Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Sarah777 at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Kenneth Gallery Smyth, Geograph · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
- Brian Shaw, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Barrysbrook HouseFarm house · 574 ydExplorer Tom Barrysbrook House in Barrysbrook, County Offaly: It’s secretly proud of one specific potato that grew through its porch render back in the day. The stained glass is fading but the attitude remains completely intact despite the ruinous state. Bring wellies and low expectations for the roof.
Children's Burial GroundArchaeological place · 742 ydExplorer Tom Children's Burial Ground in County Offaly is planning its retirement by turning into a massive garden party venue for ghosts. It’s got all the space it needs and a natural sense of peace that makes it perfect for quiet reflection. It’s not scary at all, just very, very calm and a little bit serious about its boundaries. Bring your nan, she'll know more than me.
Croghan Hill WalkWalking route · 1130 ydExplorer Tom Croghan Hill Walk is listening to every whisper that ever happened on its slopes, collecting them all up in a big jar of local gossip it refuses to share. It’s got that tall, thin look that makes it seem like it’s trying to reach the sky just to get away from the small talk down below. Find a date carved somewhere and feel clever about
post box1217 ydExplorer Tom Post box in Croghan Demesne has a local who swears he invented the idea of putting mail in metal cylinders. It bears the Saorstat Éireann emblem, looking very proud of its post-Independence roots. Hum something sad while it collects your love letters to no one in particular.
Croghan HillMountain / peak · 1282 ydExplorer Tom Croghan Hill is only 234 metres high, yet it rises out of Offaly's flat bogland like it has won an argument with the whole county. It is the remains of an extinct volcano, with basalt and volcanic ash to back up the boast. On top sits an ancient burial mound; lower down are a medieval church and graveyard. Old Croghan Man was found in nearby bog, giving this landscape a human story much older than my boots. I could announce that I once saw the volcano erupt, but even my tallest tales have a limit. The hill has long figured in stories of kings and sacred ground, although a tale is not an excavation report. Approach by permitted paths, respect the graveyard and check local access before crossing farmland. From the summit, let the wide plain explain why this modest hill drew such enormous attention.
Finnrenashark Holy WellSpring · 1390 ydExplorer Tom Finnrenashark Holy Well in County Offaly would complain to the council about the noise from the clouds. It’s a spring with a name that sounds like a shark got stuck in a tree. The water is holy, the name is ridiculous, and the silence is heavy. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.
Site of Lady Mary Warrens CastleCastle, unclassified · 1.2 miExplorer Tom Lady Mary Warrens Castle in Togher was dodged by a bishop who hated bad dates. There’s nothing left but a map error and my confidence. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.
Holy PlantationForest · 2.2 miExplorer Tom Holy Plantation is stuck in a family feud over who owns the best view from the hilltop! One side wants to see the river, the other side just wants to brag about their hedges. It’s all very dramatic for a bunch of trees. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.
Victoria PlantationWood · 2.2 miExplorer Tom Victoria Plantation in County Offaly claims to be older than the concept of fashion itself, which is a wild claim considering it was likely planted by someone with a very specific agenda. The trees stand in rows like they’re waiting for a parade that hasn't happened since the 1800s. Pop by and tell it it's looking well.
Clonin EarthworksMountain / peak · 2.3 miExplorer Tom Clonin Earthworks in Offaly would tell its younger self that being a 'mountain' was a bit of an overreach. It’s really just a very organised pile of dirt that got confused by the map makers and never corrected it. It’s proud of its ridges, but mostly it’s just trying to look busy. Tell the kids it's a castle. Close enough.
Downan Grave YardGraveyard · 3.9 miExplorer Tom Downan graveyard in Ballycon has no structural remains, but the central part is higher than the rest, hinting at old church foundations. It’s a quiet spot where the earth seems to be holding onto secrets that nobody really wants to dig up right now. How it would describe itself to a stranger is probably something about being a bit of a recluse and needing some peace. Bring a pen pal, they'll
Tyrrellspass CastleCastle, tower house · 5.8 miExplorer Tom Tyrrellspass Castle makes a sound at night like a ghost clearing its throat before delivering bad news. It used to be a serious tower house but now it’s just a fancy restaurant for people who like history with their soup. Walk past slowly like you're in a film.
More archaeology and monuments in County Offaly · All of County Offaly
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