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Introducing County Offaly
Even if the green and watery county of Offaly seems to slip your itinerary, it won’t be for long once you realise it’s the home of the ecclesiastical city of Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most famous sights. But beyond this must-see attraction, Offaly has much to offer: its lowlands are dotted with monastic ruins, its towns are steeped in history and it has a burgeoning foodie culture.
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Geographically, Offaly is dominated by the low-lying bogs. Enormous expanses like the Bog of Allen and the Boora Bog, where peat is extracted on an industrial scale, are horribly scarred. However, in the northeast corner of the county, 665-hectare Clara Bog is remarkably untouched and recognised internationally for its plant and animal life. It’s under consideration for Unesco recognition.
To the east the rugged Slieve Bloom Mountains provide excellent walking, while fishing and water sports are popular on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal. Access www.offaly.ie and www.ireland.ie/offalyfor more information.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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