100 quirky Offaly facts revealed

Did you know that one of Ireland’s last public hangings took place at Tullamore Gaol? Did you know that Croghan Hill is a volcano? Did you know that the first All-Ireland hurling final took place in Birr, that two renowned Victorian novelists had connections with Banagher, or even that Offaly has two pyramids?

All these and more are explained in a new book on Offaly heritage entitled “100 Quirky Facts about County Offaly”.

“There are the 100 facts each with two full colour illustrations and the topics vary right across the spectrum from natural heritage, to geology, to famous personalities to artefacts,” Offaly heritage officer Amanda Pedlow explained.

While to date much of the focus of books on Offaly heritage has been on more detailed heritage research, the aim of “100 Quiry Facts about County Offaly” is to reach out to a general audience with an interest in Offaly.

“I would hope it will be posted to uncles in London, given as a gift to someone who visits the county, or as a thank you for feeding the cat,” Amanda added.

“100 Quirky Facts about County Offaly” will shortly be available in newsagents all across Offaly for €10.