Mallow visits Birr Co Offaly October 2018

We have just returned after a very pleasant 4 days spent in the Birr area staying at the County Arms Hotel organized by Select Hotels and Cronins coaches.The hotel was very warm and comfortable the food delicious and the staff friendly and helpful. Birr is a lovely town to visit well kept with lovely green areas and riverside walks. Just a short distance from the hotel is St Brendans church which has lovely stained glass windows and white marble altar. Beside this building is the library, a former convent which also has fabulous stained glass windows and painted ceilings. This building should not be missed!
During our stay we visited Holy Cross Abbey, Portumna castle and gardens on the shores of Lough Derg, Clonmacnoise monastic settlement, a trip on the Shannon river and of course Birr castle and gardens where the Autumnal colours were magnificent. We finished our trip with a lovely meal at the Horse and Jockey on our way home.Thanks to Anne of Select Hotels for organizing this trip.

Bench and bike cut out of fallen tree trunk in Birr.

Ros

In Birr Castle Gardens

Norita,Eileen, Michael, Sorcha and Nora at the Observatory in Birr Castle grounds.

View of the garden at Birr Castle

The Observatory at Birr Castle

The magnificent autumnal colours at Birr Castle

Bridie,Sorcha,Monica,Margaret,Eileen,NoritaNora and Rene
Photos Margaret Mc Carthy

Monica and Nora

 Portumna Castle

Phi , Jean,Norita Eileen Rita Dora Margaret and Michael

The River walk at Birr

Clonmacnoise Tower

On Clonmacnoise tour

The greenhouse at Birr Castle

Stained glass windows at the library

Theresa, Mary G,Phil Dora,Rita Mary,Bridie,Eileen Norita and Noreen

Enjoying the music and dancing at The County Arms Hotel

Sorcha,Lilanne,Lil,Nancy,Betty and Bibianne

Michael and Sculpture at Birr Castle

Bridie and Michael at Birr Castle

Selfie taken byJack our waiter with Trish, John, Rene,Margaret Michael,Jean,Nora Jimmy,Sonny,Attracta,Monica, Nora,Ros,Joan and Maureen

In the greenhouse at Birr castle

Monica,Eileen Sorcha,Bridie,Margaret,Michael,Nora and Norita

Photos Michael Stubbs

 Monument to Robert Emmet in Emmet Square

The ceiling in the library

Another view in the library

Photos by Rene Collins