OFFALY (Ireland)

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Offaly lies near the centre of Ireland. In the south-east of the county are the Heathery Slieve Bloom Mountains, among which there are pretty valleys to be explored. The rest of the county is largely level plain and bogland, with occasional elevations. In the west the River Shannon separates the county from Counties Galway and Roscommon. There are numerous points of interest in the towns and countryside of Offaly, including of the most important historic sites in Ireland - Clonmacnois.

The width of the county is crossed by the Grand Canal. Danish raths, or hill fortresses, and remains of ancient churches and monasteries are among the points of interest. Part of the kingdom of Offaly in ancient Ireland, the area was known as King's County from 1556 until the Irish Free State was established in 1922.

West Offaly Railway Bog Tour
Located at Blackwater Works, Shannonbridge, this 5.5 miles is Ireland's only passenger train that journeys through a bog. Experience the past, present and future uses of Blackwater Bog - you might even have the chance to cut turf by hand.
Where else can you travel 10,000 years in just 9km. New for 2000 is 'T on the bog'. As part of your tour, try a cup of tea and a slice of porter cake out on the bog - must be pre-booked.

Birr Castle
Birr, county Offaly, is situated on the banks of the River Camcor. The place name "Birr" originated in an Irish term probably used to describe this riverside position, though for many years the town was known as "Parsonstown", as Birr Castle was and still is, home to the Parsons family.  Back in 1620 Sir Laurence Parsons was granted 1,277 acres of land and took possession of Birr town. The castle has grown since then and become famous for many things, but mostly for the telescope, which was the largest in the world for over 70 years and was constructed in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse. It was recently restored and is in fine working order.

Charleville Castle
Located at Tullamore, Charleville is Irelands finest gothic revival castle. It is considered to be a masterpiece of Francis Johnstons, who designed the GPO in Dublin. The castle was built 
between 1798 and 1810. The massive dining room was designed by Sir William Morris.

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre
Located at Bury Quay, Tullamore, the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre is housed in the original 1897 bonded warehouse. The exhibition relates the story of the town's development, focusing on the Grand Canal, Tullamore Dew Whiskey (named after Daniel Edmond Williams) and Irish Mist Liqueur.  At the end of the tour, enjoy a complimentary tasting of one of these drinks.