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Discover the Slieve Bloom Mountains
Glendine Gap, Slieve Bloom Mountains © Shutterstock
The Slieve Bloom Mountains
L-R: the Ridge of Capard; mountain biking in the Slieve Blooms; Brittas Lake; Glenbarrow.
The Slieve Blooms sit proudly at the centre of the island of Ireland meaning that the views are exceptional. From the 527-metre peak, over blanket bog, gullies, fields and forests you can see the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, and on a clear day, as far as Slieve Gullion in County Armagh. Many walking trails traverse this mountainous landscape, including the epic 71.6km Slieve Bloom Way. Mountain biking is another popular way to explore this area with some great biking trails, or you could try a spot of horse riding from the 13th century Kinnitty Castle.
Clear Lake, Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Offaly
As you wander through the Slieve Blooms, spare a thought for some of the wonderful myths and legends connected with this landscape… Legend has it that this mountain range was the birthplace of Irish giant Fionn MacCumhaill, the creator of the Giant’s Causeway. It’s rumoured that he lives in a cave under the mountains to this day. Also surrounded by mysterious tales is Kinnitty Castle – now a luxury hotel, Kinnity is said to be haunted by the Phantom Monk of Kinnitty.
If the Slieve Bloom Mountains have caught your attention, it’s time to start planning your trip!
More around Offaly and Laois
Leap Castle
The Leap Castle was an O'Carroll fortress. It guarded the pass from the Slieve Bloom into Munster. It was known once as Leim ui Bhanain. The O'Bannon clan, under chiefs of the O'Carrolls, were the first owners of Leap. This is a ”GateTower House”
Tipperary
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Abbeyleix Heritage House
Abbeyleix Heritage House is housed in the historic north boys’ school in Abbeyleix, County Laois. The museum at Heritage House will transport visitors back in time allowing them to journey with the pre-Christian warring tribes of Laois.
Laois
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Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre
Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre is a gem in the town of Birr, County Offaly in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. It is known for family activities, glorious gardens with rare trees, tours of the elegant castle interior and the Historic Science Centre with its antique Great Telescope and other discoveries.
Offaly
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Roscrea Castle and Damer House
The stone castle is located in Roscrea, County Tipperary and consists of a gate tower, curtain walls and two corner towers dating from the 1280's. The castle rooms are furnished and some house exhibitions.
Tipperary
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Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience
The Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience in Tullamore, County Offaly, celebrates the history of Tullamore D.E.W whiskey. Explore and discover the interesting heritage behind the whiskey.
Offaly
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Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is an imposing and magnificent example of a Celtic fortification overlooking the valley of the O’Moores, just outside Portlaoise, County Laois.
Laois
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Tullamore Golf Club
Tullamore Golf Club located in Tullamore County Offaly is a championship 18 hole parkland golf course ranked in top 30 courses in Ireland.
Offaly
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Fancroft Mill and Gardens
Quaker millers' The Pim Family' developed Fancroft Corn Mill in the late 1700s. Now, after 60 years of deterioration the fine old water wheel revolves again.
Tipperary
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Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum
The Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum is in a refurbished grain mill built in 1830, overlooking the Owenass River in Mountmellick, County Laois. It is dedicated to showcasing Mountmellick's rich Quaker industrial past.
Laois
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