Offaly is situated right in the heart of Ireland, in the Irish Midlands. It is a pretty county and is a good choice for a short break for those wanting to enjoy the county’s countryside, leisure activities and historic sites as well as for anyone wanting to explore the surrounding counties of Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Galway and Meath.

Clonmacnoise is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland with one of the country’s finest High Crosses, a large number of grave-slabs dating from between the 8th and 12th centuries and an interesting monastery.

Tullamore is the county town and is a lively place with good shopping and leisure facilities. The Grand Canal reached the town in 1798 and has played an important part in the town’s development ever since. It is also home of Irish Mist Licquor and Tullamore Dew, a fine whiskey and you can learn more about the significance of the whiskey in the town’s history at the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre. Nearby Charleville Castle is a spectacular early 19th century gothic revival building and in its grounds stands Ireland’s oldest oak tree.

Other interesting towns in Offaly include Ballycumber, Birr, Clara, Edenderry, Portarlington and Kinnitty.