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Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 03/05/2007 16:41 Page 162
CO. OFFALY
Bordered on the north by Westmeath
WESTMEATH
and to the south by Laois and the
Edenderry Slieve Bloom Mountains, Offaly’s
Clonmacnoise
Ferbane
Tullamore main towns are Tullamore and Birr,
Banagher
which is one of only 15 members of
Kilcormac
Portarlington
the Heritage Towns of Ireland
Birr
Association. The county is also home
to Clonmacnoise, the most extensive
LAOIS
monastic settlement in Ireland. Also of
TIPPERARY massive archaeological significance
are the Bog of Allen and Boora Bog
between Ferbane and Kilcormac. During the Viking raids of the 9th and
10th centuries, these flat, marshy lands provided a measure of defence
for the local inhabitants, but in recent years, they have achieved greater Canoe stopover, Banagher.
prominence with the discovery of 9,000-year-old flint weapons.
Silver Line has a modern fleet of 2-12 berth charter cruisers on the River
BANAGHER Shannon. Ideally situated between Lough Ree and Lough Derg, all the
Just 12km north of Birr on the Shannon you will find the quiet and cruisers are fully equipped and are operated from the marina at Banagher,
picturesque town of Banagher. Historically the town was known as the Co. Offaly. Free car parking available. Silver Line Cruisers offer weekly and
gateway to the west of Ireland and was located at a strategic crossing short break hire. Silver Line also operate a River Cruise on board their
on the Shannon. The defensive importance of the town is reflected in 54-seater passenger boat, contact directly for scheduled sailing times.
the many impressive fortifications located in the area. The main
attraction of the town today is the modern marina with superb BIRR
facilities for fishing and water-based activities. Banagher certainly is a Birr is a charming Georgian heritage town, with tree-lined malls and
fisherman’s paradise with not only the River Shannon, but also the avenues around formal and well-planned squares and greens, making
Brosna, Lough Derg and Lough Allen in the region. The Banagher it perfect for a quiet stroll. However, Birr has much more to offer with
Coarse Angling Festival competitions are held at a number of venues the beautiful Birr Castle and Demesne. There has been a Norman
in the area usually in April/May and again in September/October. castle on this site since 1170. From the 14th to 17th century, the
Contact Ray Duthie (0509) 51504 for further details on the competitions. area was ruled by the O’Carroll family when the territory was known as
Ely O’Carroll. It has been home to the Parsons family, Earls of Rosse,
pointofinterest activities & pastimes since 1620. The main attractions include the beautiful gardens.
Carrickcraft, Banagher, Co. Offaly. Web: www.cruise-ireland.com. Why Extending over an impressive 120 acres, this 17th century park is home
not spend your holidays on board a cabin cruiser on the magical to a collection of over 2,000 rare species of trees and shrub, including
waterways of Ireland? Carrickcraft operate a luxury fleet of hire the world’s tallest box hedge, standing at 12m. Other highlights on the
cruisers from Carrick-on-Shannon, Banagher on the Lower Shannon grounds are Ireland’s Historic Science Centre, containing astronomical
and Tully Bay on Lough Erne, with various sizes available from 2 to 8 and photographic equipment illustrating the Parson family’s pioneering
berthes. See our main ad in the Leitrim section or have a look at our work in the scientific field, the Great Telescope and the National Birds
website www.cruise-ireland.com for further details and special offers. of Prey Centre. The castle is open mid-March through October, 9am-
Silver Line Cruisers, The Marina, Banagher, Co. Offaly. Tel: (057) 915 6pm and November to mid-March, 10am-4pm. Tel: (0509) 20336.
1112; Fax: (057) 915 1632; Email: info@silverlinecruisers.com; Web:
www.silverlinecruisers.com. Enjoy the thrill of captaining your own cruiser.
Birr Castle, Co. Offaly.
162 shannon and the midlands
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