Offaly (Holiday Apartments, Offaly, Ireland), once called Kings County during British occupation, comes from the Gaelic word, Uibh Fhaili, which means People of Failghe.
In ancient times, the proximity of the Shannon to Offaly (Bed and Breakfasts, Offaly, Ireland) was responsible for the presence of many foreign visitors, all of which have had a lasting influence in 
one way or another. Merchants from continental Europe travelled by way of the Shannon river and passed through Offaly.
One of the most significant of influences has been that of the Danes who built Clonmacnoise monastery, and also travelled by way of the Shannon. In early Christian times, Offaly (Accommodation, Offaly, Ireland) was a center for study and enlightenment. Monks from all 
over the rest of Europe frequented the monasteries there.
Offaly
Another typical Central Plain county, chiefly pasture and bog. In contrast to the monotony and flatness of most of tlie surface, the high heathery ridge of Slieve Bloom rises on the southern edge, attaining in Arderin a height of 1733 ft. In tlie north-east Croghan 
Hill (709 ft.), tlie stump of an ancient volcano, overlooking a vast area of plain, forms a landmark over several counties. For some distance, the Shannon forms the western boundary of the county. Lakes are practically absent. A good many towns, none of large size, are scattered over the low grounds.
Tulkunore, the county town, lies near the centre, Clara in the north, Banagher on the Shannon, and Birr - famous for Lord Posses observatory - in the west, and Edenderry in the east.
