Stay in Tullamore town, perched on the picturesque banks of the Grand Canal. Start with a visit to Lough Boora Discovery Park and choose from a series of scenic strolls. See unique sculptures by Irish artists on the 3km Sculpture Loop or test your pace on the 9.3km Mesolithic Loop where you’ll spot skylarks, hares and foxes.

From quaint cafés to upmarket eateries, experience great restaurants and places to eat in Tullamore. Begin with breakfast at Chocolate Brown – the mouthwatering pancake stack is not to be missed. Coupled with a steaming cup of coffee, the brioche French toast at nearby Foxy Bean is another must-try.

Drop into Lana Thai for some delicious Asian street food or Sirocco’s Italian Restaurant for authentic Italian pizza and pasta prepared by expert chefs in the open kitchen. Head to Captain House for a hearty meal, the cosy nautical-themed interior is the perfect place to spend an evening in Tullamore.

Further afield, lunch comes highly-recommended at Crank Road Café and Restaurant in Banagher or feast on traditional Irish fare at The Thatch Crinkill, one of the oldest pubs in Offaly.

Did you know that the Slieve Blooms, together with the Massif Central in France, are the oldest mountains in Europe? Trek across these majestic mountains where towering trees stand guard over the rolling hills and sunlight dances through the branches overhead. Plan a walking break and take on the long-distance Slieve Bloom Way, a 84km circular route that typically takes three days to complete. If that’s not for you, there’s plenty of shorter hikes with varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Head to the village of Kinnity for the 7km Glenafelly Eco Walk or take the 8km Glinsk Castle Loop close to the grounds of Kinnity Castle Hotel. Pass by trickling streams, broadleaf trees, and the ancient ruins of Glinsk Castle on this enchanting forest trail (watch out for fallow deer and red squirrels). The 7km Silver River Nature Walk treats you to views of the spectacular waterfall at the Silver River Gorge. Trek across moss-covered paths and secluded riverbanks to see local landmarks including May Scully’s Cottage and St Lughna’s Holy Well.

If mountain biking is your thing, discover 35kms of invigorating turns and energetic jumps across manmade trails on a day tour with Mid Ireland Adventure. See the sloping Slieve Bloom hills from another angle on a horseback ride with Birr Equestrian Centre. Trot down open valleys, gallop across bubbling brooks and bask in the bog cotton-clad mountain views.

Discover the delights of the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. Base yourself in Banagher, a bustling town where there’s so much to see and do. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool at Banagher Shannon Bank Park or go fishing at Shannon Harbour on the banks of the Grand Canal. Check out the colourful marina in Banagher where you can hire a self-driver cruiser from Carrickcraft, Locaboat, or Silver Line Cruisers and take a boat trip along the River Shannon.

Head north and just an hour up the river from Banagher, you’ll find Shannonbridge, where the sixteen-arch bridge is a sight to behold. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Shannonbridge Fortifications, a Napoleonic fort that dates back to 1810. End the day with a meal at Lukers in Shannonbridge and soak up the magical river views. Sit by the open fireplace and pour over memorabilia dating back to the 1800s in the old-world bar, it’s an unmissable experience.

Your next stop is Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic settlement founded by Saint Ciarán in the 6^th century. Walk around the peaceful sanctuary and marvel at the round towers, churches, and high crosses in this hallowed place.

Clonmacnoise

History and heritage

Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly