As parents, we know how expensive it can be to keep the kids entertained, so we’ve put together a list of things to do with them completely free of charge. Here are our suggestions for the best free things to do in Offaly with kids.
Jump to: Outdoors | Indoors
Outdoors
Visit Clara Bog
Clara Bog is one of the best remaining examples of midland raised bog in Western Europe. It’s said you can experience ten thousand years of history across the ten square miles that make up Clara Bog.
The Clara Bog Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve boardwalk meanders through the nature reserve and is a short drive from the visitor centre itself. The boardwalk is a 1 kilometre looped walk across the bog. Admission to both the visitor centre and the boardwalk is free for all visitors. Sturdy footwear is recommended for anyone taking on the boardwalk.
Lloyd Town Park, Tullamore
Lloyd Town Park in Tullamore is a great family spot. There’s a playground, walking trails and a skate park, so there’s something for kids of all ages.
Lough Boora Parklands
Lough Boora Parklands near Kilcormac is a wonderful amenity for walking, cycling or fishing. The parklands also host some of the most innovative land and environmental sculptures in Ireland. Inspired by the rich natural and industrial legacy of the bog lands, artists have created a series of large-scale sculptures using materials such as old locomotives, rail line, timber and stone, now forming a permanent outdoor sculpture trail.
Charleville Castle
Take a walk through the grounds of Charleville Castle on the Birr Road outside Tullamore. This Gothic-style castle is considered one of the finest of its type in the country — and is reputed to be haunted!
Go and See a Real Pyramid in Kinnitty
Kinnitty Pyramid, the only one of its kind in Ireland, stands in the graveyard of the Church of Ireland in the village of Kinnitty.
Standing 30 feet tall, it was built as a family crypt by Lt. Col Richard Wesley Bernard on his return from Egypt in the mid-1800s. The pyramid is an exact replica of the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt.
Cycling in Offaly
Dust off the bikes and get active. Cycle along the canal, or bring bikes (or hire them locally) to explore the trails at Lough Boora.
Picnic Spots in Offaly
Many of the walks in the Midlands are wooded, so there’s plenty of shelter if the weather turns. Pack a picnic, bring a few extra layers just in case, and you’ve got a fun day out that costs nothing at all.
Nature Detectives
Turn an outdoor visit into a nature scavenger hunt. Bring along a nature guide or checklist and have fun asking the kids to spot and identify different plants, birds and insects as you walk. Wear sturdy footwear and bring drinking water and a picnic to make a full day of it.
Indoors
Clara Bog Visitor Centre
The Clara Bog Visitor Centre runs kids’ workshops on art and nature — a lovely free indoor option if the weather isn’t cooperating outside.
Make the Most of Libraries
Your local library is one of the best free resources a family has. Many branches across Offaly have a children’s corner, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs and other activities running throughout the year. There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books, DVDs and more. Fancy a change of scenery? Try visiting a different branch to your usual one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free outdoor activities in Offaly?
Clara Bog, Lough Boora Parklands, Lloyd Town Park and the grounds of Charleville Castle are all free to visit and offer walking trails, playgrounds and things for kids to explore.
Is Clara Bog suitable for children?
Yes — the boardwalk is a 1 kilometre looped walk, making it manageable for children, though sturdy footwear is recommended for everyone.
Are Offaly’s libraries really free to use?
Yes. Library membership, borrowing books and DVDs, computer access, and most children’s events and classes are free.
What should we bring on an outdoor day out in Offaly?
Sturdy footwear, drinking water, a picnic and a few extra layers are a good idea, since weather across the Midlands can change quickly.
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- Great Outdoor Adventures For Families In The Midlands
Save This For Your Next Free Day Out
Not ready to head out just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your family activity list so you’ve got a ready-made list of free things to do in Offaly whenever you need one.
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