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Kildare
Located on the western border of Dublin, Co. Kildare is known as the home of the horse and is a renowned centre for horse breeding and horse racing. Kildare is a fertile county of green pastures and open grasslands, named the Shortgrass County situated on the edge Ireland's central plain. The county town is Naas, which in Irish translates to meeting place of Kings. And it is the sport of kings that Kildare is most well known for. Kildare is the Irish Horse racing centre, home to its main courses at the Curragh and Punchestown, which hold the most important events in the Irish Horse Racing calendar, including the Irish Derby in June. Kildare is also home to the Irish National Stud, just outside Kildare town. This 387-hectare site has been breeding and developing some of the finest stock in Irish horse racing since it was established in 1900 by Colonel William Hall-Walker, owner of Johnnie Walker whiskey. Beside the National Stud, Hall-Walker created the stunning Japanese Gardens. Today both have become fascinating and hugely popular visitor attractions. Over the last 20 years the population of East Kildare, has increased six fold, as parts of the county evolve into suburbs of Dublin. Famous names from Kildare include, Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, born at Kilkea Castle, St Brigid one of Ireland's patron saints, singer Christy Moore and Shergar. 
Famous for its horses, racing and stud farms, Kildare’s famous racecourses – The Curragh – Punchestown and Naas are the home to exciting racing festivals, while the Irish National Stud is testament to the county’s strong horse breeding tradition. The county offers a range of special interests in addition to horse racing and horse riding such as golf , motor racing, fishing, ecology, cruising and walking. In September 2006, The K Club will host the most prestigious international golf even "The Ryder Cup". County Kildare’s many heritage attractions are of great importance and provide much to interest the visitor. Note the heritage towns of Athy and Kildare, Leixlip where ‘Guinness’ was first brewed and the University town of Maynooth. Visit the many houses and gardens such as the magnificent Castletown or experience Peatland World Visitor Centre that interprets the wilderness of the Bog of Allen. Towns and
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Offaly
County Offaly is one of Ireland's inland counties, it is covered extensively by bogland and bordered by the River Shannon to the west and the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the south. Much of Offaly is covered by one of Western Europe's largest inland bogs, Clara Bog and the great Bog of Allen covers Offaly and neighbouring county Laois. These two counties were both among the first counties planted by English settlers in the 16th Century. Laois was called Queen's County and Offaly, King's County, however their names reverted back to the Irish after the establishment of the Free State in 1922. The county town is Tullamore, an attractive market town in the centre of Offaly. The Earls of Charleville designed its picturesque buildings in the mid 1700s. Tullamore Whiskey has been distilled in the town since the 16th Century. On the western borders of Co. Offaly overlooking the River Shannon is Clonmacnoise, one of the most important religious sites of early Christian Ireland. This river intersection was one of the most important inland routes of Ireland, known as the Highway of the Kings. Clonmacnoise was founded by St Kieran in 544 and consists of a round tower church, high crosses and some of the finest examples of ancient grave slabs in Ireland. Another of Offaly's interesting visitor attractions is Birr Castle Demesne, with stunning grounds and jousting displays each may. Birr Castle and its patrons, the Parsons, were renowned for their research in astronomy and for 75 years the Great Telescope exhibited here, was the most powerful in the world. As well as the Parsons another famous Offaly name is Charles Carroll, a signatory of the American Declaration of Independence. 
The Historic County... Tourist
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Westmeath
Westmeath is a county of rich pastureland and lakes, situated on Ireland's central plain. The county stretches from Lough Ree in the west, to Lough Sheelin the east. Westmeath's county town is Mullingar and is situated in the east of the county, a lively market town famed for its cattle trading. Westmeath's largest town however, is Athlone situated in the west of the county and in the centre of Ireland. Athlone or Ath Luain the Ford of Luan is set in a strategic location at an important intersection of the River Shannon. In 1129 Irish King Turlough O'Connor established a fort here and in 1210 King John of England built the castle, which still stands overlooking the River Shannon. Athlone Castle witnessed a major battle during the Williamite Wars of 1690 and is one of the main visitor attractions in the county. Just north of Athlone is Lough Ree one of the three lakes formed by the Shannon. Lough Ree is renowned for its trout fishing and sailing and is home to one of the oldest yachting clubs in Ireland. Notable people from Westmeath include Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair and the late popular singer Joe Dolan. 
The Lake CountyFamous for its rivers and lakes, from the Shannon and Lough Ree to the Mullingar lakes and the Royal Canal. All sorts of watersports can be enjoyed in the county as well as some of the finest golf and equestrian facilities in the country. Top class angling is available throughout Westmeath with all species of coarse fish and brown trout. Athlone Castle, Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Fore, Dun na Si and Lockes Distillery are some major attractions. Athlone and Mullingar are touring centres and are ideal for short breaks with a wide variety of visitor entertainment, quality restaurants, shopping and other activities. Towns and
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