Charleville Forest Oak Trail
A 3.2-kilometre loop through mature oak woodland with cleared walking paths. Most paths are firm underfoot, though some sections can be muddy after rain.
Read GuideTullamore Canal Bank Stroll
A gentle 2.8-kilometre waterside walk along the quiet towpath. Flat terrain, regular benches, and peaceful rural scenery make this accessible for most abilities.
10 min read
Beginner
July 2026
By Offaly Walks Editorial Team
Written by the Offaly Walks editorial team, focused on practical, honest guidance for local woodland and canal walks.
The Tullamore Canal Bank offers something straightforward: a quiet walk beside the water without steep climbs or complicated terrain. You're looking at roughly 2.8 kilometres of flat towpath that runs along one of Ireland's quieter waterways. Most people take about 50 minutes to an hour to cover it at a comfortable pace, though there's no rush. Benches appear at intervals along the route, so you can stop and sit whenever you feel like it.
The canal itself is the main feature here. You'll walk with the water on one side and fields or grassy banks on the other. It's not a dramatic landscape — no mountains, no ancient ruins — but it's the kind of place where you actually notice things. Birdlife is good, the light changes throughout the day, and you get that sense of distance from the town even though you're never far away.
Getting There and Starting Out
The walk starts at the bridge near Tullamore town centre. You don't need special directions — if you're in town and looking for the canal, head toward the water and you'll find it. Parking is straightforward; there's a car park very close by, and you can park right at the entry point. No long searches required.
Once you're at the towpath, the route is obvious. You follow the canal in one direction, and when you've had enough, you turn around and come back. Some people do the full 2.8 kilometres out and back (5.6 kilometres total), while others walk out for 30 minutes and return. There's no obligation to go the full distance. The beauty of a out-and-back route is that you control the distance entirely.
The path surface is good — mostly firm ground with some paved sections. It's not perfectly smooth, so if you're using a walking frame or have balance concerns, you'll want to test it carefully. Wheelchairs can manage most of it, though there are a few rougher patches. The towpath is narrow in places, so if you're walking with someone, you might need to single-file occasionally when other walkers pass.
What to Expect Along the Way
The walk doesn't have dramatic landmarks, but that's actually what makes it pleasant. You're not marching toward a viewpoint or ticking off a checklist. Instead, you're just walking beside water, watching the light play across the surface, and noticing whatever shows up — a heron standing in the shallows, the way the reeds move, clouds reflected in the still water.
The benches are spaced well enough that you'll never be far from a place to sit. Every 400 metres or so, you'll find one. They're sturdy wooden ones with backs, so you can actually relax instead of perching on the edge. It's worth stopping for a few minutes, even if you don't feel tired. The pace of the place changes when you sit still.
Wildlife watching is part of the appeal. The canal attracts waterbirds year-round. You might see mallards, coots, moorhens, and if you're lucky, grebes. Kingfishers visit occasionally, though spotting one requires patience and quiet movement. Bring binoculars if you're interested, but even without them, there's plenty to notice.
Choose activities that match your fitness level. Check local conditions before travelling — after heavy rain, some sections can be muddy. If you have health concerns or haven't exercised regularly, speak with your GP before starting any new activity.
Practical Details That Matter
Footwear is important. Walking shoes with decent grip are better than trainers for the towpath. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces — paved stretches, compacted earth, and a few slightly uneven bits. Waterproof shoes are useful if you're walking after rain, because the path can be damp even when it's not actively raining.
Bring water. There are no facilities along the route, so you won't find a café or shop. A small backpack with water and maybe a snack makes the walk more comfortable. The route is exposed in places, so sun protection matters on bright days — hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. Wind can be brisk coming across the water, so a light layer helps even when the temperature seems warm.
The walk works year-round. Summer means longer daylight and warmer temperatures, but it's busier with visitors. Spring and autumn offer good weather and quieter paths. Winter's fine too, though you'll need to watch for frost on the paved sections — they can be slippery. Early morning is generally the quietest time, if you prefer solitude.
Why People Come Back
It's not complicated, and that's the point. There's no challenge to overcome, no scrambling, no navigation confusion. You walk beside water, the path is clear, and you can walk at whatever speed feels right. For people returning to walking after a break, or anyone who wants a straightforward outing without fuss, it works well.
The canal has a rhythm to it. If you go regularly, you notice the seasons changing — different birds appearing, plants growing and fading, the quality of light shifting. Regular walkers develop a connection to the place that makes it feel familiar and comfortable. It becomes less about the walk itself and more about the routine, the space, and the quiet time.
You'll likely see other walkers, especially on weekends, but the path is wide enough that you don't feel crowded. People tend to be friendly on canal walks — there's something about the peaceful setting that brings out conversation. You might end up chatting with someone at one of the benches, or just exchanging nods as you pass. It's that kind of place.
A Walk Worth Repeating
The Tullamore Canal Bank Stroll won't challenge you, and it doesn't need to. What it offers is straightforward: a pleasant place to walk, a flat path, water views, and space to think or simply enjoy being outdoors. It's accessible, close to town, and works for various fitness levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle regular walk or just a break from routine, you'll find it here. The canal's been there for a long time, and it'll be there next time you want to come back.
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