Explore Local Attractions

Lough Boora Parklands encompasses some 250 acres of cutaway bog which has been carefully restored to a wonderful wildlife sanctuary. The parkland commands six lakes most of which are stocked with fish and all providing vital habitat for native and wintering birds. The magnificent wetlands and wildlife 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 boglands, have created a series of large-scale sculptures that are now part of the Parklands permanent collection.

A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts interested in its unique flora and fauna, which is now enhanced by innovative works of art that change with the weather, through the seasons and the years. Come visit the Parklands and stimulate all the senses as you explore this expansive unencumbered landscape. Discover Lough Boora on Two Wheels for only €3.00 per hour per person Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm.

A wide selection of mountain/hybrid and children’s bikes are available
Half day, full day and family rates available. All prices include helmets and child seats. Two seater trailers are also available for toddlers and young children for just €3.00 per hour.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 15-minute drive

Birr Domaine of Discovery, the enchanting award winning gardens offers 100 acres of parkland, 17^th century formal gardens, 18^th century terraces and 19^th century Victorian gardens.

Ireland’s Historic Science Centre is housed in the newly restored stable block designed in the 1850s. The galleries show the many pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and of the other great Irish scientists, in the fields of astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture.

One of the highlights is the Great Telescope, constructed in the 1840s by the third Earl of Rosse. Today, the telescope looks and moves just as it did over 150 years ago and demonstrations are held daily.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 20-minute drive

Clomnacnoise is situated on an esker ridge overlooking a large area of bog through which the river Shannon flows. One of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites, it was founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century. The site includes the ruins of a Cathedral, eight churches dating from the 10th and 13th century, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre. Buried here is the last High King of Ireland – Rory O’Connor.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 40-minute drive

Established in 1757, Locke’s Distillery was re-opened as a museum of industrial archaeology to show tourists and the general public alike how whiskey was produced in times past.

The pot still Irish malt whiskey was made for almost 200 years and is believed to be the oldest pot still distillery in the world.

On tour, one can follow the process from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product and learn about the former employee’s lives, ending of course with a complimentary tasting of Locke’s Irish whiskey.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 10mins drive

This magnificent early 18^th century stately home of Robert Rochfort, Earl of Belvedere comprises of 160 acres of parkland with 6kms of magnificent woodland and lakeshore walks.

The story of Belvedere contains a unique blend of passion and intrigue, romance and revenge. A multimedia presentation tells the story of Rochfort’s cruel 31-year imprisonment of his wife and of Ireland’s largest man-made folly – the Jealous Wall. There is an animal sanctuary and children’s play area, and also a delightful tram which provides guided tours around a section of the parkland on selected days throughout the year.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 25-minute drive

If you like shivers down your spine then visit Leap Castle, Co Offaly  for story after story of ghosts, druids, tragedy and death. Leap Castle has a reputation all over the world for being the most haunted location ever.

Certainly the history of the castle is fraught with violence and disturbing events. The story goes that the Castle has many ghosts who wander the hallways.

Their presence felt only when us humans disturb their routine or their middle world ramblings.

Originally the Castle is said to have been built on a druidic initiation site. Leap Castle is situated over the crossing of two Ley Lines. This led to greater permeability and natural energy and for entities to manifest much more readily than in a normal location. Any thought or action in these areas, whether positive or negative has a much stronger and more focused effect.

In the case of Leap Castle decades of compounded suffering, negativity and strong emotional experiences have left a marked effect on the atmosphere in and around the Castle.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 40-minute drive

Charleville Castle is perhaps the finest Gothic revival castle in Ireland, yet there is little known, being hidden away in one of the few indigenous Irish oak forests, on the outskirts of Tullamore.

It was built by Charles William Bury, the first Earl of Charleville between 1798 and 1812. The grounds are also home to some of Ireland’s oldest oak trees and during May you can stroll through a carpet of bluebells and capture some memorable family photographs. The interior of Charleville Castle is filled with beautifully designed rooms and some of the original furnishings.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 5-minute drive

Stretch your legs along the unspoilt nature walk where old horse drawn farm machinery can be viewed. There are over 50 species of animals and birds. Feed the Pet Animals, which include deer, Vietnamese pot belly pigs, ponies, donkeys, Jersey cows, sheep, goats, peacocks other rare birds and domestic fowl. The children can play on the slide, swings, seesaws and the very popular glider swing, while adults enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with freshly made sandwiches and home-made cakes. Wheelchair accessible throughout.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 40-minute drive

Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of the neo – classical style. During the middle of this century it was owned by the Jesuits, it was then acquired and extensively restored by Mr. Cholmeley – Harrison in the 1960s. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake and woodland walks with many very fine trees and shrubs. The house and gardens were taken into state ownership in 1994.

Approximate Distance from Tullamore Court Hotel: 30-minute drive

Irelands Hidden Heartlands

The Four Star Tullamore Court Hotel is located less than 40km from the River Shannon and its beautiful historic areas such as Banagher, Shannon harbour, Shannonbridge, Clonmacnoise and Athlone. You can experience Irelands Hidden Heartlands through activities such as walking, cycling, fishing and boating whilst you explore untouched scenery, spectacular lakes, walkways and blueways like nowhere else in the world.

Straddling County Laois and County Offaly in Ireland, the Slieve Bloom Mountains are among Europe’s oldest mountain ranges. Reaching heights of 527 meters, they present a scenic landscape of rolling hills, open heath, and blanket bog. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts the 70-km Slieve Bloom Way, various looped walking trails, and mountain biking routes.

Built in 1810, the Old Fort at Shannonbridge is a significant Napoleonic fortification situated next to the oldest bridge on the River Shannon in County Offaly, Ireland. Originally designed to guard against potential French invasions, this historic site now provides visitors with panoramic views, a free exhibition, and a delightful café and gift shop.