Lough Boora Parklands

The magnificent wetlands and wildlife wilderness of Lough Boora now host some of the most innovative land and environmental sculptures in Ireland. The artists, inspired by the rich natural and industrial legacy of the bog lands, have created a series of large-scale sculptures that are now part of the Parklands permanent collection.
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Equestrian

Interested in learning to ride or maybe you’re a pro already?! Whether it’s a gentle stroll around the fields, show jumping, cross country or dressage the renound Annaharvey equestrian centre has something to suit all disciplines.
Boasting over 330acres of farmland, indoor and outdoor arenas, together with their carefully constructed cross-country fences and large farmland trekking area are all designed to make your horseback riding holiday in Ireland a truly memorable occasion. Click here for more information.

Other equestrian centres in the area include: Athlone Equestrian Centre & Birr Equestrian Centre

Glendeer Pet Farm Athlone

Take a break at Glendeer 6-acre Open Farm with over 50 species of animals & birds, play area & picnic area. The perfect day out for your little chicks! Glendeer Open Farm is transformed into Ireland’s Lapland for the month of December with Santa, live deer, “Dancer” & “Prancer” as special guests at the farm, live crib, snow scene and lots more.
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Walking

Step into adventurous trials, tranquil canals, mossy peat lands and flowing waterways. The midlands is full of hidden magical places for walking.  Renowned for being the birthplace and early home of legendary Finn MaCool along with being the spawning ground of the Salmon of Knowledge which brought him the wisdom of the world, the Slieve Blooms rolling hills inspire. There are plenty of trials to keep both the gentle strollers and high paced walkers happy.

Try out the the Offaly Way which takes walkers 29km from the slopes of Slieve Bloom, along the dramatic valley of the Silver River through nature reserves of Boora Bog to meet the Grand Canal Way at Shannon Harbour or step it up a gear along Grand Canal Way which provides a popular corridor which runs for nearly 70km through County Offaly, visiting small Canal ports before meeting the River Shannon, at the village of Shannon Harbour. A series of looped walks were developed at various trailheads in the region following a mix of forest tracks, riverbanks, old roadways, and grassy trails.

There are a few rough and rugged sections – but they rarely rise to high altitude and do not demand great stamina. This loop is one of three which start and finish at the Kinnitty Forest trailhead - key features include the grounds of Kinnitty Castle, the ruins of Glinsk Castle, and spectacular broadleaf woodlands. The Grand Canal Way is a 114Km, long-distance walking trail. It is divided here into 9 sections each representing a half days walking.

Fishing

Tales of the Shannon River emerge from the mists of Gaelic myth and legend. Irelands largest river enthrals enthusiasts of angling, sailing, rowing, fishing and caters just as well to those who simply want to relax lazily on its banks. Wild fish thrive in our sparkling waters. Spring salmon and trout attract anglers to our rivers, while pike, bream and perch can be fished in our lakes. The angler has many waterways to choose from with fish in abundance in the Shannon and Grand Canal, while Offaly is criss-crossed with smaller rivers including the River Brosna, the Silver River, Gageborough, yellow river and the Camcor.