Are you looking for places to get the kids outdoors in Offaly? From mountains to discovery parks to rivers, here are the best outdoor places in Offaly to get active with the kids.
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Here are some of our favourite places to get outside (rain or shine!) with the kids in Offaly.
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Lough Boora Discovery Park
The park at Lough Boora in Leabeg has acres of reclaimed bog with walks, ponds, cycle tracks, a visitor’s pavilion, other interesting shelters from either sun or rain, sculptures and a bird viewing hide. There is a bike hire facility with all shapes and sizes, including kiddy carriers.
It’s a family-friendly environment with a host of free activities for all ages. There are picnic and play areas and a fairy trail, all accessible for buggies and wheelchair users.
Birr Castle Demesne
Birr Castle Demesne is an experience of discovery for the whole family – home to extensive gardens and parkland, as well as the Historic Science Centre and the great telescope of the 1840s.
Kids will adore Ireland’s largest tree house, and the play area, picnic areas and sandpits – in fact, you may find it hard to pry them away! There is also a lovely café on site.
Don’t Miss: The Family Quest – pick up your quest sheet when you arrive and follow the clues!
Slieve Bloom Mountains
The Slieve Bloom Mountains in the south of the county have numerous walking trails, with walking festivals and walks taking place at weekends. Picnic benches are provided at the entrance to most forest trails and at viewing points.
There are 16 different looped walks starting from 6 different trail heads. Most of these are longer and more suited to older kids, but the Riverside Walk starting at Monicknew takes just 30 minutes. The Monicknew Valley Walk also has a shorter loop option for smaller kids.
Charleville Castle
The Castle at Charleville near Tullamore is popular for a family walk. The grounds of the castle are also a good spot for flying kites! (And if you are looking for other good places to fly kites, there is always your local GAA, soccer or rugby pitch, when not in use for a match or training, of course!)
Grand Canal
Image: Tourism Ireland
Down by the Grand Canal at Edenderry is a good place to take the kids cycling, as well as Tullamore, Ferbane, Banagher and numerous villages in between.
Lloyd Town Park
Lloyd Town Park in Tullamore has an excellent modern playground, with swings, slides, climbing frames and a zipwire. There’s a skate park nearby. The park has pathways, a water feature and plenty of space to walk and run. You’ll find a picnic area next to the playground, and car parking is available in front of the park.
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The Shannon
Image: © Chris Hill
The River Shannon runs through Offaly, which is a wonderful amenity. Boat cruises depart from the marina at Banagher. There is also canoeing and camping at Banagher.
Birr Playground
Birr Playground is located close to the centre of town and has lots of equipment for different ages. You’ll find slides, swings, climbing frames and imaginative equipment for kids to enjoy.
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Clara Bog
Clara Bog is perhaps the best remaining example of midland raised bog in Western Europe. It has been said that you can experience ten thousand years of history in the ten square miles that accommodate Clara Bog.
The Clara Bog Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve boardwalk, which meanders through Clara Bog Nature Reserve, is located a two-minute drive from the Clara Bog Visitor Centre. The boardwalk is a 1km looped walk on Clara Bog.
Admission to both the Clara Bog Visitor Centre and the boardwalk is free to all. Visitors to the boardwalk are recommended to wear sturdy footwear.
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FAQs About Outdoor Places in Offaly
What is the best free outdoor place to visit in Offaly?
Lough Boora Discovery Park and Clara Bog Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve are both free to visit and offer easy, buggy-friendly walks that suit all ages.
Are there outdoor spots in Offaly suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes. Lough Boora’s play areas and fairy trail, along with the playgrounds at Lloyd Town Park and Birr, are all good options for younger children.
Is there somewhere to cycle with kids in Offaly?
The towpaths along the Grand Canal near Edenderry, Tullamore, Ferbane and Banagher are popular, gentle cycling routes for families.
Are the Slieve Bloom Mountains suitable for family walks?
Some of the longer looped walks suit older, more confident walkers, but shorter options such as the Riverside Walk and the shorter loop at Monicknew Valley Walk work well for families with younger children.
Have Your Say
Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Offaly to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
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- Free Things to Do with Kids in Offaly
Keep the Ideas Coming
Loved this list? Save it for your next family day out, or browse more outdoor adventure ideas on MyKidsTime for more inspiration near you.
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