Tullamore

The county town since 1835, about 18 km west along the canal.

Tullamore (Tulach Mhór, “great mound”) took over as county town when the assizes left Philipstown and is Offaly’s busy hub (pop. 15,598 in 2022). In 1785 a hot-air balloon crash set fire to the town – often called the world’s first aviation disaster, which is why its crest shows a phoenix. The canal reached Tullamore in 1798. Visit the Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Experience, wander O’Connor Square (home of the Visit Offaly tourist office) and look out for the annual Tullamore Show. Charleville Castle is closed to tours until further notice – check before travelling.

Why it matters for Daingean: shops, the nearest railway station (about 17.5 km), services, and a shared county-town story.

Sources: Wikipedia (Tullamore, Daingean); Visit Offaly; Tullamore D.E.W.