A phoenix from the ashes, County Offaly has so much to offer and as Domhnall O’Donoghue discovers, the "faithful county" has an inspiring resilience. Exploring Tullamore, County Offaly’s principal town, I’m reminded of the fire that destroyed over 100 homes here in 1785 — the result of a wayward hot air balloon colliding with a chimney in what is thought to be history’s first air disaster. Despite the resulting devastation, Tullamore channeled its inner phoenix and, quite literally, rose from the ashes before commencing the rebuilding.
Fittingly, the town’s coat of arms is this mythological bird, which symbolizes resurrection and life after death. This fighting spirit is also evident in the history of the town’s most famous export — Tullamore D.E.
W. Established in 1829 — and named after the initials of Daniel Edmund Williams, the stable-boy-turned-distiller, instrumental in its success — this local whiskey ceased operations in the town in the 1950s before being transferred to County Cork. However, after Scottish company William Grant & Sons purchased the brand, Tullamore D.
E.W has finally returned home, phoenix-like — bringing with it a stunning, multi-million distillery and visitor center. Today, this potent tipple is the second best-selling Irish whiskey globally, with north of 1,500,000 cases sold annually.
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