Family walks are a great way to get out with the kids and there are many beautiful places to walk around Offaly from wooded trails, bog walks, parks and canal walks, so you are sure to find something to suit you. Here are 10 favourite family walks in Offaly:

Have fun spotting wildlife, collecting leaves/acorns/chestnuts or bring a picnic. Here are a few of the most popular. Remember the snacks, drinks, camera and weather gear. Visit www.coillte.ie for information and detailed maps for wooded walks and way marked trails.

#1. Charleville Castle Grounds, Tullamore

Located on the Birr Road in Tullamore.  No entry fee.  Wheelchair accessible and family friendly.

#2. Tullamore Town Park

Tullamore Town Park is buggy and wheelchair accessible and is nice for a gentle family walk.

#3. Towpath Trail Grand Canal

There is a towpath trail on the Grand Canal from Tullamore to Edenderry.  Strolls or short walks on sections are recommended for families.

#4. Lough Boora Parklands

Lough Boora Parklands have three main walks, a Farmlands Walk, Mesolithic Walk and Sculpture Walk.  Family friendly.

#5. Birr Castle Demesne

Birr Castle Demesne contains 120 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland with walking paths. There is an entry fee but it’s highly recommended.

The following are Coillte Forest and Wood walks with waymarked trails:

#6. Durrow Abbey, Tullamore 

Take the N52 Tullamore/Kilbeggan road for 5km to Durrow cross roads. Turn left for 1 km  and entrance is on the right.

#7. Garryhinch, Portarlington

This walk is located on the R423 between Portarlington and Mountmellick. Looped walks adjoining the river Barrow. Picnic benches. The walk spans the border of Laois/Offaly.

#8. Glasderry Wood near Roscrea 

From Roscrea town, take the N62 Birr road. After 5km, take the first right turn after the pitch and putt course.  At the next T-junction turn left, and continue for a further 1.4km. The car park and picnic area is on the left hand side.This is part of an old estate and contains an artificial lake. Picnic benches. Walk is easy and takes 30 mins.

#9. Glenregan Forest Recreation area

Kinnity Slieve Blooms.  From Kinnitty village, take the R440 road. On the edge of the village, the road forks. Turn right at this fork and continue for 2kms. Cross the Camcor river at the Coneyburrow bridge and the car-park is a little further on up the hill on the left hand side.

#10, Knockbarron Wood, Kinnity

Take the Rath/Kilcormac road from the village.  Turn right at cross roads after 2 kms.  Continue to car-park entrance to wood.  Looped walks and picnic site.

Do you have a favourite family walk in Offaly? Share it with us in the comments below.

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