Offaly Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Offaly

Show Photos Show Map

Want to advertise on this page?

Overview

Things to do

Suitability

Country Info (Ireland)

Slideshow of Photos

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 one 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. 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.

Suggest a change to the Offaly Things to do section (click to dropdown)

Population: 4.015.700
Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic) (both official)
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Ireland - Dublin

Country Dialling Code: +353
Voltage: 220 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Ireland occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible. And while it may be small, Ireland packs a big holiday punch. There are windswept, deserted beaches to discover, a rugged coastline, mountains and lochs, the stark landscape of the Burren and lush countryside that dazzles the eye with so many shades of green you understand at once why the tourist brochures call this the Emerald Isle.

Ireland's main cities include:

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) - the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Cork (Corcaigh) - second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.
Galway (Gaillimh) - a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway's summer is filled with festivals of music, food, Gaelic language and culture. Galway hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival. The locals seem to give off a positive Bohemian vibe. Galway is split between two types of beautiful landscape: the gorgeous mountains to the west, and the east's farming valleys.
Killarney - Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. A pleasant town in its own right, it is also the start of most Ring of Kerry trips.
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) - attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
Letterkenny - Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.
Limerick (Luimneach) - a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.
Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.
Waterford (Port Láirge) - Ireland's oldest city. In the south-east and close to the ferry port at Rosslare. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. It is quite possibly one of the best cities in the country as it is not too large and is full of history. Many festivals take place throughout the year including ((Spraoi)). The food is good and the Granary Museum is the best for ancient Irish history in the country. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave. (A floury bread bun peculiar to this area of Ireland).

	Day	Night
Fri	N/A	Mostly Clear
Sat	Partly Cloudy / Wind	Clear
Sun	Mostly Sunny	Partly Cloudy
Mon	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy
Tue	Mostly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy

Offaly Travel Guide

Offaly Suitability Profile