County Offaly, right in the heart of Ireland, packs in an amazing amount for families to enjoy — castles, mountains, parks, canals, bogland trails and more. Whether you’re planning a full weekend break, filling a rainy afternoon, or just looking for somewhere new to explore in the sunshine, this guide to Offaly for families brings together our favourite places to eat, stay, play and discover across the county.
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Jump to a section:
- Family-friendly things to do in Offaly
- Free things to do in Offaly
- Outdoor activities in Offaly
- Family-friendly museums and galleries in Offaly
- Rainy day activities in Offaly
- Family-friendly hotels and accommodation in Offaly
- Family-friendly restaurants in Offaly
- Things to do in Offaly for older kids and teens
- Don’t miss
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Offaly
Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre has something for everyone and easily enough to fill a whole day out. Highlights include:
- Ireland’s largest treehouse, plus sand pits, climbing frames, slides and more
- A Science Centre exploring early photography, engineering and astronomy, with a special focus on the world-famous Great Telescope, which you can visit on the grounds
- Parklands and gardens filled with rare trees and flowers
- Walks along the rivers and lake
- A café on site
- Regular family events throughout the year, from castle tours to family quests, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go
Escape the everyday on the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river at 386km. The Shannon is a well-loved destination for its scenery and wildlife, and a boat cruise is a lovely way to see it from a different angle. Look out for cruises from Banagher, or a short river cruise from Shannonbridge to Clonmacnoise.
Hilltop Farm Alpacas, just outside the village of Ballinagar, is a gentle, relaxed place to visit — see the alpacas up close and enjoy a peaceful walk through the herd.
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Free Things to Do in Offaly
Clara Bog Nature Reserve is free to visit and has a 1km looped boardwalk trail, letting you see the plants, birds and animals that call this exceptional raised bog home. Wear trainers or sturdy shoes. The Visitor Centre also runs walks and nature and art activities regularly, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Glasderry Wood, near Roscrea, is part of an old estate with an artificial lake and a picnic area.
Lloyd Town Park in Tullamore has a lovely playground, skate park and water features, plus walkways throughout. It’s a great spot for a family picnic — the picnic area is right next to the playground, with car parking in front of the park.
Bring the kids to one of the libraries in County Offaly. Most have children’s sections where kids can settle in with books, games and puzzles.
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Outdoor Activities in Offaly
Image: Tourism Ireland
The Grand Canal at Edenderry is a lovely spot for cycling, scooting and walking with the kids, and the same goes for Tullamore, Ferbane, Banagher and the villages in between.
For something a little different, visit Lough Boora Discovery Park, a striking landscape of reclaimed bogland. The park brings together natural and man-made lakes, wetlands, walkways, a fairy trail, sculptures, picnic benches, cycle tracks, angling and bird watching, plus a bike hire facility. Look out for the art sculptures scattered throughout the parklands, which you can explore using the free trail guide available at the visitor centre.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains in the south of the county have numerous walking trails, with walking festivals and organised walks often taking place at weekends. Picnic benches are provided at the entrance to most forest trails and at viewing points. There are 16 looped walks starting from 6 different trailheads — most suit older kids better, but the Riverside Walk starting at Monicknew takes just 30 minutes, and the Monicknew Valley Walk also has a shorter loop option for younger children.
Take a family walk through the grounds of Charleville Castle outside Tullamore. This Gothic-style castle is considered one of the finest of its kind in the country — and is reputed to be haunted, which older kids will love hearing about.
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Family-Friendly Museums & Galleries in Offaly
Birr Theatre and Arts Centre runs a varied programme of theatre, music (classical, contemporary, folk, jazz and more), film, dance and comedy. It also hosts events for Hullabaloo!, Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival, along with other festivals such as Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival.
Step back in time at Clonmacnoise in Shannonbridge, one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. Founded in the 6th century, the site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses, and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe. The interactive visitor centre is well worth a look, with original high crosses and a fascinating collection of artefacts on display.
The Science Centre and Observatory at Birr Castle has plenty of interactive displays covering early photography, engineering and astronomy. It’s also home to the Great Telescope, built in the early 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse. For more than 70 years it was the largest reflecting telescope in the world, drawing visitors from across the globe — and it’s still considered one of Ireland’s great scientific wonders.
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Rainy Day Activities in Offaly
Enjoy some swimming and splashing time at Clara Swimming Pool, Edenderry Swimming Pool, Aura Tullamore Leisure Centre, or Birr Leisure Centre.
For some bookshop browsing, stop by Midland Books or Bookstation in Tullamore.
For indoor soft play, families have recommended:
- Jumpin Jacks Fun Factory and Playtown in Tullamore
- Tons of Fun in Edenderry
- Clown Around Play Centre in Portarlington
Cosmic Bowl in Tullamore and Roll ‘n Bowl in Portlaoise both offer ten-pin bowling if you’re happy to travel a little further afield.
For a movie, check what’s showing at the cinema in Tullamore or catch a film at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.
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Family-Friendly Hotels & Accommodation in Offaly
The County Arms Hotel in Birr offers a good range of family accommodation options. Family bedrooms are typically set up with bunk beds for two children and a queen bed for parents, and an extra single bed and cot can usually be added if needed. A second bedroom option pairs a queen bed with two single beds. Babysitting and kids’ camps during school holidays are available, along with a playground for younger children.
The Tullamore Court Hotel offers family rooms for up to 2 adults and 2 children under 12, with adjoining rooms and baby cots available on request. There’s a swimming pool with a dedicated children’s pool, and an action-packed kids’ club runs on bank and school holidays.
The Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise has spacious family rooms with a double bed, a single bed and a sofa bed — ideal for 2 adults and up to 3 kids under 12 — along with interconnecting family rooms. The leisure centre has a 20-metre pool, and the hotel’s location is handy for Roll ‘n Bowl in Portlaoise and only around 20 minutes by car from Kildare Village and the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.
Check out more of our favourite family-friendly hotels and accommodation in Ireland — from luxury breaks and hotels with kids’ clubs to self-catering options and family camping and glamping.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Offaly
There are plenty of good family restaurants in Offaly. Here are some parents have recommended:
- Sirocco’s in Tullamore has a lovely children’s menu, including pasta and a “My Own Pizza” make-your-own-pizza option.
- Café India and Yaagdar, both in Esker Court off Patrick Street in Tullamore, are friendly Indian restaurants that welcome kids, open for lunch and dinner.
- The Townhouse in Tullamore offers a kids’ menu with pasta, nuggets or goujons, or a child’s portion of turkey or chicken with mash and veg.
- Crank Rd Restaurant and Café in Banagher has a good Sunday menu with a kids’ roast and other children’s options.
- Eden Deli Café in Edenderry, near the harbour, is known for good wholesome food, with bread and cakes baked on the premises. Children are welcome and high chairs are available.
Things to Do in Offaly for Older Kids and Teens
Take a splash at Banagher Outdoor Pool, right on the River Shannon, with Offaly on one side and Galway on the other.
Head to the skate parks at Birr, Tullamore and Edenderry.
Offaly has four pitch and putt courses around the county, welcoming both families and individuals.
For outdoor adventure, try Mid Ireland Adventures or Birr Outdoor Adventure Centre.
For some retail therapy, head to the Bridge Shopping Centre in Tullamore — or sneak off to Kildare for Kildare Village or Whitewater Shopping Centre.
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Don’t Miss
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 high, it’s an exact replica of the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt, built as a family crypt by Lt. Col Richard Wesley Bernard in the mid-1800s after his return from Egypt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family attractions in Offaly?
Birr Castle Demesne and Science Centre, Clonmacnoise, Lough Boora Discovery Park and the Slieve Bloom Mountains are among the most popular spots for families, offering a mix of history, science, nature and outdoor adventure.
Is Offaly good for a family day out?
Yes — Offaly has a great mix of free outdoor spaces, historic sites, museums and family-friendly hotels and restaurants, making it easy to build a full day (or weekend) around your family’s interests.
Are there free things to do in Offaly with kids?
Yes. Clara Bog Nature Reserve, Glasderry Wood, Lloyd Town Park and Offaly’s libraries are all free to visit and great for families.
What can we do in Offaly on a rainy day?
Offaly has several indoor options for wet weather, including swimming pools, soft play centres, bowling and a cinema, so a rainy day needn’t ruin your plans.
Is Offaly suitable for older kids and teens?
Yes — from outdoor swimming and skate parks to pitch and putt and adventure activities, there’s plenty in Offaly to keep older kids and teens entertained too.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do in Offaly with Kids
- Free Things to Do in Offaly with Kids
- Best Outdoor Places in Offaly for Families to Enjoy
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Offaly
- The Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended By Parents & Children
Before You Go
Loved planning your trip with our guide to Offaly for families? Save this page so you can come back to it before your next visit, or browse more of our Ireland family travel guides for ideas on where to go next.
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