County Offaly

County Offaly holds two treasures: the great monastic city of Clonmacnoise and the remarkable Birr Castle with its 19th-century great telescope. Between them lie the vast Midland bogs.

Why Visit Offaly?

Medieval monasteries and science heritage:

• Clonmacnoise - One of Europe's great monastic sites
• Birr Castle - Historic telescope and science center
• Lough Boora - Art park in rewilded bogland
• Slieve Bloom - Gentle mountain walking
• Bog heritage - Industrial railways and peat extraction

Top Attractions

Clonmacnoise

Founded in 545 AD, this monastery was one of Europe's great centers of learning. High crosses, round towers, and cathedral ruins overlook the Shannon.

Birr Castle Demesne

The Leviathan of Parsonstown was the world's largest telescope from 1845-1917. The science center and 50-acre gardens are excellent.

Lough Boora Discovery Park

Former industrial bog transformed into sculpture park and nature reserve. Walking and cycling through a recovering landscape.

Slieve Bloom Mountains

Gentle uplands with marked trails, forest walks, and the long-distance Slieve Bloom Way.

Tullamore

County town with canal heritage and the home of Tullamore Dew whiskey.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Birr gardens bloom Summer (June-August): Best bog exploration weather Autumn (September-October): Slieve Bloom colors Winter (November-February): Clonmacnoise atmospheric in any weather

Getting Around

Offaly is accessible from Dublin and Galway. Birr makes an attractive base.

Local Tips

• Clonmacnoise can be busy - visit early or late
• The bog railway at Clonmacnoise is seasonal
• Birr town has excellent restaurants
• Slieve Bloom is rarely crowded - enjoy the peace