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Banagher
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Banagher is a
small town in the western part of Co Offaly. The town is right in
the heart of the Irish midlands and is situated on the banks of the
river Shannon.
In times gone by Banagher held a very strategic position on the
River Shannon and was one of the few crossing points between the
provinces of Leinster and Connacht. For this reason it became the
site of a number of historical buildings including a 17th century
Martello Tower and several castles built in the 14th and 15th
centuries.
Up to the middle of the last century Banagher had a number of large
industries including brewing and distilling which depended on the
river. It was also an important port on the Limerick to Dublin
river/canal navigation.
Today commercial activity in and around the river has largely been
replaced by tourist activity. There is a modern Marina which
provides a base for river cruisers. River buses operate from
Banagher taking visitors on their way to Clonmacnoise and other
towns bounded by the river. There is also watersports facilities.
Banagher is the centre of the 'callows' of the Shannon, grassy
meadows which flood in winter and provide living space for myriads
of waterfowl.
Banagher is an important angling centre, with particular attraction
for pike anglers. Banagher International Angling Competitions are
held annually at a number of well-known fishing hot spots on the
River Shannon. The Spring Festival is held in early May and the
Autumn one in September. One of the best fishing spots is probably
the "Town Stretch" which is located downstream of Banagher on the
east bank of the river .
There are several walking routes in the region around Banagher
including the Offaly Way on the banks of the Grand Canal and the
Slieve Bloom Way. The Clara Bog, the Lusmagh Bog Walk, Lough Boora
Parklands and Portumna Forest Park allow the visitor to walk on a
flat landscape of unique beauty and rare animal and plant species.
Just 12km south of Banagher is Birr Castle Demesne which is the
location of Ireland’s Historic Science Centre. In the grounds of the
castle is the Great Telescope built by the Earl of Rosse in the
1840's and one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. 20km north
of Banagher, along the banks of the river Shannon is the ancient
monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise.
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Banagher Holiday Homes - County Offaly, Ireland