Banagher is a beautifully ordinary town situated on the river Shannon in the Irish midlands county of Offaly - historically a significant fording point (which the striking seven arched bridge is testimony to) while the ruins of a Martello Tower, Cromwell's castle (also just a tower) and Fort Falkland are evidence of its historical importance.

The Celtic tiger will never be able to spoil this area through construction, due to its low-lying bogland features and, therefore, it remains one of the most unspoilt districts of Ireland.

The sign on the gate, 'Beware of Bull on these Lands', is the first sign one meets when entering the town from the turf-harvesting areas and an interesting pun on how the whole area is naturally protected by nature's decree. The unflooded river is seasonally a hotspot for cruisers hired by British and German tourists and fishermen wanting to experience Ireland's legendary hospitality, slow pace, and majestic countryside - all a welcome change for any visitor sick of Ireland's Temple Bar scenes.

As a result of the increasing rarity of the migrating corncrake, Banagher has become a first love of bird watchers and conservationists alike. Once home to the newly wedded Charlotte Bronte and Anthony Trollope, Banagher is a hidden treasure of Ireland, being located proximate to the converging of the Republic's three provinces at Meelick lock.