Major city · Ireland
KinnittyCionn Eitigh
Come for one night if you want to hike the Slieve Bloom Mountains; skip it if you have no car and no interest in hill walks.
Kinnitty is a small village of about 270 people in County Offaly, 13 km east of Birr, at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The reason to come is walking and mountain biking on the hills; the village itself has a pub, a cafe, a shop and a castle hotel, and nothing else. You need a car or a bike to do anything here.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, many places closed midweek)
- Airports
- DUB · SNN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kinnitty112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kinnitty, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue · 999 Alternative emergency number
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (About 2 h by car via the M7 to Portlaoise, then the R445/R440 over the mountains; allow 2.5 h in traffic.).
- Getting aroundYou need wheels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealSoup and sandwich€9–14 (≈ US$11–17)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketCastle hotel double room, per nightcheckfrom €250 (≈ US$300)
- Budget bedHostel or glamping bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B or townhouse double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B or townhouse double room, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (About 2 h by car via the M7 to Portlaoise, then the R445/R440 over the mountains; allow 2.5 h in traffic.) · SNN Shannon Airport (About 1 h 45 min by car via the M7 and N52; check for your dates.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jun (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kinnitty: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need wheels. Local Link Bus 823 links Birr, Kinnitty, Cadamstown, Mountmellick and Portlaoise, with about five runs Monday to Saturday and four on Sunday (check the current timetable). For the hills, hire a bike from Giltraps in the village, the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre or Bloom e-riders. Otherwise drive; the R440 and R421 cross the mountains.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Local Link Bus 823 or 20 min by car on the R440
Old town with a castle and a large Victorian telescope; the nearest real town for shops and food.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Car via Birr and the N62, then the R444
Monastic site on the Shannon; a half day, best paired with a night in Birr or Athlone.
Door to door: About 45 min
Car via the N52 through Kilcormac
Two whiskey distilleries and the county town for trains and buses.
Door to door: About 1 h
Car via Birr and the N62
Shannon river town; only worth the drive if you are already heading that way.
Door to door: About 50 min
Car via Kilcormac and the N52
Bog and monastery remains; a short stop, not a day out.
Edenderry
skipDoor to door: About 1 h
Car via the R421 and R400
Nothing here that Kinnitty or Tullamore does not do better for a visitor.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kinnitty village centre
Pub, cafe, shop and B&B within a few minutes on foot; the practical choice without a car.
Kinnitty Castle grounds
About 2 km (1.2 mi) from the village; the hotel is the only thing out here, so you eat and drink on site.About 1.2 mi (2 km) from the village; the hotel is the only thing out here, so you eat and drink on site.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €85–140 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or townhouse double room1 × 1 night × €130 | €130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Local Link Bus 823, Birr to Kinnitty, one way2 × €4 · check | €8 |
| Bike hire, one day2 × €30 · check | €60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €43 |
| Trip total≈ €236 per person per day, bed included | €471≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Soup and sandwich | €9–14 (≈ US$11–17) |
| Pub pizza | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| B&B double room, per night | €90–180 (≈ US$110–250) |
| Castle hotel double room, per nightcheck | from €250 (≈ US$300) |
| Bike hire, per daycheck | €25–40 (≈ US$30–50) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No car and no bike means you are limited to the village and the castle grounds.
- Mobile signal has dead patches on the approach roads; download maps and trail routes before you set out.
- Mountain weather changes fast; carry rain gear and tell someone your route.
- Many kitchens and pubs close early or run shorter hours outside summer; check before you rely on a late meal.
- The castle is a working hotel; non-residents can walk to the High Cross but should not wander the guest areas.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue
- 112
- Alternative emergency number
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KinnittyCionn Eitigh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard, mountain rescue112
- Alternative emergency number999
Embassy
No embassy in Kinnitty. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and most EU embassies are in Dublin; the nearest Garda station is in Birr or Kilcormac (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Local Link Bus 823, Birr → Kinnitty: about 20 min, fare check locally
- Taxi Birr → Kinnitty: €20–30 (≈ US$25–35), about 15 min (check)
- Drive Dublin Airport → Kinnitty: about 2 h via the M7 to Portlaoise, then R445/R440
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-rass)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
Kinnitty has 4G from all Irish carriers as of June 2026, with dead patches on the approach roads; 5G reaches Birr but not the countryside.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kinnitty. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, many places closed midweek) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB and SNN: last-mile drive times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: village centre, castle grounds and High Cross, Cadamstown and the Silver River gorge, the Slieve Bloom trailheads.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Kinnitty Castle High Cross, Cadamstown church and mill, Clareen priory and rag tree) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-day and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialLocal Link Laois Offaly — Bus 823 timetable
- officialSlieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre
- officialBloom e-riders bike hire
- officialKinnitty Castle Hotel
- officialArdmore Country House
- officialGiltraps Townhouse & Glamping
- officialSport Ireland — Offaly Way
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kinnitty, revision 5295950 (CC BY-SA 4.0)