Book accommodation online for County Arms Hotel at Irelandin1.com - your one stop shop for accommodation in Offaly and for hotels in Ireland
About County Arms Hotel
Family run since 1962 and newly refurbished for 2006, the County Arms Hotel is an excellent option for Family Weekends away, decadent Spa breaks or relaxing midweek getaways. As a Family run Hotel, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and professionalism. Therefore, we are very popular with the business community both locally and nationally for our conference facilities and service, not to mention our excellent food, one of the main reasons so many of our guests keep coming back.
Our new redevelopment has seen the entire Hotel refurbished and extended in time for August 2006 and now includes Leisure Club & Spa facilities, new Bar & Restaurant and loads more. Rest assured, we've kept the unique Family welcome, the magnificent walled gardens and the feeling that you wouldn't go anywhere else.
County Arms Hotel Rooms
Our New Suites (1800 sq. ft.) with separate Living Room and interconnecting room if required are a once in a lifetime treat for that special occasion. We also offer spacious Family rooms with bunk beds.
All our bedrooms are designed to the highest possible standards and include Complimentary Tea / Coffee, Broadband (Wired or WiFi), Iron / Ironing Board, Original Artwork, Contemporary Design, Good strong hairdryer, Duvet Covers and Extra blankets & pillows.
County Arms Hotel Location
Stunning Leisure Club & Wellness Suites with Elemis Spa treatments exclusively. Facilities include 20m Indoor Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam Room, Heated Day Beds, Whirlpool, Hydrotherapy Couch, Kiddies Pool. Air Conditioned Gym with Techno GYM equipment. Spa breaks and special offers available.
Other
Car Parking at County Arms Hotel, Birr: Ample off–road Car Parking available for up to 500 cars free of charge.
Sightseeing near County Arms Hotel, Birr: Birr Castle & Gardens, Ireland's Historic Science Centre 10 Minutes walk from County Arms Hotel. Birr Castle is the private home of the Parsons family. The Demesne has become world famous for its exotic tree and plant collections, rivers and lake, formal gardens, terraces and wildflower meadows exuding an atmosphere of intimacy as well as grandeur. The Gardens extend across 120 acres of a 17th Century Park whose sweeping open spaces are adorned by an outstanding collection of 2000 species of rare trees and shrubs including the tallest Box Hedges in the world.
A prominent feature in the centre of the Park is The Great Telescope built in 1845; the largest in the world for over 70 years. Daily talks at the Great Telescope between April and September. The Galleries of Discovery take the visitor on a veritable Voyage of Discovery of the pioneering achievements of the Parsons family and great Irish scientists in the fields of astronomy, engineering, photography and botany.
"One of the Seven Wonders of Ireland" RTE One, 2003 Macregol's Gospel – 300 yards from County Arms Hotel The Macregol Gospel Book is a manuscript copy of the Four Gospels made about 800 AD. It consists of 169 vellum folios (leaves) about 345mm high and 270 mm wide. The script used is a formal one called insular majuscule or insular half–uncial and it somewhat resembles one of the hands of the Book of Kells. A translation or gloss in Old English cursive script was inserted between the lines about a thousand years ago. Eight pages are illuminated in the style of about the eighth or ninth century AD with pigments including red lead, verdigris and orpiment probably bound with white of egg.
In 2006, Birr Historical Society, courtesy of the Bodleian Library, Oxford and thanks to the generosity of local people and of friends, obtained a facsimile of the Macregol Gospels to be freely on display in the New Birr Town Library.
Birr Playground: Immediately next door to the Macregol's Gospel is the magnificent new Birr Children's playground, reputedly one of the finest in the country. The perfect amusement for 3 to 12 year olds while Mum & Dad visit the historical manuscript next door. Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Bog Railway For a unique learning experience, take a ride aboard the Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Railway through the Offaly bogs. This guided tour journeys through a raised bog with its unusual flora and fauna and its 6,000–year–old bog oaks. Special train trips, nature trail, Santa trains at Christmas. Educational trips arranged. Please book in advance for groups. Open April – early October 10am – 5pm. Train run on the hour. Groups must pre–book. Oct –April (Mon –Fri) by request only.
Clonmacnoise: An early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th–13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre. There is an audio–visual show as well as a number of exhibitions. Access for people with disabilities to Visitor Centre.
Slieve Bloom Mountains: Ideal for those who seek the tranquillity of an unspoilt landscape, the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide the perfect setting for a cycle, drive or walk. For the more adventurous the 66km Slieve Bloom Way passes remarkably deep glens and beautiful waterfalls. A well sign–posted network of minor roads gives access to a whole host of forested & wooded glens. Tours, guides, walking maps and walking programme all available on request.
Roscrea Castle Complex: Historic Roscrea at the centre of Ireland's heritage. Roscrea Castle, Damer House and Gardens open daily during season. Damer House, which stands within the walls of the castle, houses an impressive heritage centre providing glimpses of Roscrea's history. Guided tours on request. Open April to October 10am – 6pm. Last entry 45 minutes before closing. Open weekends Sat. & Sun. 9:30am – 4:30pm over winter period.
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre: Tullamore Dew, the famous Irish whiskey, originates from Tullamore, 30 minutes drive from Birr, where it was first distilled in 1829. The Tullamore Dew Heritage centre is open to visitors throughout the year.
Charleville Forest Castle – Tullamore: Another favourite attraction is the Gothic structure of Charleville Forest Castle, dating back to 1812. The castle grounds are well worth exploring, set on 30 acres of gardens, they allow the perfect opportunity for a walk in tranquil countryside.
Golfing near County Arms Hotel, Birr: County Arms Hotel is within short driving distance of many excellent golf courses and we can offer reduced rates in all Local golf courses. Birr Golf Club Built in 1893, Birr offers a challenge that will never age. Cut from the Esker riada, many holes here have a unique links feel and some of the Par 4s are as enjoyable as you'll find anywhere in Ireland. Esker Hills Golf Club is a Christy O' Connor Jnr designed masterpiece, built on unique terrain where no two holes are remotely alike. Spend some time here exploring the ultimate golfing test – it's well worth the effort!
30 mins drive Tullamore Golf Club is recognised throughout Ireland as one of the country's finest inland golf courses. Situated only 30 minutes drive from County Arms Hotel. Glasson Golf Club It has the capacity to overwhelm. Firstly, there is the setting – it is simply sublime. Secondly, the welcome is one of the warmest you have ever likely to receive. Thirdly, there is the course itself – one of the most interesting you are likely to play.
