Short breaks in Ireland, special offers on hotel accommodation and spa breaks

South Offaly… The Heart of Ireland

Feel the heartbeat of Ireland in a land of castles and Christian monuments, wild bogland and cherished heritage.
South Offaly lies at the very heart of the country. The majestic Shannon River defines its western boundary and the gently rolling hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains rise up in the east. The rich scenic variety in this inland county ensures a wide range of activities and experiences for those who want to get to know the true character of Ireland.

An Ancient Kingdom

South Offaly was once part of the powerful O’Carroll Clan’s ancient kingdom and much still survives of the fortresses they inhabited. The O’Carroll dynasty held sway in Kinnitty Castle for centuries having successfully driven out the Normans only to be evicted by English Forces in the 17th century Plantation of Offaly. Today it is a beautifully restored luxury hotel and romantic wedding destination. Historic Birr Castle was another O’Carroll stronghold and is now the private family home of Lord and Lady Rosse. The castle only opens to the public on special occasions but the surrounding demesne is open throughout the year and is a must for anyone visiting the area. Birr Castle Gardens are world famous for landscaping and species variety. Centrepiece in the garden is the restored Great Telescope built by the 3rd Earl in the 1840’s and the largest in the world for 70 years. The family’s pioneering achievements in astronomy, photography, engineering and horticulture are celebrated in the castle’s Historic Science Centre.

Wandering Waterways

Entirely given over to leisure, the Shannon River offers pleasure cruising, water sports and excellent fishing. Tie up in the beautiful town of Banagher where the old quays have been extended and a new marina built upstream of the fine stone bridge. Shops, pubs and restaurants cater for the hundreds of cabin cruisers that moor here. Canoes and boats can be hired and there is a canoe training centre. The lovely village of Shannonbridge, also popular for pleasure boating and fishing, is a great base for wildlife watching on the Shannon Callows. The shallow gradient of the Shannon River north of Lough Derg results in regular flooding and the wet grasslands known as the Shannon Callows is an internationally renowned area for wild birds and wildlife. You’ll spot lapwing, redshank and curlew. The river has also given its name to Shannon Harbour where The Grand Canal meets the Shannon. Once a busy commercial centre for water borne traffic it is now a great base for boating, particularly barges.

Georgian Elegance

While Birr Castle and Gardens is a major visitor attraction in South Offaly the Heritage Town of Birr is also a wonderful example of Georgian elegance. Great care and attention has been taken to carefully preserve the architecture of the period and modern development has been sympathetic to Birr’s heritage. Nestled in the leafy Oxmantown Mall, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is a charming building which dates from 1888. Recently restored to its original glory it is a high quality facility which hosts many diverse music and drama productions. The town has excellent accommodation and gourmet restaurants and Birr Vintage Week is a highlight of the summer festival calendar.

Peaceful Nature

Unspoilt tranquillity awaits you in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This National Nature Reserve is the largest unbroken area of upland blanket bog and forestry in Ireland. The beautiful landscape of rolling hills is the perfect setting for a cycle, drive, walk or pony trek. There are plenty of sign-posted walks, information boards on wildlife, flora and fauna, and designated picnic areas. For the more energetic hiker The Slieve Bloom Way takes you through coniferous and broadleaf woods with colourful heathers, delicate bog cotton and plenty of forest wildlife. The mountains are girdled by friendly villages such as Kinnitty, Clonaslee and Clareen where you can see the remains of the monastic settlement of St Ciaran.

Glistening Beauty

The Silver River Nature Trail takes you through an ancient landscape formed by seas and rivers over 400 million years ago. There has been little disturbance to the valley and the Silver River gorge retains much of its character. The river takes its name from the particles of silver occurring naturally in the limestone rock upstream and washed downriver. From Cadamstown walk and enjoy dappled sunshine on sparkling water in this place of special beauty and interest.

A Golden Age

The holy site of Clonmacnoise is situated right on the banks of the River Shannon. Founded in the 6th century by St. Ciaran it grew to become a great centre of learning and devotion. Clustered by the water’s edge are round towers, high crosses, earthworks and grave slabs, all remnants of the ecclesiastical city that once thrived here. The Visitor Centre explains monastic life during the Golden Age of the early Christian era.

Unique Train Journey

Embarking near Shannonbridge, visitors travel onboard a narrow gauge railway through a section of the Bog of Allen. The enclosed carriage of The Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway travels at a leisurely pace revealing many aspects of Ireland's peatlands en route. The 9 kms. circular route tells the story of the bog from its formation many thousands of years ago to the use of peat or turf as winter fuel in the home, hand-cut by local families, to the large scale commercial operation of Bord na Mona, the Irish Peat Board. Enjoy too the flora and fauna of this distinctive landscape. Unique to Ireland this is a great trip for train enthusiasts and families alike.