Things to do in County Offaly
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Silverline Cruisers
Two- to 12-person berths from €1100 to €3670 per week.
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Lough Boora Parklands Sculptures
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Riverbank
This deep-red place set on the banks of the Little Brosna River is well worth the short trip from town for its superb but honest food and friendly atmosphere. There's always a good choice of fish and seafood as well as steaks, grills and traditional favourites on offer. Riverbank is 1.5km south of Birr on the N52.
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Other Remains
Beyond the site's boundary wall, about 500m east through the modern graveyard, is the secluded Nun's Church. From here the main site, including the towers, is not visible. The church has wonderful Romanesque arches with minute carvings; one has been interpreted as Ireland's earliest sheila-na-gig, in an acrobatic pose with feet tucked behind the ears.
To the west of the site, on the ridge near the car park, is a motte with the oddly shaped ruins of a 13th-century castle, built by John de Grey, bishop of Norwich, to watch over the Shannon.
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Museum
Three connected conical huts near the entrance, which now house the museum, echo the design of early monastic dwellings. The centre's 20-minute audiovisual show is an excellent introduction to the site.
The exhibition area contains the original high crosses (replicas have been put in their former locations outside), and various artefacts uncovered during excavation, including silver pins, beaded glass and an Ogham stone. It also contains the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Europe. Many are in remarkable condition, with inscriptions clearly visible, often starting with oroit do or ar (a prayer for).
There's a real sense of drama as you descend to the…
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Cathedral
The biggest building at Clonmacnoise, the cathedral was originally built in AD 909, but was significantly altered and remodelled over the centuries. Its most interesting feature is the intricate 15th-century Gothic doorway with carvings of Sts Francis, Patrick and Dominic. A whisper carries from one side of the door to the other, and this feature was supposedly used by lepers to confess their sins without infecting the priests.
The last high kings of Tara – Turlough Mór O'Connor (died 1156) and his son Ruairí (Rory; died 1198) – are said to be buried near the altar.
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