County Offaly
A county dominated by bog and peat, Offaly is home to the extensive Bog of Allen in the east and Boora Bog in the west, between Firbane and Kilcormac. The Bog of Allen is a huge expanse, which together with others Irish bogs is mined by Bord na Mona. Using huge machines the bogs are mined for peat used in compost and fuel briquettes, however, there are still several bogs that remain relatively untouched and are noted internationally for their plant and animal life.
For a fun day out and a closer look at the workings of a bog, the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Bog Tour is well worth joining. With the opportunity to travel 5.5 miles on Ireland's only passenger train that journeys through a bog, visitors will experience the past, present and future uses of Blackwater Bog - and might even have the chance to cut turf by hand. 'T on the bog' is also a part of the tour, wherby passengers can try a cup of tea and a slice of porter cake out on the bog.
Birr, now a heritage town is also one of Offaly's most picturesque locations. Retaining much of its eighteenth and nineteenth century character (marked by its Georgian architecture), the town has several distractions. For most though, Birr Castle and Demesne is the main draw. Among one of the finest in Ireland, much of the current structure dates from around 1620, when the castle and estate were give to Sir Laurence Parsons.
In the nineteenth century, a later member of the Laurence generation presided over its alterations, leaving the castle structurally quite similar to the building we see today. Although appreciated in its own right, the castle has also become famous for its 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. The Demesne consists of fifty hectares of wonderful gardens set around a large artificial lake.
Alongside the castle, the ancient site of Clonmacnoise provides another popular detour. One of Ireland's most famous monastic sites, Clonmacnoise was founded by Saint Ciaran in the sixth century, and is situated on the water meadows of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a Cathedral, eight churches dating from the tenthand thirteenth century, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre. Buried here is the last High King of Ireland - Ruari O Connchabhair. There is also an audio visual show as well as a number of exhibitions.
Offaly also makes up a significant part of Ely O'Carroll country. Ely O'Carroll is a 500 square km area in South Offaly and North Tipperary, in the south-west midlands of Ireland. With an amazing array of breathtaking inland scenery, it is a land of ancient castles and monasteries, Celtic high crosses, rich farmland, mountains, rivers and bogs.
