Offaly Castles & Forts

Birr Castle Demesne - Birr, Co Offaly

Birr Castle Demesne - Birr, Co Offaly welcomes you to our Demesne of Discovery, which offers something for everyone to enjoy and is especially interesting and educational for families. Starting with Ireland’s Historic Science Centre in the old stable block, with its café and shop you can then explore 50 hectares of park land, visit the magnificent Formal Gardens and terraces and discover Birr’s world famous engineering and astronomical wonder - the Great Telescope. We look forward to welcoming you on a voyage of Discovery.

Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly

Clonmacnoise, Co Offaly, the Irish translation - Cluain Mhic Nois, “meadow of the sons of Nos” is a monastic site overlooking the River Shannon in County Offaly. The extensive ruins include a cathedral, castle, round tower, numerous churches, two important high crosses, and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. Clonmacnoise was founded in 548 by St. Ciaran, the son of a master craftsman. The settlement soon became a major center of religion, learning, trade, craftsmanship and politics, thanks in large part to its position at the major. Much more can be seen in the onsite vistor centre and museum.

Charleville Castle - Tullamore, Co Offaly

Charleville Castle - Tullamore, Co Offaly located in County Offaly, in the Midlands of Ireland, and bordering the town of Tullamore near the Shannon River. Charleville Castle is said to be the finest example of gothic-revival architecture in the country. In the 6th century, these lands were part of an ancient monastic site of Lynally, which itself was an ancient Durrow monastic settlement. Charleville Castle is situated in Ireland's most ancient oak woods, once the haunting grounds of Ireland's druids.

Kinnitty Castle, Kinnitty, Co Offaly

Kinnitty Castle, Kinnitty, Co Offaly has a long and colourful history which dates back to ancient times. Located on an ancient druidic ceremonial ground, where leylines cross and mystical forces are prevalent, the area around Kinnitty can be considered to be the solar plexis chakra of Ireland.

Leap Castle

Leap Castle is an Irish castle in County Offaly, about four miles north of the town of Roscrea. It was built in the late 15th century by the O'Bannon family and was originally called "Léim Uí Bhanáin," or "Leap of the O'Bannons." The O'Bannons were the "secondary chieftains" of the territory, and were subject to the ruling O'Carroll clan.