County Offaly has mercifully escaped the eroding footprint of tourism chiefly because people have been to impatient to get from one coast of the country to the other. In fact there is as much to hold the interest: the Shannon, the longest river in the British Isles, slips idly through the countryside. The Grand Canal that links the East and West Coasts, the miniature grandeur of the Slieve Bloom mountains and the boglands which, despite their unprepossessing title, nurture a great array of flowering shrubs and plants, the area is also home to a huge wealth of early Christian settlements and contain prehistoric treasures that have only recently begun to emerge. Slow down, and discover the hidden treasures of Offaly.

Birr, with its Georgian facades, broad streets and squares, makes it one of Ireland's most beautiful cities. The great Rosse telescope, the world's largest until this century, brought particular fame to Birr as, in their own way, do the box hedges of the sensational Castle Gardens said to be the highest in the world.

The Slieve Bloom Mountains:
They deceive the eye for they appear far greater and grander than their height - just 2000 ft - suggests. But a gently stroll through wooded glens, past waterfalls and over rounded hills will take you another Eden.

The Rock of Cashel:
Like a pre-raphaelite landscape, is a steep outcrop of limestone rising from the plain. Ecclesiastical ruins still stands at its peak. The seat of early chieftains, throne of the Munster Kings and a fount of Irish legend.

Clonmacnois:
The most celebrated of Holy places in Ireland. "And the warriors of Erin in their famous generations slumber here". It started as a monastery in 548 and, despite numerous assaults, its stones and crosses still tell us a vivid history of Ireland.

Athlone:
Has one of the most impressive castles in Ireland, a mighty medieval stronghold that has guarded the bridge for 800 years. Also famous for its splendid pubs.

Birr Telescope:
Built in the 1840's, became known as "The Leviathan of Parso:stown" (Parsonstown being Birr's old name) has been restored and is open to the public in the beautiful setting of Birr Castle gardens.

Riding, game and course hunting, fishing, walking, sightseeing.

Birr, Parkland course, 18 holes, 6268 yards, Par 70.
Founded 1893.
Tullamore, Parkland course, 18 holes, 6322 yards, Par 70.
Founded 1896. Designer James Braid.
Roscrea, Public parked course, 18 holes, 6383 yards, Par 71.
Founded 1891. Designer A. Spring.
Glasson, Parkland course, 18 holes, 7120 yards, Par 74.

Kinnitty Castle, Birr, Offaly
Springfort Hall, Mallow, Cork - 67 miles
Halpins Hotel, Kilkee, Clare - 73 miles.