10 Things to do in County Offaly That You Shouldn't Miss

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary achievements of the Parsons family who have a global reputation for their ground-breaking inventions and feats in the fields of science, engineering, photography, astronomy and botany. For over 400 years, this remarkable family has resided at the romantic and inspirational setting of Birr Castle Demesne that is now home to the 7th Earl and Countess of Rosse. Set in the heritage town of Birr on 120 acres of parklands and gardens, this castle demesne boasts a rare collection of over 4000 trees and plants, wonderful wildlife, and peaceful walks along rivers, waterfalls and lake. Suited to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, scientists, historians, family groups and photographers.

Charleville Castle, the Masterpiece of Francis Johnston, once derelict, vacant, closed-off and decaying, has been rescued from near ruin by volunteers of the Charleville Castle Community. Built originally as a dramatic Power Center in the Midlands - a most important Irish symbol of the Union with Great Britain 1801 - it is a project of the Peace Process - authenticate, intact and "of the people". The long avenue to the forecourt is now fully open - some areas require supervised access or guides [set donation] - Volunteers rotate on duty 24/7 - 365 days a year - sharing actively with the public. It is famous for its ghosts stories and unique architecture - it is not a state-funded project and depends entirely on volunteers and supporters - the local community and many thousands more openly express love and support for the Castle. Come visit - we hope you will get a real feeling of what it is to keep a big Castle like this alive - hopefully your visit can be enhanced by a guided tour.

Temporarily Closed Situated right in the heart of Ireland, there is an incredible experience that has been waiting for you since 1829. Join us at the newly renovated home of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and immerse yourself in the history and magic that lies inside the walls of this 19th century bonded warehouse, where our whiskey making tradition began.Located on the banks of the grand canal in Tullamore, the Visitor Centre has been beautifully restored to all its original glory. Once inside, you can enjoy a true Irish welcome and a guided tour which blends both audiovisual and traditional storytelling to help you see, smell, taste and understand the craft, time and passion dedicated to each glass of Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey.The Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre is just over an hour from Dublin, located off the main Dublin to Galway motorway. You can also get to us by rail - we’re just a stone’s throw away from the Tullamore railway station. So call in today and join us in raising a glass of complimentary Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey. We will be here waiting to welcome you.

Lough Boora Discovery Park is made up of more than 2,000 hectares of cutaway boglands have been rehabilitated to provide a world class resource of scale which is open access for people to enjoy 365 days a year. It is a haven of flora and fauna for nature lovers, the Sculpture Park provides a platform for international artists to use the park as inspiration for their works of art while off-road cycling and walking tracks provide families with a safe recreational area to enjoy the tranquillity and vastness of the open space. The lakes provide local angling clubs with the perfect location for fishing. The park provides local employment and a venue for clubs and groups to host their events alongside visitor centre organised events such as family days.

The motte and bailey (earthworks) were built by the English between 1170-1220 to protect the river crossing of the Shannon. The original wooden castle was burned and replaced by the present stone castle by Henry of London in c.1214. All that remains are the ruined walls and the earthworks.