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Durrow Abbey Walk

0.62 miles (1 km)

Open Streetmap This route takes you along the Durrow Abbey Walkway near Tullamore in County Offaly. 
The medieval site includes a series of ancient buildings and interesting features including a holy well and a ninth century high cross.
You can start your walk from the car park and then follow the trail west to the abbey and the pretty walled garden. There's also St. Columba's Church just to the south east where you can see the noteworthy high cross, some very old graves and information panels detailing the history of the site.
To the west there's an area of woodland where you can enjoy peaceful walking trails with Scots Pine and Rowan trees. Here you can look out for a variety of wildlife including woodland birds, pheasant, woodcock, grey squirrel and mink.

Durrow Abbey Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

There's more local historic interest located to the north at Fore Abbey. The ancient abbey dates back to the 13th century and includes a circular walk taking you around the historic buildings and the village of Fore. Just north east of the abbey there's also the fascinating Loughcrew. This ancient site includes includes a number of tombs thought to date to the 4th millennium BC. There are great views from the hill top to enjoy here as well.
Near here there's the beautiful Lough Derravaragh. There's some pleasant trails through the peaceful lakeside woodland and fine views across the water from the shoreline trails. The area also includes Lough Owel where there's walks, swimming and the wildlife rich Scragh Bog Nature Reserve
If you head south you could explore the wonderful Slieve Bloom Mountains. Here you could try the Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop and visit the beautiful Clamp Hole Waterfalls. In this area you can also pick up the Slieve Bloom Way, a long distance circular walk exploring the highlights of the region. There's also the Kinnitty Castle Loop Walk which visits a striking 19th century Gothic Revival Castle and the Camcor River Valley.
Just to the north there's the splendid Belvedere House and Lough Ennell. The house includes lakeside trails, woodland, sculptures, a fairy garden and a Victoria Walled Garden. There's also some wonderful ruined follies including the eye catching Jealous Wall.
To the north west there's the Lough Ree Park Walking Trail, a popular place for easy strolls and lakeside picnics. The lough is located near the town of Athlone where you can enjoy a nice walk along the River Shannon, Ireland's longest River.

Photos

Durrow Abbey under a tree

Durrow Abbey under a tree

Durrow abbey A

Durrow abbey A

Durrow House

Durrow House

Holy well, Durrow

Holy well, Durrow

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Durrow Abbey.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)