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County Offaly: The Fun You Will Have in the Heart of Ireland!

For those looking for a vacation destination off the beaten path, but still offering everything one could hope for in an Irish vacation destination, look no further than County Offaly, located in the center of Ireland. Offaly is a natural wonderland; the Slieve Bloom Mountain range, the Bog of Allen, and those mutinous Shannon waves (thank you James Joyce) are all a part of Offaly's landscape. Historical attractions are around every bend in the road. Quaint Irish towns filled with restaurants and Public Houses are waiting to show you the famous Irish hospitality. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the day hiking, golfing, fishing, mountain biking, or taking a leisurely stroll through the countryside.

History lovers, or anyone with even a passing interest in gardens, should make a beeline for Birr Castle. This medieval structure dates back to 950 AD when it served as a fortress for the local chieftain. The castle is the current home of Lord and Lady Rosse, and is not open to the public. At over 120 acres, the surrounding gardens, or Demesne, constitutes the largest garden in Ireland. There are over 1000 different tree species in the Demesne, and the garden has the tallest box hedges in the entire world. Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are also an integral part of the garden's landscape. Science buffs will get a kick out of the Great Telescope, built in 1845, at the time the largest telescope in the world.

Another historical can't-miss site is Clonmacnoise in Shannonbridge. The monastery was founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD. On the grounds there are ruins of a cathedral, eight churches, and three high crosses, one of which is a carved "Cross of the Scriptures". Also part of the ruins is a castle, two holy wells, and an ancient Christian cemetery containing the grave of the last High King of Ireland, Rory O'Connor. Guided tours are given in summer; the visitor's center has a video presentation telling about the history of the monastery.

Golf is the most popular pastime in Ireland, and County Offaly is no exception. Tullamore Golf Club in Brookfield is consistently rated as one of the top courses in all of Ireland. The course started with small beginnings, as a few friends started golfing in the nearby fields. Today, the course is a magnificently manicured loop with scenery that seems to jump right out of a postcard. The course plays 6400 yards from the tips, and offers a challenging layout to complement the incredible views. Castle Barna Golf Club in Daingean offers another choice for golf in Offaly. The course meanders through rolling parkland, and golfers will play their shots amid the sounds of natural streams that line the fairways.

The spirit of Ireland rests in its rich countryside dotted with bogs, rivers, glens, streams, and pristine valleys that sing a nature-filled song to all those willing to listen. One of the best ways to explore Offaly is by putting on your hiking boots. One of the most popular hikes in the region is the Offaly Way, a circular route that takes hikers up mountains, down valleys, and skirting river banks. The trail connects the Slieve Bloom Way to the Grand Canal Way. The trail meanders past peatlands and through fern gulleys.

County Offaly has something for every vacationer. Toss in a fishing line on the Royal and Grand Canals in Edenderry. Take a nip of the fine whiskey produced in Tullamore. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise down the river Shannon. Whether you like visiting historical and religious sites, shopping for Irish wool, or spending your day in the Great Outdoors, County Offaly is waiting and extending a friendly invitation!