Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Zepherb, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Jonathan Thacker, Geograph · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
- Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Picture: The Standing Stone
- Hugh Chevallier, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Kinnitty Garda Síochána StationRic barracks · 1018 ydExplorer Tom Kinnitty Garda Station has been hiding a scandal involving a missing biscuit tin for two hundred years. The blind arches look suspicious, like they’re watching you check your phone again. Walk past slowly and pretend you don’t know about the noise.
Saint Flannan's Catholic ChurchChurch/chapel · 1061 ydExplorer Tom Saint Flannan's Catholic Church in Ballincur is standing on a height facing Kinnitty, showing off its ashlar sandstone facade like a proud parent. The contrast between the local stone and rendered walls gives it a texture that’s easy to love. It’s completed with stained glass and an elegant bellcote that really ties the look together. Enjoy
Knockbarron WoodForest · 1580 ydExplorer Tom Knockbarron Wood in County Offaly was once nearly sold off as a prize horse at the local fair, and honestly, that might have been its best life choice. It still acts a bit prancy when the wind blows through it, like it’s waiting for its rider to return. Go at sunset and thank me later.
CastleCastle, tower house · 1.0 miExplorer Tom Castle in Annaghmore AND Annaghbeg is claimed by a local who says he invented the concept of walls. It’s buried in marshy overgrowth, so you’re basically visiting a rumour with two musket loops. If anyone asks, Tom sent you.
Waypoint 1Visitor information · 1.2 miExplorer Tom Waypoint 1 is a visitor info spot with the confidence of a celebrity but the substance of a dry biscuit. It thinks posting 'Lost? Check here!' makes it a major landmark, but really it’s just a signpost that got confused about its career path. It’s probably currently buffering a PDF guide from 1994 while you stand there wondering why you’re here. Pretend you're a lost aristocrat
Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike TrailVisitor information · 1.3 miExplorer Tom Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail is run by a dog who thinks he’s the king of the forest. He barks at your tires like they’ve personally offended his ancestors. The trail is rugged, but the dog’s enthusiasm is even more so. Ideal for a moody photo you'll pretend wasn't posed.
Stone CrossCross, High cross (present location) · 1.4 miExplorer Tom Stone Cross in Castletown was designed by a mother-in-law who thought everyone needed a lecture on biblical scenes. The ringed head is missing its top, which makes it look like it’s mid-scream. It’s still standing there, judging your geometry skills. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.
Kinnitty Castle LoopWalking route · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Kinnitty Castle Loop is how you win a county fair: by being the only thing around that actually has a history and not just selling overpriced waffles. It’s got that loop shape that keeps coming back to itself, like it can’t quite decide if it wants to be open or closed. Look up, because the best bit of this place is always higher than you think
ToberlugnaHoly well · 3.2 miExplorer Tom Toberlugna in Letter is half a wall and full of mystery. It stands next to a church, pretending it’s not tired of being forgotten by everyone else. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.
Hawthorn3.6 miExplorer Tom This Hawthorn in County Offaly witnessed a love story where one party got very stung, literally speaking. It’s still holding a grudge against roses. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.
Ballymooney Castle in RuinsHouse, fortified house · 4.2 miExplorer Tom Ballymooney Castle in Ruins is mostly gone, but two towers are still standing guard like tired bouncers. Two lads once bet it would survive the rain, and it did, barely. It’s got a very 'I’m still here' energy despite the marsh next door. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.
ArderinMountain / peak · 5.5 miExplorer Tom Arderin means Ireland's height, which is a cheeky name for a 527-metre hill and exactly the sort of confidence I admire. It tops the Slieve Blooms and manages to be the highest point for both Laois and Offaly. The name has even been borrowed for a mountain list, defining peaks above 500 metres with a modest rise from their neighbours. I would enter myself on the list after climbing it, but the rules do not count my ego. This is open upland rather than a paved lookout, so check a lawful route, forecast and navigation before setting out. Respect working forestry or farmland around the approaches. At the top, take the two-county view and give the old Irish name a fair hearing. A hill need not be enormous to own its place on a map.
More memorials and graveyards in County Offaly · All of County Offaly
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