The nearby Tower on Mullagh Hill and the traditions surrounding the Spa-well and the place name give Killurin several historical points of interest. Those including other destinations in County Offaly can also add early Christian heritage, bogland or outdoor art to their stay.

The Tower on Mullagh Hill near Killurin

Reverend Franc Sadleir had the Tower on Mullagh Hill built on elevated ground near Killurin in 1830 for his son Thomas. The building stood on the Mullagh House estate and is the last fully intact remnant of the estate. The tower offers views of the surrounding landscape and the fragmentary ruins of Mullagh House.

Conservation work began in 2014. Door and window openings and weathered lintels were repaired or replaced; historic bricks were used where brick replacement was necessary. This makes it possible to distinguish two different points in the building’s history: 1830 marks its construction, while 2014 marks the start of conservation work.

The Spa-well and place name in local tradition

The Spa-well is a small stream about 250 yards west of the school. It lies on the right-hand side of the path leading up to Killurine Cross. According to local tradition, people came to the Spa-well from all over Ireland to have warts cured. The tradition thus links the place to a particular water source.

The origin of the name Killurin is also passed down locally: the place is said to be named after St Ódhrain, who is considered to have been St Patrick’s charioteer. Together, these traditions tell both of a story associated with the Spa-well and of an interpretation of the place name.

County Offaly: early Christian heritage and bogland

Beyond Killurin, County Offaly offers other themes to consider when planning a trip. The ruins of Clonmacnoise include a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine churches and more than 700 early Christian grave slabs. Clara Bog is considered perhaps the best-preserved example of an ombrotrophic raised bog in western central Europe. The county thus offers both historic structures and a distinctive bog landscape.

At Lough Boora Discovery Park in County Offaly, the visitor centre is located at Loch an Dochais. It has visitor information, public toilets, a café, bicycle hire, a picnic area and a car park. Before travelling, it is worth checking the operator’s website to confirm information about the visitor facilities.

The Sculpture Park at Lough Boora Discovery Park features a 3.3-kilometre walking and cycling route with 24 works by Irish and international sculptors. For route planning, it is helpful to compare it with the Offaly Way: this linear walking route is 32.4 kilometres long and runs from Cadamstown to Lemanaghan in County Offaly. Along the way, it follows quiet roads, riverside and forest paths, crosses farmland and uses paved roads. It also passes a rare Mesolithic site near Boora.

More experiences in County Offaly

Birr Castle Demesne combines gardens with the history of science. Highlights include gardens with rare trees, the Great Telescope, castle tours and the Historic Science Centre of Ireland, which showcases achievements in astronomy, engineering and photography. The 120-acre park includes more than 5,000 plant species, award-winning gardens and an adventure playground.

When looking for a hotel with Killurin as your destination, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: the local traditions and history surrounding the tower, or a selection of other destinations in County Offaly.

Discover more destinations

Creagh, Kinnitty, Tullamore, Cloghan, Shannonbridge, Birr, Clonmacnoise, Daingean

For the higher-level travel overview: County Offaly.