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My Ireland

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

  • #Landscapes
  • #CultureandHeritage
  • #OutdoorActivities
  • #Landmarks

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    Discover the Slieve Bloom Mountains

    Some say the Slieve Bloom Mountains offer the best views over Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
    • #Landscapes
    • #IrelandsHiddenHeartlands
    • #WalkingandHiking
    County Offaly
    Outdoor activities
    2hr from Dublin Airport

    Glendine Gap, Slieve Bloom Mountains © Shutterstock

    Shrouded in myth and legend, and with excellent walking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails leading to incredible views, it’s a wonder that counties Offaly and Laois are happy to share the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

    The Slieve Bloom Mountains

    L-R: the Ridge of Capard; mountain biking in the Slieve Blooms; Brittas Lake; Glenbarrow.

    The heartland’s mountains

    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.

    Walking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains

    This landscape is so unique and the wildlife abundant that a resident of Slieve Bloom has written a book about the walking trails here.

    Watch now

    The Slieve Bloom Mountains

    Clear Lake, Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Offaly

    Tales of ghosts and giants

    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

    Offaly

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    Attraction

    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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    Attraction

    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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    Lough Boora Discovery Park - Fairy Avenue

    Lough Boora Discovery Park, County Offaly is a family friendly landscape full of biodiversity, art and archaeology. With walking, cycling, an outdoor sculpture park, Mesolithic settlement and fairy trail with cycle links to the Grand Canal.

    Offaly

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    Attraction

    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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    Attraction

    Tullamore Golf Club

    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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