| General Information
|
| Geography |
| Clara is a
relatively small town, situated in the north of Offaly,
with a population of approximatley
3500 people. It has many interesting geographical
features which in a way define the town. The river Brosna,
along which Clara is built, has always been
a valuable natural resource for the town, it also
enhances the setting of the town park situated on
the Tullamore side of Clara, and many a fisherman has
been rewarded with fine trout for time spent on it
banks. Another feature of Clara is the hills that sorround it. To the north is Aughamore, which overlooks the town and provides a great birds-eye view of the area. To the south are the Eskers, a ridge carved out by the last ice-age which runs parrallel to the town. To the west of Clara these hills are known as the Erry Hills, and to the east they have been given the name the Ballinough Hills. While the Erry hills provide a picturesque, green, rural type setting, the Ballinough hills are best described as a having a large, wild, rugged landscape. Probably the most well-known
feature of Clara is what has now become
internationally known as Clara Bog. Situated just south of Clara, this
raised bog has become famous for it rare species of
flora, which according to visiting experts are rare and
valuable, and contain some of the finest specimens
of this type in Europe. In fact, |
| Tourism & Accommodation |
| While Clara Bog does attract many visitors, the town of Clara has not yet become a hub for midland tourism, hence we can't really boast of any mignificent hotels or casinos. However, there is some excellent Bed & Breakfast accomodation available in the town, visitors will not be dissappointed. |
| Religion |
| As with most areas in Ireland Clara is mainly Catholic, however Chapels exist for both Protestant and Catholic followers. Mass and services are celebrated each Sunday moring, and at various times during the week. |
| Local Luminaries |
| Clara has been fortunate in terms of the amount of local people that have achieved significant positions in local and national society. The following is just a few of those that have given us reason to be proud. |
| Undoubtly our most high profile luminary is Brian Cowan. Brian has just been appointed to no less a position than Taoisheach of Ireland. Prior to that he held a variety of very significant posts within the Irish government. |
| Clara also has a strong representation on the Offaly County Council, with Barry Cowen and Dervil Dolan representing local and county level interests. |
| Another significant achiever is Eugene Stones (the green) who is a senior figure in the Garda Representative Association (GRA). |
| Another Clara man who has contributed significantly to the local community is Donal Hackett. Donal has just recently vacated the post of President of the Chamber of Commerce in Tullamore, where (among many other duties) he had a strong radio presence commenting on various issues relevant ot the local ecomony. |