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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Best Outdoor Places in Offaly For Families

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 which are 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, sandpits – in fact you may find it hard to pry them away! There is also a lovely cafe 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 would be longer and more suited to older kids, but the Riverside Walk starting at Monicknew is 30 mins. 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 zipwire. There’s a skate park nearby. The park has pathways, water feature and plenty of space to walk and run. You’ll find a picnic area next to the playground, 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.

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 Clara Bog Visitor Centre and the boardwalk are free to all. Visitors to the boardwalk are recommended to wear sturdy footwear.

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Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Offaly to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.