Birr sits near the center of Ireland and is the location of Birr Castle Demesne, home of the aristocratic Parsons family for the past four centuries and the oldest inhabited building in the county of Offaly. The castle features the Leviathan of Parsonstown, a 72-inch reflecting telescope that was the largest telescope in world from the date of its completion in 1845 until 1917. Another local highlight is the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival, which occurs annually in mid August.
Kells contains one of Ireland's most significant monastic sites. St. Colmcille established a religious settlement at Kells in 550, and several old monastic structures remain standing today, including the Scriptural Market Cross, the Round Tower and St. Colmcille's House, a 9th-century building named after the village's founding saint where "The Book of Kells," one of the most celebrated European manuscripts of the Middle Ages, was composed. Kells also features a Heritage Centre with year-round exhibitions.
Lismore is on the southern coast of Ireland, and its recorded history dates back to the arrival of St. Carthage in 636. Lismore was also the home of the 17th-century chemist Robert Boyle, who has been hailed as "the father of modern chemistry." Take one of the daily guided walking tours through Lismore and learn about Viking raids, nearby historic castles, and the early days of the University of Lismore. Other attractions include St. Carthage's Cathedral and the Towers Woodland Trail.
