Shannonvale.

In the heart of the midlands with a landscape of diverse and contrasting as Ireland itself, lies the county of Offaly. The rich fertile land of the south, dotted with dairy cattle and tillage farms, gives way to the imposing isolation of the mountain range of Slieve Bloom in the west. Rising suddenly from the surrounding plains, Slieve Bloom brims with life through a wealth of tumbling rivers and streams, lush green forests and quaint peaceful villages. Further north, the grand canal, flowing east-west pierces the county like a great divide. To the west is the natural boundary of the great river Shannon. Here its basin is thronged with vast reaches of bog and wondrous wetlands, representing an ecological history book of the whole area, and overflowing with an immense array of flora and fauna, birds and wildlife.

What to do...

Farm visits:

Drystock/sheep, tillage,poultry,dairy farms and an open farm with a museum of old farm machinery.
 

Fishing:

Salmon, Pike, Trout and most coarse species on the Shannon and Brosna rivers. The Grand Canal and the river Suck are great Pike waters and also contain much Bream and Perch. To prove your skills or simply for a bit of fun, we host many angling competitions during the year. 

Golf:

18 hole championship courses at Birr, Tullamore and Portarlington, and 18 hole golf courses at Castlebarnagh and Edenderry. Pitch and putt at Clara, Ferbane, Kilcormac, Tullamore and Banagher. We also have a 9 hole course with a driving range in Cloghan. 

Boating: 

The Grand Canal and the Shannon offer peaceful boating and cruising, with a beautiful shore and bank scenery. Forget everything else as you cruise along at a few miles an hour. 

Walking:

A wealth of walking/hiking trails exist in the Slieve Bloom mountains and there are forest walks in the Slieve Bloom Environment park and along the Grand Canal. You will be spoilt for choice with "The Offaly Way" or "The Grand Canal Way" or if you want to create your own route, you can amble along any of our quiet country roads. 

Horse-riding: 

at Belmont, Birr, Mount Lucas and Tullamore. 

Leisure:

Gaelic football and hurling games, tennis, swimming pools, aerobics and cycling all nearby. 
 

What to see:

Offaly offers a host of historical and archaeologically splendid sites and attractions: -Birr Castle Demense, dating from the early 17th century. Its magnificent gardens hold over a thousand trees and shrubs, as well as one of the largest telescopes in the world which was built in 1845. -The Monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise which date from 6th century, situated on the banks of the Shannon. -Charleville Castle, built in 1798, is one of the finest examples of Gothic Structure in Ireland. - The bogs and the great wetlands and callows of the Shannon basin are a haven of beauty and wonder. They can be toured on the narrow guage 5.5 mile circular route of the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway. This guided tour which will answer all your questions re: the evolution, uses and life of the bog in addition to being a very unique train ride. Welcome to Shannonvale where you will experience the warmth of rural Ireland, a relaxed pace of life and the traditional hertigage of our area that has remained unchanged for decades. Be a guest not just a tourist. You'll live as part of the local community where you will share in their pastimes, customs and entertainment, more as a family menber than as a tourist or visitor. You can take part in dairy farming and rural activities, where children are especially welcome, as well as visiting the splendid array of historical sites and special attractions. 
 

Accommodation:

Shannonvale boasts a rich choice of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, all of which are Bord Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board) approved. You can stay in a traditional Irish Farmhouse or town and country home where all your needs are taken care of, or you can self cater in an old world Irish cottage, a rustic farmhouse or a modern bungalow. Bonuses: When you stay in Shannonvale your holiday will include: -Admission to a traditional working farm. -Admission to a day-visitor attraction. -A demonstration of brown bread making. -A special information pack containing details of where to go and what to see and do. -The personal services of the local community tourism group to assist you in maximising the pleasure and enjoyment of your holiday in Shannonvale. Where to stay: Accommodation on offer comprises: Farmhouse, town and country Homes, Self Catering properties and a selection of hotels. We hope you are tempted to come and live amongst us for a week or two.
To book your holiday at Shannonvale or for any information you require contact:
Bernie at Tel: (0506) 55825 Int:+353 506 55825.