Favourite places in Offaly

Venntertainment · 24-03-2009 5:46pm #1

Hello there,

I wonder would anybody be interested in having a look at this.

I'm preparing for a documentary that may be based in the fine county of Offaly.

I'm aiming to use a slightly different approach on a 'travel' documentary and was looking to take a more 'experimental' approach.

I wanted some people, natives of Offaly, to suggest their 10 favourite places in the county.

Obviously I'd like these to be as unique/unusual as possible, rather than the obvious places.

Ideas would be: little known about restaurants/bars/clubs, favourite places to walk, meet friends, places that hold a certain significance for you etc...

You can be as vague/descriptive/personal as you like and you can leave a post here, PM me or send an email (on request).

Many Thanks in advance,
Rob

Venntertainment · 26-03-2009 11:07am

Any thoughts on this at all!?

Quazzie · 26-03-2009 12:43pm

There is the Parachuting Club in Clonbullogue that wouldn't be a bad spot to highlight.

Venntertainment · 26-03-2009 12:46pm

Wow!

That looks pretty cool, thanks a mill...

You wouldn't have a try at some more locations per chance?

Amtmann · 05-04-2009 10:20pm

I suggest you take the N62 and drive south from Athlone to Birr on a fine sunny day like I did yesterday. It's a really bumpy, quaint and charming bog road, and it passes through some beautiful landscape. I loved it (though I'm sure I wouldn't if I had to drive it everyday!).

Scawgeen · 06-04-2009 10:50am

There's Clara Bog near Clara which is well known, but the other side of Clara town is Kilmaleady/Woodfield bog not as well known but which famously moved in 1821. It was known as the Moving Bog and was said at the time to be the wettest bog in the country. It can be viewed in it's entirety from the road at Aughamore which is atop part of the Eiscir Riada, I stand to be corrected of course. Good luck with the guide.

Jugs82 · 29-04-2009 9:55am

Around Kinnitty and Cadamstown can be really beautiful - walking up the Slieve Blooms to the Glendine Gap or to he Silver River in Cadamastown

There is also the Pyramid in Kinnitty, thats pretty weird!! - link

Link to info on the area and the annual Slieve Bloom Festivals

Clonmacnoise of course...

Ballyboy is a georgous little village too with a Thacted pub - Dan & Mollies - great Guinness

Its really quaint, so could be worth checking out too

Saruman · 29-04-2009 9:58am

Tullamore Castle would be a good one, probably not too well known with tourists (only locals).

[edit] what am I saying??? Charleville castle

Venntertainment · 29-04-2009 10:00am

Wow, there's some great stuff here!

Thanks a mill to everyone that's replied so far.

offaly1 · 29-04-2009 10:59am

Saruman wrote: »

Tullamore Castle would be a good one, probably not too well known with tourists (only locals).

Tullamore castle?? where is this? Is that the one you see from the railway??

Jugs82 · 29-04-2009 11:40am

Also, down around Banagher and Shannon Brigde is really beautiful and if you want an atmospheric old pub, it would be hard to beat Haughs in Banagher

Saruman · 29-04-2009 9:06pm

I meant Charleville... brain must have been melted.

offaly1 · 30-04-2009 8:40am

Saruman wrote: »

I meant Charleville... brain must have been melted.

Ah i was wondering as there is the other one, Sragh Castle, its just a ruins, but you can see it from the railway, its nice looking on a nice summers day!

Scawgeen · 30-04-2009 9:52am

Jugs82 wrote: »

Also, down around Banagher and Shannon Brigde is really beautiful and if you want an atmospheric old pub, it would be hard to beat Haughs in Banagher

On a summer's day Victoria Lock near Lusmagh is quiet enchanting, which reminds me of the Bronte connection with Banagher. The last time I saw the word enchanting it was in a book:D

TestTransmission · 30-04-2009 11:29am

Durrow Abbey,no access to tourists tho.

Cycalogic · 30-04-2009 3:05pm

I think Durrow, the back roads especially are beautiful.
Cadamstown, and that river, is beautiful.
The roads around croghan hill, that forest.
Wood of O' bog/forest is pretty when its dry, and you can walk through it. I'm not sure if random people are allowed in through it though. In fact, if you walk down far enough, youre just completely surrounded by bog and its very relaxing.

brosna · 04-05-2009 8:43pm

Here's my list:

Lough Boora Parklands: Simply the best: (Good bless Bord Na Mona). The sculptures, the fresh air, the birds, birdwatching, lakes, picnic areas, the ducks and THE QUIET. Maybe not so quiet if the Midland
http://www.loughbooraparklands.com/virtualboora3.html

Cloghan Lake and the many different types of pheasants that they breed. Never realised there were so many different wonderful coloured pheasants.

Clonmacnoise (Already mentioned): Sitting on the wall under the Round Tower, with the sun on the Shannon, looking back down the river towards Shannonbridge and imagining what it must have been like when those hundreds of years ago a lookout spotted the Viking ships on the river. Into tower, pull up ladder, boiling oil (at least these were the stores I was taught in school). It's my favourite imagination story for my kids.

A walk on any of the bogs

Larry's Oldtime Village in Belmont: Fabulous Minature Village with many thatched cottages, stone walls, etc. Also a display of local photos.
http://www.discoverireland.com/gb/ireland-things-to-see-and-do/listings/gss/product/?fid=FI_12125

The Grand Canal: A walk along the banks of the Grand Canal. Pick any bank and head out of town. The peace, quiet, tranquility.

Shannonharbour: Where the Grand Canal meets the Shannon. Possibly one of the strangest little villages in Ireland. Lots of boats parked up for the winter, comes alive from Easter on. Have a great annual regatta day.

Hennessys thatched pub in Ferbane;

As you can see - I'm a bit biased towards West Offaly.

Favourite places in Offaly

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