SIGHTSEEING
Kinnitty Castle Hotel - A little bit of Magic in the Heart of the Midlands, Awaiting your Arrival....
Kinnitty Village and the surrounding areas have a wide variety of activities and wonderful places to visit, there is something for everyone no matter what age you are.....
The High Cross
Standing in the grounds of Kinnitty Castle, at a height of 2.40 metres is a sandstone cross. The cross was commissioned by St Colman to commemorate the conversion of his father to Christianity by St Patrick in Cashel. It is believed to be of 12th century date. The sandstone of which it is made is not of local origin. (Similar crosses of Durrow and Tihilly are also of sandstone, the material thought to have come from glacial boulders.) As you leave the Castle’s main entrance look across the car park to the right and you will see the pathway which leads to the High Cross.
The Bernard’s Pyramid
The pyramid in Kinnitty village is a burial tomb and is located on the foot of Knocknamann at the rear of the Church of Ireland. It was built by one of the Bernard family in 1834, an architect and an engineer who did military service in Egypt. He was probably so impressed and influenced by the huge pyramids he saw there, that he decided to build an exact replica of one of them, at a much smaller scale for a last resting place for the Bernard family. It is about 30ft in height and is thought to be the only one of its kind in Ireland. Steps lead down about 8 feet below ground level where the coffins were placed. Records show that 6 coffins have being placed there. The first Bernard to be buried there was Margaret Bernard, aged 24, in 1842, and the last Bernard to be buried there was Ellen Georgina Bernard in 1907.
To view the pyramid: turn left out of the Castle gates into Kinnitty village. Take the Roscrea road turning left at Peavoy’s shop. The Church of Ireland is just up on the left hand side of the road. Go into the churchyard and follow the path around the back of the Church. Enter through the black iron gates at the right hand side of the graveyard and the pyramid is at the top of the steps.
Slieve Bloom Mountains We are located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and there are many walks of varying Grades in the locality. We have access within the grounds to the Kinnitty Loop Walks within the beautiful forestry. Please click on the following links to view maps of some of the walks around Kinnitty Castle Hotel.
Leap Castle This famous haunted Castle is located just outside Roscrea and is owned by the Ryan Family. Tours can be arranged with the owners for a small fee, although this must be arranged in advance. If you wish to make arrangements to visit please contact Reception, who will also be happy to provide directions.
Monastic Site, St. Kieran’s Bush and St. Kieran’s Well, Clareen
In Clareen you will find a Monastic site with remains of a Round Tower, Augustinian Priory and Turret, and the base of a High Cross. St Kieran’s bush is situated about 1km from Clareen cross on the Clareen to Roscrea road. The bush is easily identified from all the items which have been attached to the bush over many years. The people of the parish have great attachment to this bush and tie medals, strings, twines, bits of clothing etc. on it. The bush here fell in 1884 but a young one was growing at the time and this now occupies the site. St. Kieran's Well is situated in a field a few metres off the road which leads from Clareen to Roscrea. It is surrounded by an iron railing and a number of steps lead down to the well. The well has a reputation of never going dry. To reach Clareen, turn left when leaving the gates of Kinnitty Castle Hotel, follow the road through Kinnitty village. As you leave Kinnitty village take the road to the left which is signposted Clareen. It will take approximately 10 minutes to reach Clareen from Kinnitty.
Cadamstown
Cadamstown is the next village along from Kinnitty on the Dublin road. To reach Cadamstown turn right out of the gates. There are walks along the Silver River either side of the village, and if you are lucky you may even meet the local historian, Paddy Heaney, who lives in the heart of the village and enjoys narrating the history of the area to visitors. Take a visit to the Dolman on the hill above Paddy’s house, accessible on foot along the Ballyboy road.
Tullamore Town and Charleville Castle
Tullamore is approximately 20 minutes drive from Kinnitty Castle Hotel Ireland. Turn right out of the Castle gates and take the R422 left turn to Tullamore approximately 3 miles after Cadamstown village. You will see Charleville Castle on your approach into Tullamore Town, which has beautiful grounds to walk.
Brittas Woods and Lake, Clonaslee
There is a Lake located on the mountain road in Clonaslee which was built in the 1800’s by the Dunne family of Brittas Castle, for private bathing and fishing. To reach this take a right turn out of the gates of the Castle, drive through Cadamstown, and you will reach Clonaslee in approximately 8 miles. As you arrive in Clonaslee village take the right turn signposted Brittas Lake, and follow this road for just under 1 mile. There is a nice walk around the Lake and also walks into the forestry accessible from the far end of the Lake. Brittas Castle is currently under reconstruction and is unfortunately inaccessible to the public.
Hike, Bike and Stand Up Paddle Board
Mid Ireland Adventure offers guests of Kinnitty Castle Hotel the opportunity to experience the best adventure activities in the Irish Midlands. Based in Kinnitty and Banagher on the Shannon, they provide a range of activities from Mountain Biking and Hiking Tours in the Slieve Bloom mountains to water based activities, including Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) safaris, on the majestic river Shannon. If you would like any further information or to make a booking, please do not hesitate to contact our Reception Team on +353 5791 37318 or via e-mail on reception@kinnittycastlehotel.com.
Tearaways Pet Farm & Activity Center
This play centre consists of a 2 level adventure play area, with a 4 lane wave slide, 2 tunnel slides, crawling tunnels, cargo nets, ball pits and a separate toddler area for the little ones.
The outdoor facilities include our Pet Farm, outdoor playground, sports area and go-cart track . They have lots of friendly animals to see including our goats, pigs, ponies, emu, sheep, calves and our Scottish Highlander. There is a coffee shop for you to relax in whilst your kids play and have fun. There is plenty of comfortable seating in the viewing area. You can purchases various hot and cold food and drinks including tea, coffee, latte, cappuccino, minerals, juice, sandwiches, muffins, scones, hot food, chocolate, sweets and crisps. Tearaways have baby changing facilities, wheelchair access and disabled parking. There is a loyalty scheme in place at Tearaways.
Glendeer Pet Farm
Glendeer Pet Farm is an award winning 12 acre open farm situated in Drum, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach from our Irish Castle Hotel. Glendeer provides a safe and carefree environment for children of any age.The farm itself comprises of 6 acres and an additional 6 acres of a nature walk.The farm has over 50 species of animals but new ones are always arriving!
Glendeer Farm is a fantastic day out for families. It is both fun and educational and a great opportunity to interact with both farm & exotic animals. Children are provided with a bag of food to feed the monkeys, goats, sheep, emu, donkeys, cows, llama and lots more animals. For more information please visit Glendeer Pet Farm or telephone +353 906 437147 or via email at info@glendeerpetfarm.ie.
Equestrian Pursuits
Kinnitty Castle Hotel In Ireland can organise Treking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains or alternatively we can organise private lessons. Please let us know what your preference would be as we have good relationships with Equestrian Centres in the localility. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact our Reception Team who will answer any queries that you have on +353 5791 37318 or via email on reception@kinnittycastlehotel.com.
Lough Boora Parklands
Lough Boora Parklands, a beautiful new landscape situated just 20 minutes from this castle hotel in Ireland, offers a unique visitor experience. A range of activities ensures that there is something for every visitor. Roam the walkways and meadows and engage with this extraordinary landscape. Relax in a peaceful, natural environment. Interact with art and nature in one location or use it as a place to take some exercise. Pursue your favourite hobby (cycling, angling, birdwatching, photography) or use it as an educational resource.
The visitors pavilion provides information about Lough Boora Parklands extraordinary past, as far back as 9,000 years ago, the unique flora and fauna, industrial peat harvesting and the artwork created in the parklands since 2002.
Lough Boora Parklands is open 365 days a year with open access for all.
Bikes can be rented at the Parklands, for further information please visit Lough Boora Parklands
Birr Leisure Centre
Birr Leisure Centre is situated only 10 minutes from this Irish Castle Hotel and offers the following: a fully equipped gymnasium, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms. Underfloor heating installed throughout together with upgrade of pool and pool hall. Including new toddlers pool. For further information please do not hesitate to contact +353 5791 20343.
Roscrea Leisure Centre
Roscrea Leisure Centre is situated only 20 minutes from the Hotel. It has a number of slides and water shots which are very appealing to Children, For further information please do not hesitate to contact +353 505 23822
Jumping Jacks
Children’s Playcentre, Cosmic Bowl and Adventure Golf
Turn right out of the Castle gates and take the R422 left turn to Tullamore approximately 3 miles after Cadamstown village. Follow the signs for Tullamore town centre. At your first set of traffic lights turn left past the Train Station. Follow this road and the signs for Sragh Business Park. For further information please call +353 5793 60973
Omniplex Cinema, Bridge Centre, Tullamore 0818-719719
Turn right out of the Castle gates and take the R422 left turn to Tullamore approximately 3 miles after Cadamstown village. Follow the signs for Tullamore town centre, driving down the Main Street you will come to The Bridge Centre on your left. Turn left here and then left into the car park where you will see the Cinema entrance. This is a pay-and-display car park.
Clonaslee Village Park
There is a park for children located next to the community centre in Clonaslee village. Turn right out of the Castle gates, passing through Cadamstown and through Clonaslee village. As you enter the village you will see a left turn for the Community centre, and the park is just on the left. There is ample free parking.
The National Stud
Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions.
The National Stud was proud to showcase Ireland's Thoroughbred industry to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit to Ireland on Thursday 19th May. The Stud is in County Kildare, this is approximatly 50 minutes away from Kinnitty Castle Hotel Offaly.
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Visitors taking the 45-minute guided tour can get a glimpse of the long-gone times when the distillery dominated the town. The intriguing origins and inter-linked history of Tullamore Dew, the town and canal are celebrated through a series of audio-visual presentations, exhibits, models and tableaux. As they walk through the old warehouse rooms, visitors can learn about life in a small Irish town in the 1800’s, how whiskey was made, and how Mr Daniel E Williams – using his initials to create a distinctive name - developed Tullamore Dew into one of Ireland’s greatest exports. At the end of the tour, visitors can relax in the Centre’s own bar and bistro and enjoy a complimentary glass of Tullamore Dew. Before leaving, visitors looking for souvenirs and gifts can browse a wide range of merchandise at the Centre’s shop.The Tullamore Dew & Heritage Centre is approximately 25 minutes from the Hotel.
For more information please visit Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Kilbeggan Distillery ( Lockes Distillery)
Lockes Distillery is situated in Kilbeggan, Co. Offaly and is now open as a Museum of Industrial Archeology to show people how whiskey was produced in the past. There are self-guided or guided tours available. Guided tours must be reserved in advance.The tour follows the process of making triple distilled Irish Whiskey, from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. Watch and listen as the 19th century water wheel drives the machinery. Most of the original machinery has now been restored and can been seen working daily. Peer into 9 meter high fermentation vats. Learn about the lives and the working conditions of the people that worked here. At the end of the tour you will receive a complimentary sample of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey. Lockes Distillery is approximately 45 minutes from the Hotel.
For further information please visit Kilbeggan Distillery
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank 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 graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor centre.
The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site is approximately 45 minutes from the Hotel.
Please visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
Emo Court
Emo Court was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of this 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. Emo Court is approximately 20 minutes from this Castle Hotel In Ireland.
Please visit Emo Court
Mountmellick Embroidery Museum
Mountmellick Embroidery is unique as it is the only form of embroidery from the 19th century that can claim to be entirely Irish in design and is currently enjoying a revival being adapted for more modern uses like designer dresses, light shades and corporate gifts. The Museum also tells the story of the town's rich Quaker and industrial history. A tour of the Museum consists of an Audio Visual presentation followed by a guided tour.
Please visit www.mountmellickdevelopment.com
