Aaron House Guesthouse - Local Attractions

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Situated close to the Slieve Bloom Mountains
in the beautiful village of Kinnitty

Kinnity

The picturesque village of Kinnitty nestles at the foot of Knocknamann on the western slopes of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, 12km from Birr and 25km from Tullamore. Knocknamann is the site where the festival of Bealtaine was held in pre Christian times.

The Community Centre, originally the old School House and Petty Sessions Court built in 1820, now houses the Slieve Bloom Environment Park Exhibition (on display June-September) and the Tourist Information point. The Tourist Office will give you information on walking in the Slieve Blooms. Guided walks take place every Sunday from May to September.

The village is full of charm and welcoming residents. And with the Slieve Bloom Mountains at your doorstep, there is plenty to see and do.

Kinnitty Castle

The stunning 12th century neo gothic style Kinnitty Castle is located at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Kinnitty Castle has been destroyed, rebuilt and refurbished many times and has see many residents come and go, including the Normans, the O'Carrolls, the English forces and the Bernard family, who were English settlers in the 1764.

In 1811 Lady Catherine Hutchinson, wife of Thomas Bernard, commissioned the Pain Brothers, architects of Dromoland Castle and Adare Manor, to extend the castle. Destroyed by fire in 1922, Kinnitty Castle was rebuilt in 1928 and is still inhabited by the Bernard family until 1946 when it was sold to Lord Decies who in turn sold it to the state in 1951. In 1994 the castle was bought and transformed into a luxury hotel.

It now draws many visitors to this small village for a fairy tale wedding or holiday, featuring mountain trekking, horse riding, clay-pigeon shooting and maybe even a little pampering in the luxurious Gate Lodge Spa.

Kinnitty Pyramid The pyramid is the only one of it's kind in Ireland. Located in the graveyard behind the Church of Ireland in the Village. On his return from Egypt in the mid 1800's Lt. Col. Richard Wesley Bernard built the crypt for his family it stands 30 feet high and is an exact replica of the pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. Building began in 1830 was completed in 1834.
Inside the steel doors there are 5 steps down to the tomb where there are 6 coffins all belonging to the Bernard family of Kinnitty Castle the first person was Mary Bernard she was bittern by a dog and got rabies and the last burial was in 1907.

Cathole Falls, Slieve Bloom Mountains

Slieve Bloom Mountains

If you come to Kinnitty you just have to explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains – they are a walkers paradise. They have unspoilt landscape that will take your breath away. You may even spot a deer as the mountains are home to the Silka deer. If you are really lucky you could see the famous grouse, which is still a common sight in our beautiful mountains.

There are map trails waiting to be discovered with different levels of difficulty and distance (guided walks every Sunday from May to September), and
lovely little picnic areas for one to dine alfresco and have the view that money can't buy.

There is also has a beautiful waterfall named Cathole Falls and just a bit further up the mountain is the Ridge of Capard, where you can see for miles. If you want TIME OUT then the Ridge is the place for you.

Birr Town With its tree lined Georgian terraces and distinct 18th and 19th century character on the River Comcor, this is one of Offaly's most attractive towns. The magnificent Birr Castle Demesne is its most popular attraction. There has been a Norman Castle on this site since 1170. From the 14th to the 17th century, the O'Carroll family ruled the area when the territory was known as Ely O'Carroll. It has been the home of the Parsons family, the Earl of Rosse, since 1620. Its award winning gardens, newly restored Great Telescope and Irelands Historic Science Centre are absolute 'musts'. The Birds of Prey Centre, set in the stunning grounds of the castle, offers visitors the opportunity to view magnificent falcons, hawks, owls and eagles at close range. The castle is open all year round, 9am-6pm. Tel: 057 91 20336.
Other places of interest include: Clonmacnoise – monastic site www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/clonmacnoise Irelands most haunted Leap Castle – only 5km away www.mosthauntedireland.com/haunted-leap-castle Emo Court House – only 20 minutes away www.heritageireland.ie/en/midlandseastcoast/emocourt Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre – a 25 minute drive will get you there www.tullamore-dew.org Mountmellick Embroidery and Museum – the embroidery was introduced to Mountmellick by Johanna Carter in 1825 www.mountmellickdevelopment.com/museum-page
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Aaron House, Kinnitty, Birr, County Offaly, Ireland
Tel/Fax: 057-91-37040 • Int: +353-57-91-37040 • Mobile: 086-199-55-55 • To email Aaron House