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Photo credits
- kevin higgins, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Mike Searle, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Dalenevada, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Willow, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
- JP, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Kieran Campbell, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Algirdas at Lithuanian Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
St. Columbkilles CrossCross, High cross · 2 ydExplorer Tom St. Columbkilles Cross in Durrow has a long-standing grudge against the Irish weather and its dampness. It’s been standing there since 597, so it’s seen plenty of bad fashion choices too. Have a sandwich here and call it a heritage lunch.
Durrow AbbeyChurch/chapel · 4 ydExplorer Tom Durrow Abbey in Durrow Demesne has a high cross hiding inside like a secret. A love story went wrong next door and the church just pretended not to hear. Great spot for a dramatic pose.
St Columbas Ch (Disused)Church · 5 ydExplorer Tom St Columbas Ch (Disused) in Durrow Demesne has been rebuilt so many times it should have asked for a refund by now. Its rules for visitors seem to be 'don't touch anything, especially the magnificent Celtic High Cross that’s just sitting there judging your posture.' It’s disused but definitely not asleep, as the 1802 rebuild proves. Practise your Irish on it, it won't correct you.
CrossCross, High cross · 46 ydExplorer Tom Cross in Durrow Demesne is just a shaft fragment cemented into the wall like it’s giving up. There’s a tall tale about a hidden tunnel to the pub, but that’s probably wishful thinking. Stick around for the light changing, it's a show.
St. Columba's WellSpring · 221 ydExplorer Tom St. Columba’s Well suspects the postman is stealing its water for his morning coffee, which is a level of paranoia that deserves respect in this day and age. It really thinks it’s being targeted by postal workers, when they’re just trying to get through their routes efficiently. Best visited with a curious kid and no timetable.
Durrow MoatCastle, motte · 246 ydExplorer Tom Durrow Moat is deeply suspicious of the postman and hides its head under the earth. Hugh de Lacy died there, so don't get too comfortable. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.
Durrow HillMountain / peak · 1.3 miExplorer Tom Durrow Hill in Offaly has an official opinion from the local sheep, who say it’s 'meh but comfy.' They’ve been grazing there for so long they think they own the whole thing now. The hill is just letting them get away with it because it likes the company. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans.
European ash1.4 miExplorer Tom This European ash in County Offaly is hiding a scandal about which branch grew first, and nobody agrees. It keeps the truth locked up tight while the leaves rustle with gossip. Go back in winter, it's a different animal when it’s all bare and honest.
Bonfire HillMountain / peak · 3.2 miExplorer Tom Bonfire Hill’s family tree consists entirely of other hills that also wanted to catch fire but didn’t manage it. Its name suggests it used to be a party, but now it’s just a very smoky hill. Dare you to say hello to it out loud.
Grand Canal WayWalking route · 3.6 miExplorer Tom Grand Canal Way is handling its nosy neighbors by just keeping its eyes on the water, pretending it doesn’t see anyone peering over the railings asking questions. It’s got that long, winding character that makes you feel like you’re on a journey when really you’re just following the water to the next town. Bring your curiosity and leave with a better story
Ballycowan CastleCastle · 3.8 miExplorer Tom Ballycowan Castle is where a dance in 1589 went too far and someone dropped their hat. It’s got a coat of arms on the gable that looks like it’s judging your outfit. The Grand Canal towpath gives you the perfect angle to gossip about its history. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true.
Pedunculate Oak4.0 miExplorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Offaly is currently involved in a fierce fairy dispute over parking rights on its lower branches. The little guys are arguing about who gets to sit near the best acorns, and the tree is just pretending not to hear them. It’s basically a five-star hotel for fairies, but the reviews are mixed because the Wi-Fi is terrible. Look for
More things to do in County Offaly · All of County Offaly
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