- The Haunted Ruins of Temora House: Near Kilcormac stands the ruined grand house called Temora (Tig Mór), once home to prominent local families; after it fell vacant, tales spread of it being haunted by the ghost of a wicked former resident—a tall man seen on the stairs and steps—culminating in mysterious balls of fire and spectral figures after the house burned down.
- The Fairies Hurling Near the Fort: In the parish of Kinnitty, a man named Francis Meehan from Glendesaun witnessed fairies hurling in a field close to a local ring fort on Thomas Leahy’s farm; music, singing, and lights were often reported emanating from the mound in older times.
- Druid Fires on Knocknaman Hill: The hill of Knocknaman near Shannon Harbour is named for the ancient sun-god; in pre-Christian times, druids kindled great fires atop high hills like this to worship the sun, with traditions linking the nearby Cumber mountains to the dawn.
- The Priest’s Bush in Clonmore: In Clonmore near Rathangan, a lone bush earned the name “Priest’s Bush” after a priest driving home at night in his horse and trap approached it; the horse suddenly bolted in terror, overturning the trap and fatally injuring the priest.
- The Fairy Pathway and Song: An old pathway ran alongside a fort near Moneygall; one night, a passer-by heard fairies inside singing the days of the week—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—as part of their revels within the ancient site.
Folklore
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County Offaly:
Ireland’s county Offaly is a county of historic depth and natural beauty, with the Clonmacnoise monastic site featuring ancient high crosses and a riverside setting along the Shannon. Tullamore’s historic distillery provides insights into Irish whiskey production, while the Bog of Allen Nature Centre explores the county’s unique peatlands. Other attractions include the Slieve Bloom Mountains’ hiking trails. Offaly is Ireland’s 18th largest county by size (1,998 square km) and ninth smallest by population (83,150). Population peaked at 146,857 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 51,533 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Offaly is Ireland’s 30th most visited (and third least visited) tourist county with around 37,000 international visitors per year.
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