County Offaly covers an area of 771 square miles of mountains, ancient boglands and waterways in the Midlands of Ireland. The county's Clara bog is one of the largest remaining intact boglands in Western Europe and is recognised as being of international importance. The bogland and wetlands of Offaly are home to many species of birds and wildlife. Born Na Mona (Irish Peat Board) operate a guided tour through the Blackwater Bog on the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, which gives a fascinating insight into this extraordinary landscape.

Derived from the Irish 'Uibh Fhaili' meaning Failghe's People, County Offaly is rich in heritage and culture. The early Christian site at Clonmacnoise was founded by St Ciaran in 545 and is one of Ireland's most important monastic settlements. The site today comprises two round towers, a group of churches and three High Crosses. The last High King of Ireland, Rory O'Connor is buried here. Other monuments and historic buildings of note in County Offaly are the Martello Tower in Bangahar, the Napoleonic Fortifications at Lusmagh, Shannonbridge and Cloghan Castle and the splendid Birr Castle and giant telescope. The Georgian Heritage town of Birr is one of Ireland's most charming inland towns.

Visitors to County Offaly can also enjoy barge and cabin cruising on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal, excellent fishing and a range of watersports at Lough Derg. There are several top class Golf courses in the county set in peaceful and unspoiled surroundings. The Sleive Bloom Mountains provides walks and trails amongst deep valley glens and across wild heather-clad hills.


Towns in County Offaly

The county capital is Tullamore. Other townships in the county include Birr, Edenderry and Ferbane. The population of County Offaly is just over 59.000. Please see our town guides for further information.

Business Information

Offaly has a strong agricultural base in the county. Dairy and milk production, dry stock, beef, sheep and tillage are the principle farming activities. Glenesk produces dairy foods, organic milk and goats milk in County Offaly. The main indigenous industries are cabinet making and furniture, manufacturing for the building trade - concrete products and construction materials and light and agricultural engineering. Overseas companies to make their home in County Offaly include Kendal's Health Products form the U.S. and the winter sportswear manufacturer - Lowe Alpine.
Bord Na Mona (the Irish Peat Board) employ over 300 people at their commercial peat plant. The EBS Power Station at Shannonbridge is fired by local peat.