Guide The MidlandsIreland.ie brand promotes awareness of the Midland Region across four pillars of Living, Learning, Tourism and Enterprise. MidlandsIreland.ie Gateway to Tourism has produced this digital guide to the Midland Region, as part of suite of initiatives in line with the adopted Brand Management Strategy 2011- 2016. The guide has been produced in collaboration with public and private service providers based in the region. MidlandsIreland.ie would like to acknowledge and thank those that helped with research, experiences and images. The guide contains 11 sections which cover, Angling, Festivals, Golf, Walking, Creative Community, Our Past – Our Pleasure, Active Midlands, Towns and Villages, Driving Tours, Eating Out and Accommodation.

The guide showcases the wonderful natural assets of the Midlands, celebrates our culture and heritage and invites you to discover our beautiful region. All sections are available for download on the MidlandsIreland.ie

Content: Images and text have been provided courtesy of Áras an Mhuilinn, Art & Heritage Limited, Athlone, Institute of Technology, Ballyfin Demense, Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Bord na Mona, CORE, Failte , Lakelands & Inland Waterways, Laois Local Authorities, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Tourism, Longford Local Authorities, Longford Tourism, Arts Centre, Offaly Local Authorities, Westmeath Local Authorities, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Distillery, Kilbeggan Racecourse, Office of Public Works, Swan Creations, The Gardens at Ballintubbert, The Heritage at Killenard, Waterways Ireland and the Wineport Lodge. Individual contributions include the work of James Fraher, Kevin Byrne, Andy Mason, Kevin Monaghan, John McCauley and Tommy Reynolds.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the information supplied no responsibility can be accepted for any error, omission or misinterpretation of this information. Where such are brought to our attention future guides will be amended accordingly. 06 Active Midlands 06 Active Midlands

Laois Laois Sports Partnership Leisure Centres

Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Portlaoise Leisure Centre Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, County Laois Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, Co. Laois +353 (0) 57 8671248 | [email protected] +353 (0) 8681200 www.laoissports.ie [email protected] www.portlaoiseleisurecentre.ie Laois Sports Partnership (LSP) is part of a national network of local sports partnerships. This state of the Art Leisure Centre, consists Their role is to promote, support and facilitate of FIFA 2 Synthetic Soccer pitches and sand participation in sport and physical activity for based grass pitch, Award winning 25 metre the people of Laois. Laois Sports Partnership pool, teaching pool, feature pool and Sauna provides information and assistance to people and Steam room, together with the largest throughout the county on sports and physical and most comprehensive Health Club and activity and by delivering a large amount of studio in the Midlands. activity programmes. Some of these have been provided by the office of the LSP directly, and others, through the various agencies involved Portarlington Leisure Centre in the partnership process. These programmes Link Road, Portarlington, Co. Laois are designed to promote sport and physical +353 (0) 8645800 activity among the general population, target [email protected] groups and ages; they include our Buntús www.portarlingtonleisurecentre.ie Programme for primary and pre-schools, Sports Hall Athletics Programme for primary schools, Facilities include a 5m x 9.2m deck level pool, Teenscene Programme for Secondary Schools 7m x 6m deck level learner pool, fully equipped and Go for Life Programme for older adults. gymnasium including cardiovascular and resistance equipment, and Multi purpose Classes Studio / Meeting Room.

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Playgrounds water play unit, basket swing, spinning basket, tunnel, standing seesaw, slides, cable runway, large rope swing, standing swing. Laois County Council works hard to promote play facilities for children throughout the county. In recent years a number of playgrounds Killeen have been developed throughout the county Killeen Community Centre, including: Killeen, County Laois www.laois.ie Abbeyleix “Sult na Mara” (Seatime Fun) People’s Park, Heritage House, The playground features a multi play unit with Abbeyleix, County Laois slide, a 2 Bay Junior swing, log walk, wobble www.laois.ie board, tunnel net, twin balance beam, and a pony seesaw The playground features a 30mtr cable run, hammock swing, net climb, tunnel slide and extensive sand and water play area Mountmellick Play Park for younger children, basket swing, swings, Irishtown, Mountmellick, County Laois roundabout, and a picnic area. www.laois.ie

The playground features a Multi Swings Unit, A Clonaslee “Tir na Spraoi” Sand Play Area, A Cable Runaway, Springers - Land of Fun Playground & Seesaw, Multislide and Climbing Unit, Bellair, Clonaslee , County Laois roundabout and a picnic area. www.laois.ie

The playground features a spring seesaw, toddler multiway, spring rocker, sand unit,

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Mountrath “Slí na bPaisti”, The playground features a spring seesaw, The Way of the Children toddler multiway, spring rocker, sand pit, Amenity Park, Mountrath, County Laois water play unit, bucket swing, spinning basket, www.laois.ie tunnel, standing seesaw, slides, cable runway, large swing rope, standing swing. The playground features a 30mtr cable run, adventure trail, tunnel slide and extensive sand and water play area for younger Stradbally children, climbing web, swings, basket swing, The Green, Stradbally, County Laois roundabout, springers and a picnic area. www.laois.ie

The playground features a Tunnel Slide, Portarlington Pairc Spraoi na hAbhann climbing wall/web, 30mtr cable run, extensive (River Play Park) sand and water play area for younger children, People’s Park, Link Road, Portarlington, springers, stand up see-saw, roundabout, County Laois swings, basket swing, and a picnic area. www.laois.ie

The playground features a Flying fox; climbing Timahoe “Solas Na Greine” web, wishing well balancing beams, springers, Sunshine Playground swings, a basket swing, extensive sand and People’s Park, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise, water play area for younger children and a County Laois picnic area. www.laois.ie

The playground features a Multi Swings Unit, A Portlaoise ‘Dún Spraoi’ Fort of Fun Sand Play Area, A Cable Runaway, Springers Portlaoise Leisure Centre, & Seesaw, Multislide and Climbing Unit, Moneyballytyrrell, Portlaoise, County Laois Whippee Springer, a bicycle stand, a water www.laois.ie front, roundabout and a picnic area.

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Adventure Equestrian

Supershot Paintball Ballyhyland Cross Country Course & Equestrian Stradbally, County Laois Centre +353 (0) 863777499 | [email protected] Timahoe Road, Portlaoise, County Laois www.supershot.ie +353 (0)57 8627200

This well established paintball centre is based Family run equestrian set on seventy-six acres in Stradbally County Laois, is dedicated to panoramic views of countryside. One and a giving you a fun filled and safe experience half mile cross country course, trekking, riding/ that you will never forget. So forget your jumping lessons, livery, canteen, toilets, outdoor worries for a few hours and get ready for an floodlit sand arena, qualified instructors. action packed day and become the hero you always dreamed about.

True Fitness Outdoor Activities Unit 10, Portarlington Business Park, Canal Road, Portarlington, County Laois. Castlewood Equestrian Centre + 353 (0) 86-1055051 | www.truefitness.ie Durrow, County Laois +353 (0)87 2945961 If you like the idea of paddling down some isolated stretch of river with nothing to disturb Castlewood Equestrian Centre, Durrow, offer you but the sound of the river then we have the its visitors a beautiful and rural ambiance. The perfect trips for you. Perhaps you have never centre has an outdoor sand arena nestling kayaked before and would like to master the amid the attractive Castlewood hills. Since the skills of kayaking then there are a number of centre was established, riders, young and old, courses suitable for beginners. have taken to the saddle and have always You can explore the Irish country side and been impressed with the facilities. The stables escape into the mountains for a few hours or for include Connemara ponies, an especially the day on a range of scenic hikes that you are popular starter horse. sure to enjoy. Alternatively, trail cycling might be your preference, so why not join try some local trails and choose a pace you enjoy.

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Fossey Mountain Springs Stradbally Hall Equestrian Centre Timahoe, County Laois Stradbally, County Laois + 353 (0)57 8627320 +353 (0)57 8625160 www.foseeymountainsprings.com [email protected] www.stradballyhall.ie Fossey Mountain Springs is a Western Riding Ranch located in the beautifully scenic area of Located on the grounds of Stradbally Hall an Timahoe, County Laois. The ranch was dreamt eighteenth century country house. up by a Laois man named Mick LaCumbre, who has a passion for horses and in particular, Western Riding. Together, with his wife Esther, Mick has developed the ranch into a Wild Water Based West of Ireland. Barrowline Cruisers Vicarstown, Portlaoise, County Laois Kilvahan Horse Drawn Caravans + 353 (0)57 8625189 | [email protected] Tullibards Stud, Coolrain, County Laois www.barrowline.com +353 (0)57 8735178 | [email protected] www.horsedrawncaravans.com Cruising north from Vicarstown you travel the Barrowline section of the Grand Canal. From It is a restored working Georgian farm offering here you can travel east towards Dublin or full facilities. Visitors travel quiet country roads west to the mighty Shannon and beyond. stopping off each night at farms or pubs. Cruising to the south from Vicarstown you Caravans, sleep four adults and one child, enter the River Barrow. Cruising enthusiasts are authentic and very comfortable. No who have sampled other waterways are now experience needed. Full instructions, maps turning to the Barrow to meet the challenge of etc. provided. Kilvahan is located 7 km SE of this exciting river. Portlaoise which is 80 km SW of Dublin.

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Longford Longford Sports Longford Sport and Leisure Centre The Mall, Templemichael, Longford Town Partnership + 353 (0) 43 3346536 [email protected] Longford Sports Partnership has a remit of www.longfordsportsandleisure.ie increasing participation across all sectors. The LSP hosts a number of core programmes It consists of a state of the art swimming pool, including Buntus for primary schools and sportshall, gymnasium, an astro turf pitch and child protection training (ISC) for sports clubs. a basketball court, as well as playing pithches It has also adopted the L.A. current child and a Slí na Sláinte walking trail. protection policy. Other programmes include target programmes such as the Operation Transformation Walk, the Longford Cycle Edgeworthstown Sports Hall Tour, Gaelic4Girls, Men on The Move and the Edgeworthstown, County Longford Longford Walking Festival. +353 (0) 43 33 43381.

Caters for multi-sport and community Leisure Centres programmes.

Abbeylara Handball Alley Abbeylara, County Longford 086-3509829 [email protected]

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GFD bootcamp and assault course is the only outdoor training facility in County Longford and the largest in the Midlands of ireland. The centre can cater for all age groups and fitness types, both male and female. It is operated by professionally trained personnel and is conducted all year round, regardless of weather. The bootcamp is ideal for anybody Playgrounds looking to build up their fitness levels or those just looking to exercise in order to lose weight and have fun. It is also an excellent day out There are several playgrounds in Longford for corporate, team building events, hen and including Ardagh, Ballymahon, Clondra, stag groups or group birthday outings. The Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard, centre runs indoor fitball, kettlebell and boxfit Lanesboro, Legan and The Mall, Longford classes as well as providing a creche service Town for those wishing to leave their children in safe hands while they exercise. Classes take place Adventure all week and on weekends. Registration for the classes is ongoing.

GFD Bootcamp and Assault Course Tel:+ 353 (0) 86 1638094 Lanesboro Triathlon Club Tel:+ 353 (0) 86 4069504 www.trilanesboro.com www.gfdbootcamp.ie [email protected] [email protected] www.facebook.com/gfdbootcamp. The Lanesboro Triathlon Club is a newly assaultcourse established club, situated on the banks of the in County Longford, Ireland. The club welcomes people from all age groups and all fitness levels wishing to take part in the sport of Triathlon & Duathlon, or those who just wish to get fit while also having an enjoyable time. They also organise the annual ‘Two Provinces’ Lanesboro Triathlon which is a Triathlon Ireland sanctioned event, as well as a host of other events and outdoor sporting activities around the county and further afield.

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Longford Greyhound Stadium pits and garage area, middle level office Park Road, Longford space, reception area and viewing balcony, + 353 (0) 43 3342018/ + 353 (0) 87 6682690 and a top floor 1000sq foot conference room. www.longfordgreyhoundstadium.com There is also a kitchen, ladies and gents toilets [email protected] and shower facilities.

Enjoy the thrill of a night’s racing with friends Midland Paintballing site is located in a 20 or bring the whole family for a fun night’s acre wooded area near Edgeworthstown entertainment. in Co.Longford. The grounds are also floodlit Race nights are Monday and Friday, with the so the game can be played at night time or first race at 8pm. throughout the autumn and winter. Midland Karting & Paintball is truly a wonderful facility and a day or evening spent here provides an Midland Karting and Paintballing exhilarating experience for young and old, Edgeworthstown, County Longford male and female. + 353 (0) 6671308 /+ 353 (0) 87 2748266 www.midlandkarting.net Ultraflight The Midland Karting race track facility consists Abbeyshrule, County Longford of 1100 meters of the highest quality asphalt + 353 (0) 44 9357777 | [email protected] track. Midland Karting probably has the www.ultraflight.ie best quality surface in Ireland, and is often regarded as the finest karting track the country Ultraflight Flight Club Training Ltd is the latest has to offer. The track itself is floodlit so guests innovation in recreational flying. Flying state- can enjoy karting throughout the autumn and of-the-art microlight aircraft, the prospective winter. Karting is a thrilling and fun activity for pilot can achieve a Private Pilots Licence most age groups and is ideal for corporate economically and enjoyably. A full in-house outings, team building events, stag/hen parties aircraft sales and after-sale maintenance and many other varied occassions. The three service is available. Enjoy training in these level clubhouse building boasts 6000sq feet of modern aircraft, with the support of qualified space, consisting of lower level drive through instructors, ground school and a great

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clubhouse. Ultraflight is an approved Registered Water Based Training Facility (RTF), the first one in Ireland to be approved by the Irish Aviation Authority to The Inny Kayaking Club train students in microlight aircraft. Ballymahon, County Longford www.innykayakers.com

Equestrian The members of the club are drawn from a large catchment of local paddlers. The Mosstown Stables river Inny provides a c.4km stretch of prime Mosslawn, Kenagh, County Longford paddling real estate with rapids containing +353 (0) 86 8576929 some pour-overs, stoppers, holes and standing [email protected] waves. It is the only stretch of water of this type www.mosstownstables.ie in the midlands area. It provides the perfect run for beginners and experienced paddlers Mosstown Stables comprises an all-weather alike. The inny kayakers association pride facility enabling riding classes, showjumping themselves on promoting safe paddling in practice and events that can be held at line with the governing body, the Irish Canoe any time of day and at any time of year. The Union (ICU) safety guidelines and training arena has been approved by the Association structure. Trips away are plenty ! IKA members of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) and the include Irish Canoe Union qualified Level 5, 4, facility is also Bord Failte approved, with highly 3, 2 & 1 proficent paddlers with a number of experienced full-time and part-time instructors REC 2 & REC 3 and swift water resuce certified employed. Horses are also available for hire paddlers. Members have paddled not only all for hunting and the facility can be rented for over Ireland but at locations worldwide and show jumping competitions and practice. also competed on the international paddling There is also an outdoor arena available. stage.

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The IKA local run is on the Inny River which flows Outdoor Discovery Adventure Company through Ballymahon. Due to the efforts over Ballymahon, County Longford the years by the initial Club the facilities on the +353 (0) 90 6400111 / +353 (0) 87 2721245 river for all paddlers have improved greatly [email protected] with safe accessible ‘put in’ and ‘take out’ www.outdoordiscovery.ie points being developed by Longford County Council after submission from the inital Club. Discover your adventurous side with Outdoor Numbers in the IKA have greatly increased Discovery Adventure Company in Ballymahon. over recent years with training being a main Experience whitewater rafting, whitewater focus. The IKA is ideally located to provide tubing or whitewater kayaking and learn to much needed leisure facilities and to develop kayak or canoe with Ireland’s best instructors. the natural amenities of the Inny river, canal, Try your hand at any of the following activities: surrounding lakes and the promotion of archery, orienteering, aqua-sphering, zorbing, paddling in Ireland. team-building, team challenge days. Bring your group, school, company, stag or hen party to an experience that will be remembered forever.

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Offaly Swimming Pool St Conliath’s Road, Edenderry, Offaly Sports Partnership + 353 (0) 46 97 31294 [email protected] Community, Enterprise & Economic www.edenderryswimmingpool.ie Development, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, , County Offaly. Rahan Community Gym +353 (0) 57 93 57462 |[email protected] Rahan Community Centre, Tullabeg, Rahan, www.offalysoprts.ie County Offaly + 353 (0) 87 2742677 Offaly Sports Partnership is an inter agency group which is a sub structure of the County Development Board and is supported by St Joseph’s Community Gym the Irish Sports Council. Its aim is to increase St Joseph’s Community Centre, participation in sport and physical activity Kilcormac, County Offaly throughout county Offaly. + 353 (0) 57 91 35445 | [email protected]

Leisure Facilities Playgrounds

Aura Tullamore There are several playgrounds in Offaly Hophill Road, Tullamore, County Offaly including Banagher, Birr, Edenderry , + 353 (0) 57 93 29398 Kilcormac, Tullamore, Shannonbridge, [email protected] Shannon Harbour, and Shinrone.

Clara Community Pool Ballycumber Road, Clara, County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 93 30063

Clara Sports & Leisure Centre Clashawaun, Clara, County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 93 31240

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Adventure Set in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, the centre offers a range of energetic activities and adventure sports. Birr Battlefield Sports Birr Equestrian Centre, Birr, County Offaly +353 (0) 87 2445545 Irish Parachute and Skydiving Club Clonbullogue Airfield, Edenderry, Midland Battlefield Live is a laser gun gaming County Offaly activity similar to paintball. However, as +353 (0) 46 9730103 / 1850 260 600 there are no pellets or paintballs it is a safe www.skydive.ie alternative. Games are focused on team building and enjoying the outdoors. Can be The Irish Parachute Club (IPC) has been played by children form 8yrs upwards and is operational since 1956 and is one of the also enjoyed by adults alike. longest running non military/non commercial parachute clubs in the world. Static line, Tandem and Accelerated FreeFall courses Birr Outdoor Education Centre are all available at the IPC for the novice who Roscrea Rd, Birr, County Offaly. wants to start skydiving. For the experienced +353 (0)57 9120029 | [email protected] skydiver, Freefly and Canopy Piloting courses www.oec.ie are also available, as well as regular weekend Birr Outdoor Education Centre is located in the FS Load Organising. midland heritage town of Birr in County Offaly.

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Lough Boora Parklands National Shooting Centre +353 (0)57 9345978 Blueball, County Offaly Teach Lea, Leabeg, Tullamore, County Offaly [email protected] [email protected] www.nationalshootingcentre.ie www.loughbooraparklands.com The Midlands National Shooting Centre of The Lough Boora Parklands development Ireland is a long-established shooting facility comprises four distinct areas: Lough Boora that covers all disciplines of the sport. With Parklands, Turraun Wetlands, Finnamore’s Lakes rifle ranges, varying from 10 to 1,200 yards, area and Cloghan Wetlands/Loch Clochan. all calibre of rifle is catered for along with a The parklands can be enjoyed throughout Pistol Range and Clay Pigeon layout. The the four seasons. Walkers are offered a level facility has in the past hosted both national landscape and so can be enjoyed by all age and international competitions in shooting groups. There are information signs at car disciplines with our members representing our parks that give details relating to site histories country worldwide. and also about the flora and fauna found at Lough Boora parklands. There are also maps at the start of each walk, which outline the Skydive Ireland route. To the delight of ornithologists, the Birr Airfield, Crinkill, Birr, County Offaly extensive wetlands now attract wintering +353 1 4430550 | [email protected] flocks of wildfowl. There are 50 km of paths in www.skydiveireland.ie the Parklands ranging in length from a short stroll to 5 km. Whether taking a closer look at Skydive Ireland offers you the chance the Parkland’s flora and fauna, or simply taking to experience the ultimate adventure of a quiet walk or bike ride these paths are the freefalling through the sky at 200 km/h. They ideal way to see the Parklands. offer two types of skydiving experiences: Solo Skydive: A one day course is designed to

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teach you about the parachute equipment, Birr Equestrian Centre how to perform a skydive and how to fly and Kingsborough House, control the parachute to a safe landing. Fortal, Birr, County Offaly Tandem Skydive: is for people who would like +353 (0)57 9121961 | www.birrequestrian.ie to experience the feeling of skydiving as a once off thrill. After 20 minutes of training you Birr Equestrian Centre is located on the are attached securely to a very experienced outskirts of Birr, about 3 km from the town. Instructor who takes care of everything to do Birr is one of Ireland’s especially designated with the skydive. Gift Vouchers. Available. Heritage Towns. Situated on the one hundred Open year round and forty acre farm of Kingsborough House, a nineteenth century farmhouse, it was originally the agent’s home of the Ely O’Carroll estate. Equestrian

Annaharvey Farm Equestrian Centre Croghan Hill Stables Annaharvey, Tullamore, County Offaly Hill of Croghan, Croghan, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9343544 | [email protected] +353 (0)46 9737146 | [email protected] |www.annaharveyfarm.ie www.croghanhill.com

Annaharvey Farm is just four miles outside Croghan Hill Stables welcomes riders with their Tullamore town, on the main Tullamore to own horses and can also provide horses for hire. Portarlington Road. Annaharvey Farm offers Travelling from Dublin take the N4 travelling qualified instructors to help you improve your west, through Maynooth and Enfield. When you riding technique. reach the N6 take it. Keep on the N6 through , until you reach . At Tyrrellspass you turn for Croghan.

Killeigh Equestrian Centre Killeigh, County Laois +353 (0)57 9344393

Riding school and stables. Cross-country riding.

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Kinnitty Castle Equestrian Centre Corbett Boat Hire Castle, Kinnitty, County Offaly Rachra House, Shannonbridge, +353 (0)57 9137318 | [email protected] County Offaly. www.kinnittycastle.com +353 (0) 90 9674249 www.rachrahouse.shannonbridge.net On its doorstep, the provide the ideal setting and terrain for a wide Boat hire operator for fresh water fishing on the and varied selection of natural trails. River Shannon and a gillie service available.

Water Based Shannon Adventure Canoeing & Camping Holidays Carrick Craft The Marina, Banagher, County Offaly The Marina, Banagher, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9151411 +353 (0)57 9151187 [email protected] [email protected] www.iol.ie/~advcanoe/index.html www.carrickcraft.com Shannon Adventure Canoeing offers the Established over 30 years ago, Carrickcraft opportunity to enjoy a relaxing canoeing is the largest privately-owned fleet in Ireland holiday on the River Shannon, The Grand Canal operating from three marinas on the Shannon and many other rivers throughout Ireland. and Erne. Carrick Craft offers a fleet of over Canoes on offer are two-person Canadian 120 boats from 24’ to 39’ with luxury and value touring class with spacious storage space and in all sizes. The flagship Waterford Class offers easily manoeuvred by two people. luxury accommodation for 6 people.

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Silver Line Cruisers The River Queen Boat Trip The Marina, Banagher, County Offaly The Marina, Banagher, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9151112 +353 (0)57 9151112 [email protected] [email protected] www.silverlinecruisers.com www.silverlinecruisers.com

Silver Line Cruisers, one of Ireland longest A comfortable 54 seater passenger boat established family-run Shannon cruising with a fully licensed bar, cruises on the companies, is situated right in the heart of Shannon depart from Shannonbridge and Ireland on the river Shannon between the two . July to September great lakes, Lough Ree and Lough Derg, and only 1.5 km from the Grand Canal in Banagher, County Offaly. Tullamore Canoe Club Tullamore, County Offaly +353 (0)86 825 8319 | [email protected] www.tucc.ie

Tullamore Canoe Club provides water sports training to community members, local organisations, Scouts and other youth organisations.

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Westmeath Athlone Regional Sports Centre is an Award winning Health and Leisure centre easily Westmeath Sports accessed from the M50/N6 Bypass in Athlone in the centre of Ireland. It is a state of the art Partnership health, sports & fitness facility which includes a 25m heated indoor swimming pool, a toddler’s Governor’s House, County Buildings, Mount pool, separate family changing areas, Jacuzzi, Street, Mullingar, . Sauna and steam-rooms a fitness Suite, an +353 (0) 44-9390208 aerobics studio, astro-turf pitch, Sports hall, [email protected] children’s outdoor playground and the www.westmeathsports.ie recently developed outdoor skatepark. The Centre also has a coffee shop, créche service Westmeath Sports Partnership is dedicated and meeting rooms. to the promotion and development of sport in County Westmeath. It encourages and supports participation in sport and physical Mullingar Swimming Pool activity by providing information and training Town Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath and by organising activities an programmes. +353 (0)44 9340262 [email protected] www.westmeathcoco.ie Leisure Facilities Located in the Town Park, Mullingar Swimming Athlone Regional Sports Centre Pool includes a 25m heated indoor swimming Ballymahon Road, Athlone, pool and a Sauna. The facility provides a wide County Westmeath range of services, including swimming classes, +353 (0)90 64 70975 aqua aerobics, sauna, public sessions and [email protected] private pool hire and caters for all swimming www.athlonesportscentre.ie needs at all levels and ages.

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Playgrounds Adventure

There are playgrounds many located Ambushed – Paintballing and Laser Tag throughout the county of Westmeath Gaybrook Demesne, including: Athlone - Ashdale/Woodlands Mullingar, County Westmeath Grove, Battery Heights Blackberry Lane, +353 (0) 44 9334966 / (0) 87 2358941 Burgess Park, Clonyn Road, Parnell Square, (0)86 8593004 |[email protected] Regional Sports Centre, Sarsfield Square www.paintballing.ie and Wansboro Park; , Belvedere House Gardens & Park, , Coosan Ambushed Paintball and Laser Tag games Point, Coole, , Kilbeggan, , situated less than one hour from Dublin in Mullingar: Grange, Raithin and Town Mullingar is one of Ireland’s leading action Park; Multyfarmham, Streete, and packed paintball and laser tag venues. Rochfortbridge.

Lakelands Shooting Centre Dalystown, Mullingar, County Westmeath +353 (0) 44 9223127/ +353 (0) 87 2746226 +353 (0) 87 2598288 [email protected] www.lakelandguns.com

Lakeland Shooting Centre specialises in both individual and group entertainment, offering your party a wide variety of targets with individual tuition for each participant. The Clay Pigeon Shooting Centre caters for both novices and experienced shooters. Expert instructors will tutor everyone in all aspects of safe gun handling and shotgun marksmanship.

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Lilliput Adventure Centre Equestrian House, Lough Ennell, Mullingar, County Westmeath Abbey Acre Riding Centre + 353 (0) 44 9226789 Abbey Cottage, , [email protected] Glasson, County Westmeath www.lilliputadventure.com +353 (0) 90 648 5289

Lilliput Adventure Centre is located in Johnathan Swift Park, on the shores of Lough Ash Hill Riding School Ennell, approx. 10 minutes from Mullingar, Tullin, Garnafalaigh, Co. Westmeath. Its fabulous, unspoilt beauty, Athlone, County Westmeath along with forests and lake, offers a unique +353 (0) 86 845 3006 and idyllic location for its Adventure Centre. Its proximity to these natural amenities which are surrounded by a virgin raised peat bog insure that while you are here you spend all Horse Riding and of your time participating in activities and Stables not travelling to and from natural resources required. Athlone Equestrian Centre You can take part in specialised courses in Moydrum, Athlone, County Westmeath canoeing, hill walking, rock climbing or first aid, +353 (0) 862433609 to mention a few. Lilliput offers multi-activity [email protected] programmes, day or residential, where you www.athloneequestrian.ie can give everything a go. Situated in a quiet country setting yet only three miles from Athlone town, Athlone Equestrian Pollard Karting Centre prides itself in providing a safe and fun Mullingar Road, learning experience to both adults and kids. Castlepollard, County Westmeath + 353 (0) 44 966 1674 / (0) 87 126 6213 Auburn Riding School Anyone can enjoy the thrill of Karting on an Auburn, Dublin Road, exciting circuit that combines indoor and Athlone, County Westmeath outdoor racing. You can be young or old, male +353 (0) 90 6474460 / +353 (0) 87 8592476 or female. Karting is one of the fastest growing www.aire.ie activities in Ireland and will certainly have your adrenalin pumping whether you chose our “Arrive & Drive” format or the “Grand Prix” which is ideal for larger groups.

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Catherinetown Riding Stables Mullingar Equestrian Centre Mullingar, County Westmeath Rathcolman, Athlone Road, +353 (0) 86 8384053 Mullingar, County Westmeath [email protected] | www.aire.ie +353 (0) 44 9348331 [email protected] www.mullingarequestrian.com Harbour Lodge Stables Kilbeggan, County Westmeath Mullingar Equestrian Centre, one of Ireland’s + 353 (0) 57 9332310 / + 353 (0) 894133323 premier equestrian centres, where show [email protected] | www.aire.ie jumping is a speciality.

Kilbeggan Racecourse Mullingar Greyhound Stadium Kilbeggan, County Westmeath Ballinderry, Mullingar, County Westmeath +353 (0)57 9332176 +353 (0)44 9348348 [email protected] [email protected] www.kilbegganraces.com www.mullingargreyhoundstadium.ie

Kilbeggan Races is one of the most enjoyable Mullingar Greyhound Stadium is now firmly experiences. It mixes the heart stopping established as one of the leading nighttime spectacle of races over jumps with the laid entertainment venues in the Midlands. Racing back charm of a genuine rural meeting. every Thursday and Saturday night.

Ladestown Riding Stables Ladestown House, Ladestown, County Westmeath + 353 (0) 44 48218 | [email protected] www.ladestownhouse.com

Ladestown Riding Stables provide horse, pony trekking holidays just on the outskirts of Mullingar, Westmeath. Ladestown House stands on a site that has been occupied for at least 2500 years, sadly only ruins now remain. However, these ruins have been transformed into a terrace garden, showing details of the original structures, and its well-preserved fine stone courtyards into a residence and stables.

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Water Activities Barracuda Boat Trips + 353 (0) 87 2301981 [email protected] Athlone Cruisers Limited www.barracudaboattrips.com Jolly Mariner Marina, Coosan, Athlone, County Westmeath A family run business situated in Athlone, +353 (0)90 6472892 | [email protected] County Westmeath, right in the heart of Ireland, www.acl.ie provifing fun and exciting boat trips along the River Shannon and Lough Ree. Whether it’s the Athlone Cruisers Limited is the longest height of summer or depths of winter the River established cruiser hire company in Ireland Shannon & Lough Ree are a sight to behold. and was founded in 1964. Customers have the choice of renting a luxury self drive cabin cruiser or taking a ninety minute trip on Lough Lough Ree Cruisers Ree on board MV Ross a sixty seater passenger Mucknagh Point, Glasson, boat with a Bar & Coffee Shop on board. They Athlone, County Westmeath operate a fleet of forty modern fibre glass +353 (0)90 6485256 cruisers, which are fully equipped to a very [email protected] high standard. www.loughreecruisers.com

Lough Ree Cruisers offer you the opportunity

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to experience the wonderfully unique Inland or king size beds. Modern immaculately Waterways of Ireland. Lough Ree Cruisers is gleaming bathrooms with heaven scent a small family run company specialising in organic bath produce. Enjoy our charming 6 berth boats - Classique Lough Ree 1135 - open plan saloon, where you can unwind and which were built by Connoisseur. The sliding soak up Ireland’s tranquil ambience, or watch roof feature over the saloon area has earned the world float by from the gloriously huge this boats reputation - pleasant in all weathers sundeck. with the option of open air cruising and dining, the Classique Lough Ree 1135 has already satisfied thousands of customers. Spacious Shannon Safari and comfortable and at reasonable prices all 36 Silverquay, Athlone, County Westmeath boats are well maintained and equipped to a +353 (0)86 2849108 | [email protected] high standard www.shannonsafari.ie

Shannon Safari provides powerboat trips Lough Ree Yacht Club for families, friends, clubs and businesses to Ballyglass, Coosan, explore the River Shannon, Lough Ree and Athlone, County Westmeath Inner Lakes. +353 (0)90 6475976 | [email protected] www.lryc.ie

Founded in 1770, Lough Ree Yacht Club is The Adventure Viking Ship Cruise the second oldest sailing club in the world. 7 St Mary’s Place, Athlone County Westmeath The tradition of organised pleasure boating +353 (0)90 6473383 | [email protected] in Athlone goes back to at least 1731, with www.vikingtoursireland.com a regatta on the Shannon amongst the ‘diversions’ promised for a festival week in the Relax and cruise the River Shannon on a replica town. Viking boat while the children dress up and become Vikings. Experience some of the three hundred years of Viking history on a voyage Shannon Princess into Lough Ree or down river to the monastic Athlone, County Westmeath settlement and round tower of Clonmacnoise. +353(0)87 2514809 Hear of the escapades on these waters through [email protected] live commentary on Viking battles and tales of www.shannonprincess.com buried treasure. There are a variety of helmets, swords, shields and a scroll for each child. Fun Aboard the ten passenger Shannon Princess and excitement for all the family. The ship is enjoy elegant spacious accommodation – docked on the River Shannon in Athlone town light airy cabins, individually designed with centre. large opening picture windows and twin

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Waveline Cruisers Killinurere Point, Glasson, County Westmeath 353 (0)90 6485711 | [email protected] | www. waveline.ie

Waveline Cruisers are based in Quigley’s Marina at the south end of Lough Ree. All Waveline- cruisers are on the newest technical standard and are serviced regularly. The layout is to a very high standard: All 29 cruisers are equipped with shower, toilet, galley, central-heating and radio/cassette player. The cruisers are suitable for two to six persons.

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MidlandsIreland.ieMidlandsIreland.ie Bridge Centre,Bridge Centre, Bridge Street Bridge Street Tullamore, County Offaly Tullamore, County+ 353 (0) Offaly57 93 52996/7 T: + 353 (0) 57E: [email protected] 52996/7 www.midlandsireland.ie E: [email protected] www.midlandsireland.ie