From Birr Castle Demesne to Tullamore DEW, there’s a wide range of magnificent attractions just waiting to be uncovered in Offaly this summer.
While Offaly is a perfect destination for a day trip, being based right in the heart of Ireland, why not spend a few days there to explore all the county has to offer?
And if you really want to immerse yourself in the Offaly way of life, then consider some ‘alternative’ accommodation options. From glamping near the mountains to waking up in an original 13th-century castle, create unforgettable memories with one of these unique stays.
You’ll have an ‘Offaly’ great time!
Farm escape
Located in Daingean, just 17 minutes outside Tullamore and just over an hour’s drive from Dublin, Mount Briscoe is a family-run organic farm with a beautiful Georgian Irish country house. If you love nature, history, animals and nourishing food, this is the stay for you!
You can get hands-on on the farm and see newborn calves, rare breed cows and horses, and enjoy tasty treats made by owner Margaret, whether that’s homemade preserves harvested from the farm, foraged foods or baking treats. Mount Briscoe has a number of accommodation types on-site, including glamping in stylish huts or boutique bell tents. There’s also the Hunting Lodge, which is a 1750s house that was fully restored but still maintains its traditional features.
You’ll experience warm hospitality, lush countryside views, good food, farm life, and, importantly, plenty of relaxation, on a visit to Mount Briscoe.
Check out www.mountbriscoe.ie for more information
Sleep like a king or queen in a castle!
How many people can say they’ve stayed in an actual castle? Well, it’s possible! Step back in time and expect to be enchanted when staying in Kinnitty Castle. This spectacular Gothic castle was once inhabited by druids and bards, and it has a long and turbulent history. It’s a castle destroyed, restored and re-invented many times in its long life, and while now, it’s a luxurious hotel, the castle still maintains that medieval feel.
Word has it that the castle has a few additional guests too that never check-in or leave, with some spirits said to have been spotted at night! So, if you’re interested in the supernatural, this is a must-visit!
But ghosts aside, Kinnitty Castle Hotel has 37 distinctively styled en-suite guest rooms, with opulent fabrics and furniture, and it offers a fantastic dining experience. Enjoy casual dishes in their Dungeon Bar or fine dining in the Slí Dala Restaurant. Afterwards, sit back with a drink in the relaxing Library Bar.
There are also several activities to enjoy within the grounds, including horse-riding, archery and tennis, as well as many walking trails and biking in the surrounding Kinnitty forest and Slieve Bloom Mountains – you won’t be bored anyway!
Visit www.kinnittycastlehotel.com
A taste of Irish tradition
For an authentic Irish hospitality experience, head to JJ Killeens in Shannonbridge, a charming village sitting on the banks of the River Shannon. You can enjoy a pint, delicious food, and some live music in this traditional Irish pub, before retreating upstairs to stay in one of their modern and comfortable rooms!
JJ Killeens is a real gem, with its old-time shop/bar setting being a huge appeal to locals and visitors alike. If you’re a whiskey lover, try out the Seven Churches Whiskey, which is a tribute to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. Clonmacnoise is just nine minutes from Killeens, so the pub’s accommodation is the perfect place to base yourself for surrounding the local area too.
Check out the website for more details: Stay – JJ Killeens
Experience an equestrian holiday
Whether you’re an experienced or beginner horse rider, jump into an equestrian holiday at Annaharvey Farm!
Home to the Deverell family since 1928, today Annaharvey is owned by the fifth generation of Deverells and is a 420-acre farm featuring an equestrian centre with about 75 horses. The Lodge at Annaharvey was once a barn used to store grain, and was restored and converted to a guest house with nine bedrooms in 1996.
Visitors to the guesthouse will notice many of the features of the original farm building remain, while the en-suite bedrooms have a modern touch, with an injection of colour and gorgeous hand-painted pictures by owner Lynda. Full Irish breakfast is cooked to order, while home-cooked lunch and dinner can be arranged.
There are various packages to choose from, whether you want to stay a week or a few days, with horse riding available daily. Annaharvey Farm also offers training in show-jumping and cross-country riding. But if you prefer to simply relax among the horses, you can choose to stroll around the 420-acre farm, with tillage fields, river crossings and woodlands to explore.
To book, see www.annaharveyfarm.ie
Glamping and pampering!!
If you’re looking for a classy camping experience that doesn’t involve trying to pitch tents, then try glamping at Giltraps in Kinnitty. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a fun stay for friends or perhaps a romantic couple’s getaway.
Giltraps is a family-run pub in Kinnitty and their glamping site is right in the heart of the village, just a short stroll from the pub. Amidst the manicured garden, the site contains six Log Cabins and a Mongolian Yurt and there are various packages to choose from, depending on your preference.
For example, there’s the one- or two-night ‘Pamper & Prosecco’ package, which includes a selection of stone-baked pizzas on the night of arrival, breakfast hamper each morning, a make-up masterclass with prosecco, and barbecue and live music at Giltraps Pub. Ideal for the ladies!
Or, if you’re planning on mountain-biking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, there’s the one- or two-night ‘Biker’s Break’, which includes a selection of stone-baked pizzas on the night of arrival, breakfast hamper each morning, pitstop at Giltraps with homemade soup and sandwiches, tea/coffee, room available with optional massage therapists, barbecue and live music.
Giltraps also has a townhouse with five rooms available as another accommodation option, but for something different, we recommend glamping!
Find more information at: Visit Kinnitty – Visit Kinnitty