Free walking tours to explore hidden history of Tullamore this July

Two free walking tours hosted by Offaly History are set to explore the hidden history of Tullamore this July.

The 90-minute tours will take place on Saturday, July 11, and Saturday, July 18, both beginning at 10.30am, with local historian Michael Byrne leading participants through some of the town’s most fascinating historic areas.

The first walk will focus on Spollanstown, beginning at the front door of the Tullamore Court Hotel and continuing through the three Spollanstown roads before reaching Cormac Street via Áras an Chontae and the old jail area.

Starting at the Tullamore Court Hotel, the group will travel towards Healion Drive and Ballard before emerging at the junction with Charleville Road. The walk will conclude with a return journey towards Cormac Street, finishing at approximately 12 noon.

The second tour will explore Tullamore Town Park and its historic associations.

Beginning at the Bridge House Hotel, the walk will follow the River Tullamore and continue through the park, highlighting the people and events that shaped the area.

The tour will include stories connected with Water Lane, the Crow family, the early working life of distiller Daniel E. Williams, the King’s German Legion, the impact of the Great Famine, and the history surrounding Acres and his folly on Kilcruttin Hill.

Participants will also learn about the origins of Lloyd Town Park before the walk concludes at the Cormac Street car park.

Both walks are free to attend and no booking is required.