Ireland Guide
The Midlands: Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois
The Fore Valley
To the east of Castlepollard off the R195 Oldcastle road, the Fore Valley is a charming, bucolic spot, sheltered between two ranges of low, green hills and dotted with some impressive Christian ruins. Around 630, St Fechin founded a monastery here, which had grown into a community of three hundred monks by the time he died in 665. Over the centuries since, various sites in the valley have become associated with Fechin's magical powers, known as the Seven Wonders of Fore, though in truth they're far from jaw-dropping – it's unlikely that you'll be converted to miracle-worshipping, but the wonders add some fun and interest to an exploration of the locale.
The historical and supernatural sites are all within walking distance of the village of Fore at the heart of the valley. The coffee shop here (April– Sept daily 12.30–6pm; OctMarch Sat & Sun 12.30–6pm; 
044/966 1780), as well as serving home-made soup, sandwiches, cakes and drinks, hosts a twenty-minute audiovisual on the monastery, and sells literature and provides information on the area. Ask behind the bar at the Seven Wonderspub, which opens at around 12.30pm, if you want the key for the Anchorite's Cell. B&B is available at Hounslow House ( 044/966 1144, 
eithne.healy@fore-enterprises.com; April– Sept; Price: €60-90), a large, 200-year-old farmhouse set in extensive grounds with fine views of the valley, about a kilometre from the village and well signposted.