Offaly

From 19th Century telescopes to ancient monastic sites to haunted castles, Offaly is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe.

The Slieve Bloom Mountains contain the county’s highest points including Stillbrook Hill and Wolftrap Mountain. Croghan Hill is located in northern Offaly and it is known for its view over the surrounding area. Many bogs are now used as wildlife reserves or for tourism activities such as Lough Boora.

The county has a rich and ancient heritage with a monastery at Clonmacnoise, one of the most famous historical sites in Ireland, was founded 1,500 years ago. An excellent visitor centre provides a wealth of information on the history of this site.

Offaly is bursting with wildlife from the forests to the bogs to the mountains and river valleys. The floodplain of the River Shannon is in the north-western part of the county. The Brosna River runs across the county and the Grand Canal also runs across the county from Edenderry on the north-east to Shannon Harbour before joining the Shannon. The main Offaly towns of Tullamore and Birr are attractive places to visit. Tullamore is home to the famous Tullamore Dew and Irish Mist and one of the best shopping locations in the midlands. Birr is a handsome Georgian town. Birr’s castle is one of the main attractions in the county.

Offaly is known as ‘Ireland’s historical crossroads’ and boasts some of the most fascinating attractions from Clonmacnoise with it’s fifth century cathedral, high crosses, churches, and round towers to the world of Birr Castle with it’s World Famous telescope, Science Centre and tranquil walking areas. Or get away from it all and explore the unique beauty of Lough Boora Discovery Park with it’s 50kms of trails and pastureland which provide habitats for the park’ biodiversity.

Learn more about Offaly on https://www.visitoffaly.ie/