The Grand Canal passes directly through Tullamore, and the towpath is in good condition for walking and cycling in both directions. The canal was completed through this part of Offaly in 1798 and carried turf, coal, beer, and passengers across the Irish Midlands until commercial traffic ceased in the 1950s. Barge holidays run the canal today, and the stretch through and east of Tullamore is particularly pleasant — wooded in places, with the flat bogland landscape opening up as you move further from town.
Cycling east along the towpath toward Daingean or west toward Pollagh gives a good sense of the Midlands landscape: wide skies, stillwater, and the occasional lock-keeper's cottage. The section through the town itself is well-maintained and has been integrated into the town's public space with benches, planting, and heritage interpretation boards.