5 Best Places to Walk Your Dog In Offaly
This month for Operation TransPAWmation, we’re shining a light on all the different ways you can have fun and get out and exercise with your furry friend. Regular exercise is essential to help keep our dogs from gaining excessive weight, and to ensure their overall physical and mental health remains intact. Getting out and about helps keep the brain active, is a great stress reliever and boredom buster; both for dogs and humans!
Check out our blog post below on the best walking trails both you and your dog can avail of in County Offaly.
1. Kinnitty Castle Loop
This is an easy-going, well-marked and well-maintained trail that provides incredible scenery along the way, giving lots for your dog to sniff about. There is a nice mix of woodlands and open terrain for both you and your pooch to explore. Make sure to pop into the outdoor coffee shop at Kinnitty Castle for some refreshments after your walk, the perfect opportunity for dogs to relax outside with their humans. Located north of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the picturesque village of grew up around Kinnity Castle which was built by the Bernard Family in 1811.
2. Tullamore Town Park
The perfect open area for your dog to enjoy the brisk outdoors with their favourite human. There is something here for every member of the family; a large space with plenty for dogs to explore and sniff, a modern playground for the kids, picnic tables to stop for a quick bite and a skate park for older children, plus paths & water features to add to the scenic views. Ideal for a Sunday morning stroll with your four legged best friend.
3. Glinsk Castle Loop
This is a pleasant countryside loop that takes in a variety of sights and terrains as you and your dog make your way around, and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Want a shorter route? There are various modifications available to make the route shorter or longer to suit you and your dog’s individual needs. From stunning scenery to the blanket bog of a type which is unique to Ireland, both you and your furry friend will no doubt enjoy exploring the hidden valleys of this beautiful trail. All fitness levels can enjoy this route, and taking a break or stopping for a picnic is a great way to make the experience even more enjoyable. There are a few rough and rugged sections but do not demand great stamina. This loop is one of three which start and finish at the Kinnitty Forest trailhead – key features include the grounds of Kinnitty Castle (now a hotel), the ruins of Glinsk Castle, and spectacular broadleaf woodlands.
4. Croghan Hill
Croghan Hill is well worth a visit, especially for history lovers. Dogs must be kept on leash due to livestock in the surrounding areas, but there is still plenty to explored and admires on this scenic walk. This hill is the remains of an extinct volcano and the place of an ancient burial ground, and the summit has one of the most extraordinary viewing points in the Midlands. Offering a 360-degree panorama with magnificent views, be sure to bring your camera with you for some incredible shots. Parking is available outside of the school, or in the car park of Croghan Community Centre which also has a lovely park with picnic bench where you and your pooch can rest afterwards
5. Charleville Castle and Tullamore Loop
You and your dog can enjoy this beautiful nature walk around the grounds of Charleville Castle and take in the wonderful scenic views by the fine oak trees. It’s an easy-going route which is suitable for most abilities, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors with your four legged pal, who will have plenty to sniff about within the woodlands and oak trees.
What is Operation TransPAWmation?
Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation began in 2017 to highlight the rise in overweight dogs in Ireland. Since then we have extended the campaign to a whole-health campaign for dogs and cats, helping 1000’s of pet owners get to grips with their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
Now in its 7th Year, Operation TransPAWmation is designed to help dog and cat owners identify and make small changes that can help improve their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
For in-person support on your #PetmaniaOT journey, you can also drop into any one of our pet shops nationwide and speak with a member of our team.
