Way- a walking and cycling trail that follows the route of the Grand Canal from Dublin to Shannon Harbour, Offaly caters to a variety of fitness abilities and interests and has something for everyone.
The Award-winning Lough Boora Discovery Park, consistently in the top 50 things to do with children in Ireland, features over 50km of cycling and walking trails that take you through different landscapes, including wildflower meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. Additionally, the art trail featuring sculptures created by local and international artists adds a unique element to the walking experience and is not to be missed.
“Offaly has so much to offer to walkers seeking new adventures. It’s easy to get here from almost anywhere in the country, and the trails cater to all abilities. Come and be blown away by the unspoilt nature, magnificent Slieve Blooms, and mysterious boglands,” said Olive Farrelly, Tourism Officer for the area.
Get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in nature in the unspoiled and peaceful Slieve Bloom Mountains, where you can discover a diverse range of hiking trails that vary in distance from 4km to 70km. You have the option of selecting from 17 Slieve Bloom Looped Walks, which have trailheads in Kinnitty, Cadamstown, Clonaslee, Glenbarrow, and Monicknew. These walks vary in length, offering a suitable option for hikers of all skill levels.
In addition, Eco Walks focusing on different aspects of the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ flora, fauna, and geology can be found at Knockbarron, Glenafelly, Gurteenamile, Silver River, Cadamstown, and Glenbarrow. You can access the Circular Slieve Bloom Way from any of the trailheads at Kinnitty, Cadamstown, Clonaslee, Glenbarrow, or Monicknew. The linear waymarked Offaly Way is accessible from the Cadamstown trailhead.
Throughout most weeks of the year, organised walks are available, and you can find upcoming walk details on this website. https://slievebloom.ie/walking
Clara Bog Nature Reserve, unique for its raised bog that has been preserved for over 10,000 years, offers visitors a 1km looped walk, with plenty of on-site signage providing insight into the bog’s flora and fauna. Additionally, the Knockbarron Wood 5k walk offers a unique experience as an old woodland area that showcases ecological diversity no matter what time of the year you explore it. Each season brings a distinct ambiance to the area.
Offaly is the perfect place for those seeking an uncongested and unspoilt hiking experience. It’s a highly accessible location that offers an escape into nature with no compromise on the quality of the trails.
For more information, see www.visitoffaly.ie
