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Photo credits
- Oliver Dixon, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- ., Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Didier Descouens, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Sitomon, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Lough Boora Sculpture ParkMuseum · 281 ydExplorer Tom Lough Boora Sculpture Park in County Offaly has a local legend about a giant who got stuck upside down in a tree and never left. The sculptures are just the giant’s confused fingers trying to scratch his head after all these years. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.
Turf Wind and FireSculpture · 880 ydExplorer Tom Turf Wind and Fire is a sculpture that smells like Sunday afternoon cooking. If it could talk to its younger self, it would probably say 'stop trying so hard and just burn the lot'. It captures the chaos of a peat stack in one dramatic swoosh. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.
PlatformPlatform, peatland · 1084 ydExplorer Tom Platform in Lea Beg has a family tree that’s mostly made up of twigs and irregularly laid woody material that doesn’t know who their parents are. It consists of two layers of densely laid brushwood sitting in a drain with high water levels, which is basically a swampy basement apartment. The elements are orientated ESE-WNW, so it knows where it’s going, even if the rest of us don’t. A handy spot
Pyramid / TeepeeMonument · 1501 ydExplorer Tom Pyramid / Teepee gave up bread for Lent because it felt like it was getting too triangular and needed to slim down its profile. It’s stuck in the middle of being either a serious monument or a very ambitious tent, and it can’t decide which one is cooler. Have a look and decide if I was lying.
post box1755 ydExplorer Tom Post box in Lea Beg is still working today, which is impressive for a roadside feature. It’s got Celtic P & T script that adds real artistic significance. A London firm made it back when they were famous for this stuff. Drop a letter in if you have one, but don’t linger too long!
Mesolithic siteRuins · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Mesolithic site in County Offaly would tell its younger self to stop poking at the fire and start building something that lasts. It’s been here long enough to watch empires rise and fall without even changing its mind about lunch. A handy spot to stretch your legs and your imagination.
The Offaly WayWalking route · 1.1 miExplorer Tom The Offaly Way in County Offaly has a family tree that looks like it was drawn by a drunk artist. It’s basically a walking route pretending to have deep historical roots and pedigree. Most of its lineage is pure invention and cheeky guesswork from bored historians. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.
Troy's Island or DerryheeraghMountain / peak · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Troy's Island or Derryheeragh in County Offaly would write on its dating profile: 'Independent thinker, slightly isolated, looking for someone who appreciates a good view and doesn't mind the wind.' It’s got that rugged charm, but it’s definitely not looking for a crowd, so keep your distance. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.
Broughal CastleCastle, unclassified · 2.3 miExplorer Tom Broughal Castle was demolished in the 1930s by the Molloy family, who probably wanted more garden space for their matchmaker’s tea party. It used to be a tall rectangular tower with crenellations, but now it’s just some outbuildings pretending to be historic. The site is gone, but the gossip about the demolishment remains. Go with someone who loves old stuff and watch them melt.
Coole CastleCastle, tower house · 3.9 miExplorer Tom Coole Castle in Coole has four floors and a river view that makes it feel like a VIP lounge. It would tell you after a few pints that it actually hates the river but loves the attention. Hang around long enough and you'll hear a story from a local that sounds made up.
Hawthorn6.6 miExplorer Tom Hawthorn in County Offaly has made a New Year's resolution to stop growing so many thorns, but let’s be honest, it’s going to fail miserably by March. The tree is all spiky and defensive, probably because it knows everyone wants to make it into a hedge or a fence. It’s basically the grumpy uncle of the plant kingdom, always ready to prick your finger if you get too close. Find the wonkiest
European Yew6.6 miExplorer Tom European Yew in County Offaly is holding a fake world record for being the most dramatic tree in the entire county. It’s ancient, poisonous if you eat the leaves, and absolutely refuses to look like it’s having fun. I’m pretty sure it thinks it’s the center of the universe because it’s been alive longer than your grandparents’ grandparents. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip
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