The Offaly section of the Grand Canal Greenway stretches from Edenderry in the east through Rhode and Tullamore to Shannon Harbour in the west of the county. The Tullamore to Lough Boora Section of the Greenway links two landmark sites along Ireland’s Ancient East - Tullamore DEW and Lough Boora Discovery Park. The 22km journey westwards offers historic sites and rural tranquility in abundance.
Mount Lucas is home to Bord na Móna Powergen’s recently completed 80 Mega watt wind farm. Mount Lucas Wind Farm is open for anybody who would like to explore the area and visit the wind farm. Bord na Móna has created 7km of public walkway-cycle way around the wind farm. This track way is ideal for a number of activities including: bird watching, nature exploration, cycling and walking. The walkway-cycle way is accessible all year round (except December 21st) during daylight hours – free of charge. It is a great location for walking and cycling enthusiasts alike; and is a wonderful setting for a family day
Mount Lucas is a 9 minute drive from Rhode village
Experience all that Lough Boora Discovery Park has to offer outdoor enthusiasts, keen botanists, nature lovers, and arts and culture fans including:
Three off-road Cycle Routes ranging in distance from 6km to 15.8km
Five off-road Walking Routes ranging in distance from 3.3km to 15,8km
A dramatic Outdoor Sculpture Park displaying 24 large scale sculptures
Four Angling lakes suitable for all abilities.
Fairy Avenue
Lough Boora Discovery Park is approx 40 minute drive from Rhode village
Esker Hills Golf Club is home to our very own tour professional Shane Lowry. Shane had a glittering Amateur career at Esker Hills that in 2009 culminated in him making history being the first Amateur golfer to ever win an Irish Open. Shane has proudly represented Esker Hills in tournaments throughout the world including the Majors; the British Open, the Masters, the US Open and the US PGA . In 2015 Shane won the World Golf Championship - Bridgestone Invitational title bringing him into the world top 20 golfers.
Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, the course at Esker Hills is known for its superb sand based greens, year-round playability and warm welcome. As one of Ireland’s leading inland golf courses, it’s said that no two holes on the course are remotely alike.
Esker Hills is approx 25 minute drive from Rhode village
Designed by Eddie Hackett, the superb golf course at Edenderry is built on the natural peat-land synonymous with the county.
At 6,011 metres, it’s a particularly long course and boasts an abundance of mature trees and strategically placed bunkers, which makes it a challenging but fair test of golfing skill for all who play there.
Edenderry Golf Club is an 18 minute drive from Rhode village
FootGolf is a dynamic new sport, introduced to Ireland in 2013. The idea is simple: get the football into the hole in as few kicks as possible! It is an ideal mix – the technique of football coupled with the skill of golf.
We are proud to boast 18 holes of FootGolf which has been recognized as one of the best in Europe. We have had the privilege of hosting the Irish FootGolf Open 2016 – 2019, hosting 150 of the world’s finest for a 3 day tournament.
FootGolf is perfect for all ages as it can be taken at any pace, making it ideal for the whole family!
Highfield Footgolf is a 19 minute drive from Rhode village
Tullamore Dew is approx 25 minute drive from Rhode village
Belvedere House is in the neighbouring county Westmeath and is approx 22 minute drive from Rhode village