golfing
championship quality courses
Golf Courses are plentiful in the region and the beginner or professional alike is spoilt for choice. The 25km radius around Shannonbridge boasts several including; Esker Hills, Castle Barna, Ballinasloe, Tullamore, Birr Golf Club and more. There’s also a superb driving range beside Tullabeg House in Rahan Co. Offaly and it’s ideal to sharpen up your long game and get rid of any rust.
WALKING
from OFFALY TO DUBLIN and beyond
If you fancy the 140km hike, it’s a little known fact you can walk all the way to Portobello in the centre of Dublin to Shannon Harbour along the banks of the Grand Canal. For those not up to such a strenuous stretch of the limbs, then more leisurely strolls are mapped out all around the region. From Lough Boora Visitors Centre to the Slieve Bloom mountains, there’s a myriad of exciting locations to visit and even our local bog lands which are best visited during the Summer months and only 2 minutes away from your B&B are well worth a visit. (see below)
HORSERIDING
IN COUNTY OFFALY
For horse-riding enthusiasts there’s no shortage of equestrian centres in the area. From Birr Equestrian Centre, to Kinnity Castle and Annaharvey all have superb facilities on offer catering to both beginner and advanced.
LOCAL BOGS & WILDLIFE
OFFALY’S SACRED HEARTLAND
The bogs of Offaly are world renowned for their abundance of Flora and Fauna and a must see attraction. Lough Boora Visitors Centre caters to both adults and children and bike hire is available during the Summer months. The choice of where to go is unlimited but Eamon and Marie will advise you on the best locations to visit. Off the beaten track there’s a few hidden gems but you’ll need a good breakfast to see it all.
SERVICES & ENTERTAINMENT
FOR THE BASIC ESSENTIALS
The village of Shannonbridge has the usual petrol station, post office and grocery store mix and offers a wide selection of freshly baked bread and essential supplies. Boats are also available for hire locally from large 12 berth cruisers harboured in Athlone or Banagher (30 minutes drive) to the smaller fishing boats with outboard engine. After all your days activities there’s no better way to relax than to visit the local village pub and listen to traditional music including tall tales about the one that got away.
Where to fish? click here
SHANNONBRIDGE FISHING
AN ANGLERS PARADISE
The Shannonbridge region includes rivers, canals, lakes and Loughs that would take a lifetime to fish and explore. Even the most enthusiastic angler can barely scratch the surface here. There are literally thousands of places to fish from Palace Lake outside Tullamore to Lough Boora and beyond. Some of the fish in these local waters include Rainbow Trout, Pike, Perch, Rudd, Roach and Bream, and of course the slippery eel. Coarse fishing is generally free in Ireland, but Salmon and Rainbow trout fishing usually require a permit which can be purchased here.
Where to fish? click here
SHANNONBRIDGE FORT
built circa 1810
Shannonbridge was fortified by the British during the Napoleonic era. The British built a number of fortresses along the Shannon fearing a French invasion from the West of Ireland. The purpose of this fortification was to prevent the invaders gaining access to the East of the country. Over the years the Fort has doubled as a family home following extensive restoration and more recently opened as a restaurant and coffee shop. The premises is now under new management and has a delightful gift shop with lots to see and do.
CLONMACNOISE
Co. Offaly N37 V292
Clonmacnoise is an early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian grave-slabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of grave-slabs are on display in the visitor centre.
The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is available as an audiovisual presentation in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region including an extensive gift shop adjacent to the car-park.
LOUGH BOORA PARK
VISITORS CENTRE, CO. OFFALY
Established in 1994 on a former cutaway bog, Lough Boora features a sculpture park, walking and cycling trails, bike hire, angling, a mesolithic site and some of the rarest flora and fauna in Ireland. The centre will appeal to all visitors staying in Ireland and is also home to the Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Trust.
BIRR CASTLE
BIRR, CO. OFFALY
The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre in Ireland are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, and walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. Owned by the Parsons family, Birr Castle has been created over generations and is an environmental and scientific time capsule.