County Offaly Tourist Attractions List of sites and attractions in County Offaly

This was once one of Ireland's most important religious, artistic, and literary centers, a place of pilgrimage and high culture. Founded in the mid-5th century at the axis of the River Shannon and the medieval east-west thoroughfare known as the Eiscir Riada, Clonmacnois thrived for centuries until its prime riverfront location nearly proved its undoing. In the 830s, Vikings sailed up the Shannon from Limerick and brought havoc that returned many times in the ensuing centuries. Even in ruins, Clonmacnois remains a place of peculiar beauty and serenity.

Situated between Tullamore and Kilbeggan, and Clara to the north west, lies a beautiful place called Durrow. Its name is derived from the oak which once flourished at the site of the ancient monastery. From early christian times to the present day, Durrow has held an important place in the religion and political history of our country. It is mainly in the Barony of Ballycowan, and the Westmeath portion in Moycashel. Like many other areas, very little is recorded to tell us what conditions were like, prior to the arrival of St. Columcille. One thing we do know, is that no such highway passed through to compare with the present fine road that connects Tullamore and Kilbeggan today, which passes the site of the ancient monastery. But modern roads, and beautiful houses that have sprang up in recent years, have not lessened the charms of the monastic site.

Tullamore is the primary town of the Midlands, located in the centre of Ireland. A varied selection of leisure and recreational facilities in Tullamore include one of Irelands premiere athletic stadiums, choice of equestrian centres, expansive national park and canal waterway network. Tullamore is regarded as the 'Entertainment capital of the Midlands' with a wide selection of cafes, bistros & bars. Gourmet lovers will enjoy a variety of world class cuisine from Ireland, France, Italy, China, Turkey, Asia, India and further afield.

Edenderry, a market town in the county of Offaly , is located on the River Boyne and borders the Bog of Allen and is 63km west from Dublin . The town as well as the Court House, was mostly built by the marquises of Downshire in the 18th and 19th centuries. South of the town you will find the ruins of Peter Blundell's castle . About two miles from the centre of the town is Monasterboyce. The town became an important local centre in 1802. Today it offers a selection of leisure activities,including golf courses and also the oldest skydiving centre in Ireland (Irish Parachuting Club), located 8km south of Edenderry.

Birr (Biorra in Irish) is a town in the Midlands county of Offaly in Ireland. Once called Parsonstown, after the Parsons family who were local landowners and hereditary Earls of Rosse, Birr is situated at the meeting of the Camcor and Little Brosna rivers. On leaving Birr, the combined Camcor and Little Brosna rivers, now simply the River Brosna, flow into the River Shannon. Birr is a designated Irish Heritage Town with a carefully preserved Georgian heritage. Birr itself has graceful wide streets and elegant buildings. Many of the houses in John's Place and Oxmantown Mall have exquisite fanlight windows of the Georgian period.