The Offaly Way

Nature photo
  • Distance: 38k/2days
  • Services: Cadamstown, Kilcormac
  • Trail Grade: Moderate
  • To suit: Appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness.
  • Terrain: Mix of minor roads, sandy roadways and forestry tracks
  • Min. gear: Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended.
  • Trail maintenance: hikeit@slievebloom.ie
  • Dogs allowed: No
Bridge at monicknew

The Offaly Way is a linear route of 38km linking the Slieve bloom Way (at Cadamstown) to the Sli Mor (at Lemanaghan) and crossing en-route the Grand Canal Way. It includes sections of riverbank, stretches of bogland, green mass paths and quiet country roadways. Much of the Offaly Way commands wide views over a comparatively flat landscape. As the route is mainly flat it is easy to moderate in difficulty and suitable for people of average level of fitness or higher. Waymarking consists of frequent marker posts with a motif of a walking figure and a directional arrow in yellow.

Dogs not permitted on any section which crosses private farmland.

Important

Please observe the Leave no trace principles:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare
  2. Be considerate of others
  3. Respect farm animals and wildlife
  4. Travel and camp on durable ground
  5. Leave what you find
  6. Dispose of waste properly
  7. Minimise the effects of fire.

 

Directions to Cadamstown trailhead

Cadamstown, historically called Ballymacadam, is a small village in County Offaly, Ireland. It lies on the R421 regional road, just north of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. It is about 20 km from Tullamore and 6 km from Kinnitty.

Dempseys pub is usually open in the evenings but unfortunately there is no tea shop in the village at the present time.

The Walks

  • Trailhead 1 – Cadamstown Carpark to Kilcormac ( Grid Ref. N 227 085)
  • Trailhead 2 – Kilcormac Riverside Park to Lough Boora Parklands (Grid Ref. N 185 141)
  • Trailhead 3 – Lough Boora Parkland to Turraun Wetlands (Grid Ref. N 182 189)
  • Trailhead 4 – Turraun Wetlands to Lemanaghan (Grid Ref. N 171 227)
  • Trailhead 5 – Lemanaghan (Grid Ref. N 170 270)

Download Map

These maps are provided courtesy of IrishTrails.ie.

 

Walking Events

The Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise walks every weekend of the year. All of these walks are led by an experienced and friendly walk leader who is very familiar with the mountains. These walks are post to the Walking calendar weekly.

Walking Calendar

A panel of guides are also available if you are are looking for a personal leader who can tailor-make a walk to suit your party or group.

Other Walks Nearby

Link to Slieve Bloom Way Photo of woman walking scenic trail
Distance: 70.5 km/3 days
Trail Grade: Strenuous

Slieve Bloom Way

To suit: Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness.
Terrain: Sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough.