Tullamore

Tullamore is a market town in County Offaly situated between Dublin and Galway, with the Grand Canal running through it to connect with the Shannon river system. The town center developed around this water route, which brought commerce and connectivity to the area for centuries.

A balloon accident in 1785 triggered a fire that devastated the town, representing the first recorded aviation accident globally. The community rebuilt afterward and eventually became known for whiskey production starting in the following centuries.

The town's whiskey heritage remains central to local identity, with the Tullamore Dew brand becoming known worldwide as a product of this place. Walking through the town, one notices how this distilling tradition continues to shape the community's character and pride.

The town sits on major routes with rail connections and the N52 road linking it to nearby larger cities, making it easy to visit from Dublin or Galway. Most of the town's attractions are within walking distance of each other in the center.

The nearby Lough Boora Discovery Park sits on restored peatlands and features outdoor sculptures crafted from industrial materials, showing how abandoned peat extraction sites became nature reserves. This transformation demonstrates a practical approach to turning industrial landscapes into green spaces for walking and observation.