Offaly

Offaly is an area of contrasting scenery and uniformly hospitable people. The startling effect of complete change over a very short distance makes the county one of the most interesting in Ireland. With quality accommodation, attractions and activities, Co. Offaly should not be missed.

Explore

Clara Bog
Clara Bog or Lough Roe Bog is a raised bog situated in Co. Offaly. It is one of the largest relatively intact raised bogs remaining in Ireland. As a result of surveys carried out by the Wildlife Service, Clara Bog was designated as being of international importance. A variety of animals have their home on the Bog. Whatever time of the year the bog is visited some of these animals may be encountered. If not, other signs such as empty larval cases of Dragonflies, the pupal cases of the Emporor Moth, fecal remains or feathers testify to the hidden presence of the diverse fauna.

Tullamore
Another of Irelands designated heritage towns, Tullamore is a thriving town noted for its shopping facilities. The town has many interesting architectural features and a wide range of top class visitor activities. The development of the canal and railway systems together with the whiskey industry were very influential in the growth of the town.

Attractions
An Dun Transport and Heritage Museum, Doon, Ballinahown
This museum features a display of road transport dating from 1922 to the classics of the 60's, beautifully restored and displayed by their owners - farm machinery, household utensils, commercial and motoring auto-mobilia, model rail display and video.

Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, Shannonbridge
This 45 minute train journey gives a guided 5 ½ mile circular tour out across a working environment, a cutaway area of preserved peatlands outlining 12,000 years of history, heritage and archaeology.

Charleville Castle, Tullamore
Dating from 1798, this is one of the finest examples of the great Gothic house in Ireland. The whole structure stands in its original form, having never been altered externally.

Tullamore Dew, Tullamore
Exploring Tullamore's distilling, canal and urban history. Courtesy tasting of Tullamore Dew after the visit.

The Shannon Water Meadows
Visit the water meadows near the monastic site of Clonmacnoise where the corncrake can still be heard.

Clonmacnoise
An early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran, in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs.

Activities

Angling
Top class coarse and game fishing can be found in this area.

Cruising
Cruising on the River Shannon and Grand Canal is one of the most relaxing ways in which to spend a holiday.

Equestrian
The beautiful terrain of this county makes it a very suitable horse riding centre.

Bird Watching
Why not listen to the corncrake on the water meadows of the Shannon near the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise, or visit Clara and Mongans bogs.

Golf
There are a number of fine 18 hole parkland courses located in this area providing a challenge to golfers of all standards.

Birr is the main town of South Offaly and is a beautiful heritage town. It is home to Birr Castle Demesne, famous for its magnificent gardens and home to the Great Telescope, now refurbished to its former glory. It is also renowned as a centre of astronomy.

To the west, the Slieve Blooms rise suddenly from the surrounding plain - this beautiful mountain range and environment park with its blanket bogs and lush forests offers the ideal environment for a range of activities from walking to orienteering.

On the Shannon River, Banagher, Shannonbridge and Shannon Harbour, have become noted centres for the boating community.

Further north is Clonmacnoise - an internationally renowned monastic site.Attractions include Birr Castle Demesne; Clonmacnoise monastic site and the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway.Activity options include River Shannon cruising (including day cruises), canoeing, angling, golf, horse riding, walking, cycling, wildlife and bird watching.

Lying just south of the heart of Ireland, Ely O'Carroll Country embracing parts of Offaly, Tipperary & Laois offers the visitor an amazing array of breathtaking inland scenery. Vast tracks of bogland, rolling hills, meandering waterways and the wonderful tapestry of Irish farmland and forestry form the mosaic that is 'Ely O'Carroll'.