Offaly drivers face huge 40km diversion into different county for tiny road closure
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31 Oct 2025
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31 Oct 2025
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Lough Boora Discovery Park, one of Offaly's premier tourist attractions
THE peatlands of the Midlands have been highlighted as a tourism attraction by Senator Pippa Hackett in the Seanad.
The Offaly Minister was welcoming the county’s inclusion in the Hidden Heartlands of Failte Ireland’s marketing campaign.
“I’m delighted Offaly is being recognised for all that it has to offer,” said the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture.
“The Hidden Heartlands brand is centred around Ireland’s natural rural beauty, untouched heritage and outdoor activities - things which Ireland's Hidden Gem, Offaly, has in abundance.
“Explore the 50km of trails and see the natural re-colonisation and pastureland in the Midlands bog and how it provides a new habitat for the park’s biodiversity.
“Indeed, bogs are something we have in abundance in Offaly. And while we all know the importance of preserving our bogs in the battle against climate change, they also offer a unique habitat for wildlife and biodiversity.
“At the raised bog in Clara, you can walk the boardwalk and experience ten thousand years of history in the ten square kilometres.
“In Lough Boora Discovery Park, a wealth of flora displays and wildlife can be spotted amongst the grasslands, lakes, and wetlands.
“And while this is just a snapshot, I hope that I have raised awareness of this beautiful region and shown what Offaly, a county with nature and communities at its heart, has to offer.”
Minister Hackett's remarks in the Seanad followed Failte Ireland's announcement earlier this week that all of county Offaly is now located in its Hidden Heartlands marketing region.
Previously, the county was included in 'Ireland's Ancient East' and when the Hidden Heartlands was launched in April, 2018, the parts of Offaly along the river Shannon were included in the new brand.
After a review of the branding, Offaly, along with all of Westmeath and Cavan, were shifted by the State tourism promotion agency to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands in an effort to ensure clearer messaging to markets.
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