Just a fortnight ago, for three action-packed days, Co Offaly was the place to be as a record attendance of 283,000 visitors descended on the rural heartland of Screggan outside Tullamore for the 2016 National Ploughing Championships.

For many Ploughing patrons, the trip to Offaly was probably a rare event or maybe even their first time in the county. It’s fair to say that Offaly is probably not very high on many people’s lists when it comes to tourist locations in Ireland. However, many of you who attended this year’s Ploughing may have come upon the Visit Offaly stand hosted by Offaly County Council. The aim of the initiative is to promote tourism within Offaly and showcase some of the unique heritage within the county.

Whiskey Tradition

One of the best-known Irish whiskey brands is Tullamore Dew. Whiskey making in Tullamore dates as far back as 1829 and the brand Tullamore Dew comes from the initials of the man who took control of the distillery in the 1870s, Daniel E Williams.

While Tullamore Dew is now produced at a new distillery outside the town, the original distillery in the centre of Tullamore has been converted into a visitor experience.

Situated on the banks of the Grand Canal, the Tullamore Dew visitor centre takes you through the whiskey production process, from taking in the malting barley to loading the whiskey casks on to barges on the canal.

The other well-known town in Offaly is Birr – home to the famous Birr Castle and gardens. The imposing Birr Castle dates back as far as the Middle Ages and is home to the Earl of Rosse and his family.

Parts of the castle are now open to visitors during the summer months, but some of the real attractions of Birr Castle lie within the 50ha grounds, including the famous gardens as well as a giant tree house, lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

However, Birr Castle is probably most renowned for the great telescope that still stands on the grounds. Built in the early 1840s, it was the largest telescope of its kind in the world at the time and drew scientists from all over to study the stars.

For those with an interest in Ireland’s ancient past, the Clonmacnoise Monastic site, located on the banks of the river Shannon, is a must-visit site. Dating back to 548 AD, the monastery was founded by St Ciarán Mac an tSaoir, where it developed into a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and trade by the ninth century.

The ruined churches, striking round towers and three ancient high crosses give a real insight into the Celtic era of this country. Even Pope John Paul II made it his business to visit the monastery when he visited Ireland in 1979.

Of course, the river Shannon itself is a major attraction that allows visitors the chance to cruise along the waters and stop at villages like Banagher and Shannonbridge. Visitors have the option to sail further south to towns such as Portumna, Terryglass and all the way to scenic Killaloe close to the Shannon estuary.

Aside from its castles and distilleries, Offaly is also home to some of the most unique landscapes in the world, let alone the country. Many of Ireland’s power stations are located in Offaly, where peat was harvested from commercial bogs for years.

However, the Lough Boora discovery park is a project that puts a new perspective on the unique boglands. Literally built around the bones of the old industrial machines and infrastructure from the peat harvesting days, Lough Boora is now a preserve for the unique wildlife and flora found on our native peatlands.

The vast 2,000ha park is now a network of walking and cycling trails allowing visitors to see every facet of this unique landscape and is also home to a permanent exhibition of huge outdoor sculptures that reflect the industrial history of the area.

Contrasting the landscape of the boglands are the hills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains on the Offaly/Laois border that will be a joy to any outdoor enthusiast. The Slieve Blooms are also home to walks and trails set among the trees and rushing waters of the deep glens and rock outcrops.

So, while it may often be overlooked as a destination, the Visit Offaly initiative would simply ask that you don’t make this year’s trip to the Ploughing your last visit to the county. It’s a hidden treasure of activity and adventure in the heartland of Ireland.

Go to www.visitoffaly.ie or call 057-934 6800.