Welcome to County Offaly, a space to explore, relax and unwind. A part of the Eastern and Midland Region and the province of Leinster, and in the middle of the Hidden Heartland brand, it is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe. For walkers, cyclists, adrenaline junkies and lovers of the great outdoors, Offaly has something for you. Just a little over an hour away from Galway by car, The Faithful County is full of natural wonders, castles, activities, festivals, and places to stay to get a real feel for life in the Midlands.
Leap Castle, Léim Uí Bhanáin, is considered to be the most haunted castle in the world. Situated North of Roscrea, it is thought to have been built in the early 1500s by the O’Bannon clan. The castle is steeped in history from brutal clans, occult practices, witchcraft, looting and burnings, resulting in hauntings and apparitions that roam the castle today. Leap Castle is home to many fascinating and sometimes horrific spirits, if you feel brave enough to visit.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains, which lie between Offaly and Laois, are home to 35km of new mountain bike trails that can be accessed and explored through Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre. Or you could discover the Slieve Bloom Mountains by horseback. Birr Equestrian Centre has been catering for riders and horse enthusiasts for over 35 years, and operates a trekking facility on the grounds of Kinnitty Castle. Travel the River Shannon on a guided stand-up paddleboard safari with Mid Ireland Adventure Tours, Banagher. Skydiving is not for the faint-hearted, but Edenderry-based company, Irish Parachute Club, has 56 years of experience in sport parachuting and every level is catered for, from first-time jumpers to seasoned skydivers.
If you want to extend your stay when exploring what Offaly has to offer as part of the Hidden Heartlands, make yourself at home with the County Arms in Birr. With complimentary activities, delicious dining and an award-winning team, you are guaranteed a special stay.
Offaly is home to some of Ireland’s beautiful natural wonders. The unspoilt River Shannon is one of the finest natural inland waterways in Europe. Lough Boora Parklands Natural is an area full of tree-shaded walking and biking trails, fairy trails, fishing and birdwatching. The gentle rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise from the central plains, creating a picturesque, peaceful, gloriously multi-coloured scenery.
That Beats Banagher Festival 2025 is full of fire, flavour and feasting. The festival includes blacksmithing workshops, battle of the blacksmiths, straw weaving, iron ore smelting, and a long puck across the Shannon. Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival is an annual community arts festival and one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in Ireland. It features artists bringing visual arts, theatre, music, pop-up performers, workshops, and exhibitions together. Tullamore Show is Ireland’s premier agricultural event on the second Sunday in August. With 700 trade stands, you will not want to miss Ireland’s largest one-day show.
