Way: Offaly Way
Trailheads: Cadamstown Village Carpark, Kilcormac Riverside Park, Lough Boora Parklands, Turraun Wetlands and Lemanaghan
Services: Available at each trailhead
Distance: Approximately 38km
Time: Approximately 2 days. However, the Way can be walked in its entirety by experienced walkers in a 10hr day.
Difficulty: Mostly easy
Terrain: Generally flat terrain, but some soft underfoot conditions
To Suit: Average Fitness, Casual Walkers
Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking boots, waterproofs. Rucksack, fluid, snacks and mobile phone.
Emergency Contact Details: 112/999
Local Garda Station: Kilcormac - Tel: +353 (0)57 9135002
The Offaly Way is a linear route of some 38km linking the Slieve Bloom Way (at Cadamstown) to the Sli Mor (at Lemanaghan). En route, the route crosses the Grand Canal Way. It includes sections of riverbank, stretches of bogland, green mass paths and quiet country roadways. Although the highest point is only 120m, much of the Way commands wide views over a comparatively flat landscape. It follows a mix of forest track, riverbank, bog roadway and minor road. As the route is mainly flat, it is easy to moderate in difficulty and suitable for people of average levels of fitness or higher. A number of shorter looped walks (ranging from 1hr to 4hrs) start and finish at each of the trailheads and are more suitable for the occasional walker.
The Offaly Way is best accessed at one of five key trailheads, which provide information map boards and car parking. These are located reasonably close to other services and facilities, such as shops, accommodation, restaurants and public transport. The trailheads are located as follows:
The trailhead is located at the car park in Cadamstown village, on the R421 between the towns of Mountmellick and Birr.
Kilcormac Riverside Park is located just outside the town of Kilcormac, which is located on the N52 between Tullamore and Birr.
Starting in the the town of Kilcormac, which is located on the N52 between Tullamore and Birr, this trailhead is located approximately 5km to the north in the direction of Leabeg.
In the village of Leabeg, on the R357, turn right, following the sign for the Offaly Way. The trailhead is approximately 4km from here.
The trailhead is located on the R436, between the towns of Clara and Ferbane.
Shannon Region Waymarked Ways Location Map
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903