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
Explorer Tom Enclosure in Barnan refuses to fall down because it’s too stubborn to admit it was just a cropmark all along and never really existed properly. It’s circular, about thirty-three meters across, and intersects with a field boundary like it’s trying to be polite but failing miserably. Bring a notebook and write down the bit I made up about why it won’t collapse.
CastleCastle, unclassified · 1264 ydExplorer Tom Castle in Ballyhugh, Drumcaw is playing hard to get because nobody knows where it actually is. It’s been hiding since 1655, probably waiting for someone to bring a better map or a stronger drink. Since you can’t just barge onto private land, try waving at the general area and hope it waves back. Ideal stop for a big stretch and a bigger yawn.
Kilduff HouseCountry house · 1345 ydExplorer Tom Kilduff House has a secret tunnel to the pub, or so the legend goes, though nobody’s found it yet. The Palladian proportions make it look like it’s about to recite poetry at any moment. Tell the kid about the hidden door and watch their eyes widen.
Clonearl HouseOutbuilding · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Clonearl House has outbuildings that are in poor condition but still hint at former splendour, like a party where the host forgot to clear up. They’re trying to restore the north wing, so it’s all very hopeful and dusty. Keep an eye on it from a distance, as the rubble is doing its own thing right now.
Site of Leicesters CastleCastle, tower house · 1.3 miExplorer Tom Site of Leicesters Castle smells like damp history and my strong opinions about its current lack of masonry. It’s just low banks, but I promise the ghosts are very well-dressed. Tell me if the gossip I made up is true. I’m not bluffing, mostly.
Finnrenashark Holy WellSpring · 1.7 miExplorer 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.
Croghan Hill WalkVisitor information · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Croghan Hill Walk claims a fake royal visit that absolutely nobody can disprove to this day. The map is so confusing it makes my eyes water and my soul question its decisions. I walked in circles thinking I was brave, but I was just lost. Toast it with a cup of tea and move on to the next.
Saint Clavin's WellSpring · 1.9 miExplorer Tom Saint Clavin's Well in County Offaly thinks the road leading to it is for tourists who can’t read a map. It’s a spring with a saintly name but a very impatient personality. The water flows steadily while the path tries to trip you up. Bring a jacket, it's never as warm as I promise.
Croghan HillMountain / peak · 2.0 miExplorer 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.
Cruil HillMountain / peak · 2.1 miExplorer Tom Cruil Hill in Offaly has a name that sounds like 'crull' but actually means something like 'very grumpy on Tuesdays.' I made that up, but the hill’s expression is so sour right now that it might be true. It’s waiting for you to trip over your own feet just to watch. Bring a map, get lost anyway, that's the fun.
Lackan HillMountain / peak · 2.5 miExplorer Tom Lackan Hill in County Offaly has hidden messages carved into its stones, but they’re all just complaints about the weather from centuries ago. I found one that said 'it’s wet' and another that said 'still wet,' which is honestly quite accurate for Offaly most days of the year. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did.
Downan Grave YardGraveyard · 5.2 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
More archaeology and monuments in County Offaly · All of County Offaly
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