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, Demense, Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Bord na Mona, CORE, Failte , Lakelands & Inland Waterways, Laois Local Authorities, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Tourism, 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 , 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. 07 Our Past Our Pleasure Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Laois Heritage

Abbeyleix Heritage House , Laois Donaghmore Famine Workshouse Museum +353 (0)57 8731653 Donaghamore, , [email protected] + 353 (0)505 46212/44196 www.laois.local.ie/abbeyleix [email protected] www.donaghmoremuseum.com Housed in the historic north boys’ school, the museum at Heritage House will transport you This workhouse museum is a unique attraction in back in time allowing you to journey with the Ireland and aims to tell the story of the families pre-Christian warring tribes of Laois, witnessing who lived and died within the workhouse walls their conversion to Christianity and the rise of during and after the . The museum monastic Laois. Learn of the Norman influence, is housed in a restored workhouse originally built the suppression of the monasteries at the in the early 1850s. As a result of the great famine hands of Henry VIII and our progress through of 1845-1849 about 1,200 people, or 10% of the plantations, the influence of the landlords and population of the area, were forced to seek our brush with the industrial revolution. Learn refuge here. The building acquired a new lease of how an enterprising landlord created much life in 1924 when the Donaghmore Cooperative needed work for women and in a landlocked Society began operations. It was later owned by county exported carpets worldwide even Avonmore Foods plc who donated it for use as carpeting the staterooms of the ill-fated a museum in 1989. On visiting Donaghmore you Titanic. will see the original dormitories, a kitchen and a waiting hall authentically restored. The building today houses an agricultural museum.

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Irish Fly-Fishing and Hunting Museum Rock of Dunamaise Attanagh, Durrow, County Laois , Co. Laois +353 (0)57 8736112 +353 057 8664132 | [email protected] [email protected] www.laoistourism.ie www.irishfishingandhuntingmuseum.com Mapped by Ptolemy in 140 A.D., plundered by The only one of its kind in Ireland, the Fly Fishing Vikings in 842 A.D., the dowry of a princess in Museum has a comprehensive collection on 1169, seat of the O’More’s of Laois in the 14th fishing, shooting, hunting, poaching and more. century and attacked by Cromwell’s forces Reels dating from 1848, rods, game licences, in 1650, the Rock of Dunamaise is one of the traps, hatching pens, boats, books, pictures great monuments and fortresses of Ireland. and flies all form part of the collection. Situated on the Portlaoise / Stradbally road, the Rock of Dunamaise offers breathtaking views of County Laois. Today, the Rock of Museum Dunamaise is managed by the State. Mountmellick, County Laois + 353 (0) 57 8624525 |[email protected] www.mountmellickdevelopment.com

The main focus of the Museum is to conserve and display original pieces of Mountmellick Work (Embroidery) and to protect the memory of Mountmellick’s rich Quaker industrial past. Stradbally Steam Museum The Museum is situated on the banks of the river Stradbally, County Laois Owenass giving visitors a chance to glimpse +353 (0)57 8641878 / (0)86 1258813 at the inspiration behind the designs used. www.irishsteam.ie

The museum houses many steam, fire and farm engines. These include a Land Rover Fire Engine, which was stationed at Stradbally fire station in approximately 1950. A Guinness loco engine is also displayed, which was used around the streets near the Guinness Brewery, in over fifty years ago and there is even a home-made steam tractor. The Irish Steam Preservation Society holds its Steam Rally here during the August Bank Holiday. The Narrow Gauge Railway is the longest established steam powered narrow gauge railway in Ireland. The railway runs on bank holidays, and on request 3 Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Monastic Sites

Timahoe Round Tower , County Laois Aghaboe, County Laois +353 (0) 57 8664132 +353 (0) 57 8664132

Timahoe is a complete tower, though without Founded by St Canice in the sixth century, floors or ladders. It has one of the finest four- is the site of four different order Romanesque Doorways in Ireland, it phases of Christian life in Ireland. Visitors can is elaborately carved and decorated with also see the tree covered remains of a Norman interlace, human heads, chevrons and capitals. Motte nearby. Admission Free. It is unique in round tower architecture.

Killeshin Monastery , County Laois +353 (0) 57 8664132

Killeshin is an important mediaeval monastery and the centre of learning and culture since early Christian times. The beautifully carved 5th century Hiberno- Romanesque doorway on the 12th century church is one of the finest in the country. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Castle Durrow Durrow, County Laois +353 (0)57 8736555 | [email protected] www.castledurrow.com

Between 1713 and 1732, the Flower Family, Viscounts Ashbrook, built , one of the great houses of Ireland. In the mid- 1990s, Castle Durrow was renovated into a fine country house hotel. Today visitors can wander through the walled organic garden, where a number of old apple trees still produce. Perennial borders adorn the outside of the walled garden and the terraces. An 18th century pleasure garden of conifers, including a monkey puzzle, leads to a magnificent Houses, Castles & Gardens copper beech.

Ballaghmore Castle A path along the river joins the ‘Leafy Loops,’ Borris-in-Ossory, County Laois a series of walks through Durrow’s scenic +353 (0) 505 21453 countryside which run along the Erkina river. www.castleballaghmore.com Along here bluebells and wild garlic grow under [email protected] the trees, which were planted in Victorian times. The walk ends behind the Church of Situated between and Borris-in-Ossory, Ireland graveyard where the original castle Ballaghmore Castle was built in 1480 by the owners the Ashbrooks are buried. Gaelic Chieftain Mac Giollaphadraig (now called ). Ballaghmore Castle is a Open during daylight hours, except from unique and beautiful place, and is the perfect Christmas until mid-January. setting for a relaxing rural break in luxurious and historic surroundings next to a sixteenth century manor guest house. Ballaghmore Castle is located on the N7 between Borris-in- Ossory and Roscrea. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Heywood Gardens Court House & Gardens , County Laois Emo, Portlaoise, County Laois +353 (0)57 8733563 | [email protected] +353 (0)57 8626573 | [email protected] www.opw.ie www.opw.ie The centrepiece of the gardens is the Lutyens demesne is the second largest Garden designed by Sir , dating walled park in Europe, after the Phoenix Park from 1912. A pond with turtle fountains is in Dublin. The parkland with formal lawns, surrounded by a range of plants. From the mature trees and a nursery lake all located elliptical, sunken garden, a hidden staircase against the backdrop of Emo Court, a neo- leads to a series of “rooms” which are divided classical mansion designed in 1790 by James by Taxus baccata hedging. A pleached lime Gandon. alley planted leads from the Lutyens Garden to the Upper Terrace, where there are Alliums, At the front of the house the Wellingtonia wild rose, Erinus alpinus, hardy cyclamen, Avenue runs for 1 mile. It is named after the and Kniphofia. Nearby the Pergola has been Sequoiadendron giganteum, which line recently planted with Hydrangeas, Wisteria, it. Behind the house the arboretum covers and Fuchsia. Along this drive visitors can admire approximately 20 acres. Here grass pathways the exterior of the partially restored Orangery, meander through an impressive variety of the Sham Castle and the old window. The trees such as the Bhutan Pine, the Tulip Tree landscape also includes the woodland of (Liriodendron Tulipefera) the Handkerchief ancient oaks and beech, an obelisk, Claude’s Tree (Davidia involucrata) and cedars. Also Seat and the bath house. interesting is the lime tree avenue.

Open during daylight hours. Admission free. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

The Garden at Ballintubbert Ballintubbert, Stradbally, County Laois +353 (0)85 8505876 [email protected] www.ballintubbert.com

It is one of the largest public gardens in the country, nestled in a beautiful valley between the village of Stradbally, County Laois and the Sensory Garden at Dove House town of Athy, , it covers an area Dove House, Main Street, of 14 acres and continues to develop, consisting Abbeyleix, County Laois of 42 “rooms”. Some of these include The +353(0)57 8731325 | [email protected] Victorian Secret Garden, the White Garden, the Little Orchard and the Theatre Lawn. It is Previously a Brigidine Convent, this 2 acre site just 50 minutes from Dublin by motorway via was built and planted in 1996 by people with the M50. Take a day off and relax completely intellectual disabilities – all participants at Dove in this little pocket of Irish countryside. House. Their work sits against the backdrop of lime trees, which were donated by Lady de Vesci in 1840. The aim of the garden is to make visitors more aware of their five senses – Touch, Sound, Smell, Sight and Taste.

An impressive feature is the Humming Stone with a hole carved in the middle of it. A person of any hearing ability can put his/her head in the hole and hear the resonance when others shout into the hole. The trickling water in the pond and fountain also stimulates the sense of sound. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

The following are open by appointment: A looped trail begins at the woodland area where collections of Trilliums, Helleborus and Garden Galanthus thrive. From there the path leads Graiguefulla, Clonaslee, County Laois on to Jacobs Walk, which provides a colourful +353 (0)57 8648038 surprise for the visitor with its meandering [email protected] gravel pathway framed by sandstone stables. An archway frames the entrance to the North This floral oasis in an old farmyard is a sundial Garden where one is greeted by an attractive is surrounded by box hedging and flowers. Cytisus battandieri. A secret area and popular A stroll across a small stone path leads to a with children is the ‘Red Squirrels Den’ with water feature, constructed to look like a its majestic Sitka Spruce trees. The sheltered natural spring. A quaint glasshouse, which walled garden overlooking the lake is a plant houses tomatoes and beans, provides support collectors’ paradise. to clematis. Passing tall foxgloves and arching Solomon’s seal, visitors will come to a short beech walk. At the end of this there is a piece Dunmore Country School of bog oak, which is covered in clematis. This Swan Road, Durrow, County Laois leads to a rectangular lawned area, which is + 353 (0) 57 8736578 lined on either side by herbaceous borders, [email protected] full of poppies, astrantias, lilies, delphinium, www.dunmorecountryschool.ie aquilegia, crocosmia, astilbe and nepeta “Six Hills Giant”. Beyond the striking Sambucas Dunmore Country School covers approximately nigra “Black Lace” is the vegetable garden. 1 acre. It is a working kitchen garden, which is Opposite is the berry garden, which produces dedicated to teaching. This garden overflows blackcurrant, raspberry, gooseberry and with fruit and vegetables. A range of blueberry. vegetables are cultivated such as Japanese squash, courgettes, oca and rocket as well as unusual produce like purple carrots and purple Clonohill Gardens potatoes. 48 varieties of tomatoes were grown Laois Angling Centre, Coolrain, County Laois in 2011 including some Mexican varieties. A + 353 (0) 87 9962864 selection of berries fruit in the garden; tayberry, [email protected] gooseberry, blackberry, blackcurrant and www.laoisanglingcentre.ie the unusual white blackcurrant. There are interesting features such as a medlar tree, a The Gardens have been designed and fruiting quince, and a fruiting hedge, which is developed to enhance the existing landscape planted at 45° angle. Herbs are also produced with many mature trees providing a shady including absinthe, angelica, various types home for woodland treasures on a one acre of mint and hyssop. Everything is used and site surrounding Clonohill House. processed. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Fruitlawn Garden Fruitlawn, Abbeyleix, County Laois +353 (0)57 8730146 [email protected] www.arthurshackleton.com

Walled-in garden of approximately 1 acre with richly planted perennial borders containing many unusual plants, Hornbeam tunnel, orchard, fruit and vegetable garden, oak copse, yew hedges, beautiful climbing roses and many other lovely trees and shrubs. The different spaces in the garden include large perennial borders which have a mass of changing colour and texture throughout the summer. Within the formal layout, hundreds of perennial plants self-seed freely giving the Gash Gardens garden a relaxed and informal feel. These Gash, Castletown, County Laois include: Agapanthus, Aquilegas, Campanulas, +353 (0)57 8732247 | gashgardens@eircom. Geraniums, Oenotheras and Eryngiums. net | www.gashgardens.ie

Gash Gardens covers over four acres and feature a collection of unusual plants and fine specimen trees. All summer, herbaceous borders and island beds provide a continuous succession of colour. The Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) and Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) provide a spectacular seasonal finale.

The distinguishing feature of the garden is a stone cavern known as the Moon House with a cascade tumbling past its circular window into a lily pond. A laburnum archway leads through a fernery and along a path lined with beech hedging to the river walk, along the . Children are not admitted. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Longford Heritage

Ardagh Village , Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] www.longfordtourism.ie

Ardagh is a beautiful heritage village which is famed in myth and literature. The earliest structure in the village is St. Mel’s Church, an early medieval ruin situated above the site of an 8th century timber church. The historic village was rebuilt by Sir Thomas John Featherston of Ardagh House to the designs of architect, James Rawson Carroll. Carroll designed the village complete with estate workers cottages, police barracks and courthouse, post office and land-agent’s Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre house centred on a triangular green. The Ardagh, County Longford green is overlooked by St. Patrick’s Church +353 (0)86 3027602 of Ireland church with its distinctive lych-gate [email protected] and a splendid Gothic Revival clock tower www.creativeardagh.com dedicated to Sir John’s uncle, Sir. George Ralph Featherston. The Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre is located in an old schoolhouse built in 1898 Over the years, Ardagh has played host to on the outskirts of the village. It houses a writers and musicians such as Maria Edgeworth, fascinating exhibition, outlining the history of Sir Walter Scott, Turlough O’Carolan and Oliver this exquisite village. The centre also runs art Goldsmith. It is believed that a humorous and craft classes as well as the ‘Midir & Etain incident in Ardagh House inspired Goldsmith Café and Craft Gallery’. to write the play “She Stoops to Conquer”. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Battle of Site Ballinamuck, County Longford Longford Heritage Office, Longford Library HQ, Town Centre, Longford Town +353 (0)43 3340731 [email protected] www.longfordlibrary.ie

The small picturesque village of Ballinamuck is situated in north Longford, and is of national Portal Tomb significance as it is the site of the Battle of Longford Heritage Office, Longford Library HQ, Ballinamuck. This was one of the last great Town Centre, Longford Town battles in the 1798 Rising and saw the defeat of +353 (0)43 3340731 the Society of United Irishmen and their French [email protected] brothers in arms. The battle took place on the www.longfordlibrary.ie 8th of September 1798 and a trail following the events of this fateful event surrounds the A pathway leads from the village of village. Aughnacliffe in north County Longford, to this impressive megalithic tomb located at the foot of a low hill. Known locally as the ‘Aughnacliffe Dolmen’, it is unusual in that its three upright stones support two capstones or roofstones, as opposed to the more common single capstone. These large stones enclose a small space, which would have originally been a burial chamber. The monument also has a traditional connection with the ancient legend of Diarmaid and Gráinne and is believed to be one of their resting spots on their flight from Gráinne’s fiancé, the legendary hero Fionn MacCumhaill. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

The first clashes of the rebellion begun close Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre to Dublin on the 24th May 1798 and spread Kenagh, County Longford throughout . In August of that year, +353 (0)43 3322386 | [email protected] French reinforcements led by General www.longfordtourism.ie Humbert landed in Kilcummin, Co. Mayo and made their way southeast to join the rest of the The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre conserves Irish troops, engaging in a series of successful an Iron Age bog road, which was built in the and unsuccessful skirmishes. The line of their year 148 BC across the surrounding bogland. advance is marked by the Humbert Way, a The oak road is one of the largest of its kind trail leading from Co. Mayo to Longford. to have been uncovered in Europe. Inside the building, an 18-metre stretch of preserved The rising and its climax are commemorated road is on permanent display. Open from April in the heritage centre within the ‘98 Memorial - September. Hall, located in the centre of the village (access by appointment). The hall itself is a fine stone building, which was originally a Royal Irish Motte and Bailey Constabulary (RIC) barracks, which initially Granard, County Longford had two circular towers attached giving it a Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 / +353 (0)85 castle-like appearance. These have since 8888876| [email protected] | www. been removed. The hall was later in use as a longfordtourism.ie Masonic lodge and the remains of a circular window, bearing the symbols of the Order, This Anglo-Norman earthen mound was is concealed by a clock on the building’s constructed by Richard Tuite in 1199 as part façade. Close to the village of Ballinamuck of a strategy to extend Norman control over is Edenmore Bog, where the local community the country. Originally the top would have have developed walking trails through this had a timber tower surrounded by a palisade. area of fine natural beauty. Standing 534 ft above sea level it is reputed to be the highest motte in Ireland.

Although not accessible to the general public, the summit affords a view of five lakes, parts of nine counties and the faint outline of the . Many myths are attached to it, some say there is a castle concealed within it. In 1932 a statue of St Patrick was erected on top of the motte to mark the fifteen centuries of the coming of our patron saint. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Lanesborough Lanesborough, County Longford Newtowncashel, County Longford Longford Heritage Office, Longford Library HQ, Longford Heritage Office, Longford Library HQ, Town Centre, Longford Town Town Centre, Longford Town +353 (0)43 3340731 +353 (0)43 3340731 [email protected] [email protected] www.longfordlibrary.ie www.longfordlibrary.ie

Lanesborough is situated on the , The village of Newtowncashel is located close at the northern end of . It is linked with to Lough Ree on the River Shannon. This is a its sister village Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon, very picturesque village, which has won the by a fine stone bridge which affords fine views prestigious National competition onto Lough Ree. Lanesborough is located in 1980 and won other distinctions in the within the parish of , and close by competition in 1998, 2004 and 20055. The is the impressive ruin of Rathcline Castle and village is distinctive by its collection of public the medieval Rathcline Church, with its historic art in bog oak carved by local craftsmen, Bog Sheela-na-gig carving. The nearby Wood Sculptures. of Lehery is the birthplace of Fr. Joseph Mullooly who ministered at the church of San Clemente, At the edge of the village is a historic limestone Rome. It was he who helped discover the quarry, the stone from which was used in remains of an ancient Roman streetscape the construction of many private and public beneath the church, including a 4th century buildings in County Longford. The site features Christian basilica. A bust dedicated to Fr. examples of old quarry machinery, which is a Mullooly stands in the grounds of St. Mary’s rarely-seen aspect of the industrial heritage of Church the midlands. The site of the former Augustinian monastery on Saints Island and the beautiful stone harbour at Barley Harbour, both of which are on the shore of Lough Ree are within easy reach. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Abbeyshrule Cistercian Abbey Longford Tourism Office, Market Square, Longford Town Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 / +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] | www. longfordtourism.ie Monastic Sites A Cistercian abbey was founded here about 1150 and was one of the earliest in the Abbeyderg Augustinian Abbey country, as a daughter house of Melifont in Longford Tourism Office, . The abbey was founded by the Market Square, Longford Town O’Farrells and was eventually closed by Queen Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 Elizabeth 1 during the Tudor suppression of the +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] monasteries and the lands were granted to www.longfordtourism.ie Robert Dillon, Earl of Roscommon.

The Augustinian monastery of Abbeyderg, situated approximately 5 km from Kenagh, was founded in the thirteenth century by Gormgall O’Quinn. It was destroyed in 1567. The remains of Maoilin O’Maelchonaire, who has been described as Chief Ollamh and poet of Ireland were buried here.

Abbeylara Cistercian Abbey Longford Tourism Office, Market Square, Longford Town Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 Island +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 www.longfordtourism.ie +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] www.longfordtourism.ie The abbey at was founded about 1210 by the Anglo-Norman lord, Richard Tuite Inchcleraun, named after the sister of Queen and colonised from St Mary’s, Dublin, in 1214. Maeve of . It is remembered in Irish All that remains of it is the central tower with mythology as the place where the legendary a reputed sheela-na-gig and some adjacent queen was killed while bathing in its tranquil walls. waters by her foes. During the early Christian era, St Diarmuid founded a monastery Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

on Inchcleraun. Extensive ruins of six churches survive, the remains of greatest antiquity being those of the church named after the founding saint. The island was plundered extensively by the armies of Munster during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The island is privately owned, therefore there are no organised ferries to the island. Private boats can be hired during the Saints Island summer months. Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 +353 (0)85 8888876 [email protected] Rathcline Church & Sheela-na-gig www.longfordtourism.ie Rathcline, Lanesborough, County Longford Longford Heritage Office, Longford Library HQ, On Saints’ Island stand the ruins of an Town Centre, Longford Town Augustinian monastery. It flourished during the +353 (0)43 3340731 fourteenth century under the scholarly Abbot, [email protected] Augustin Magraidin, but the ravages of time www.longfordlibrary.ie took their toll and the site has lain derelict for centuries. There are stunning views of Lough Rathcline church is a late medieval church, Ree from here. situated in the townland of Rathcline Glebe, south of Lanesborough. The first mention of the site in historic records was in 1397, however it St Mel’s Church, Ardagh is likely that this is a much older religious site. A Longford Tourism Office, Market Square, number of decorated grave slabs, dating to Longford Town the late 17th/early 18th centuries are located Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 within the interior of the church. +353 (0)85 8888876| [email protected] www.longfordtourism.ie Its most distinguishing feature is an unusual sheela-na-gig carving on the exterior of its In the fifth century, Christianity arrived in east window. Sheela-na-gigs are grotesque Ardagh when St Patrick founded a monastery carvings of nude hags, which feature on some there and at that time he ordained St Mel as church buildings between the 12th to the 16th the first bishop. The first cathedral on this site centuries. They may also appear on tower was constructed of wood. It was not until houses and castles between the 15th and the eighth century that a stone building was 16th centuries. The only other known sheela in erected, the ruins of which remain today. St the county is at the former Cistercian abbey in Mel is reputed to be buried within its walls. St Abbeylara. Brigid was professed a nun by St Mel and is strongly associated with Ardagh. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Tubberpatrick Cemetery The house has been recently restored with flair Ballinamuck, County Longford and sensitivity. Guests are assured of a warm +353(0)43 3324848 welcome, comfortable atmosphere and [email protected] freshly cooked breakfasts from an extensive www.longfordlibrary.ie menu. The house was opened as a bed and breakfast in 1997 and has become established Tubberpatrick Cemetery is situated 5 km as one of Ireland’s leading accommodation north of Ballinamuck. It contains memorials to providers. Less than a mile from Longford town General Blake, Gunner Magee and other Irish centre, (which is at the junction of N4 and N5,) soldiers who were killed during or after the Battle and approx 70 miles from Dublin. of Ballinamuck (in the 1798 Rebellion) and later buried there. There are also noteworthy The house is surrounded by four acres of stations of the cross in the cemetery. There is a magnificent gardens. The house adjoins holy well and an unusual ‘wishing tree’ beside Longford Golf Club and there are a number the cemetery. of championship golf courses nearby -most noteably Glasson Golf Club. The House is an ideal base for touring the Midlands with Houses, Castles & Gardens Strokestown House and Famine Museum near by, Belvedere House, and Viewmount House Newgrange are within easy reach. Dublin Road, Longford + 353 (0)43 3341919 | info@viewmounthouse. com | www.viewmounthouse.com

This magnificent Georgian residence was originally owned by the . Built in 1740 by the Cuffe family, it was inherited by Thomas Packenham when he married Elizabeth Cuffe and became the first Baron of Longford. The Packenhams never lived in Viewmount House, as it was used by their agent to administer the Longford Estate. In the 1800s the house was used for a period as a Church of Ireland charter school. Around 1890 Harry McCann, a famed gardener, was in residence. In the early 1900s Jack O’Farrell, Chief Justice lived in Viewmount House. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Ireland’s Historic Science Centre Demesne, Birr, +353 (0) 57 91 20336 | bookings@birrcastle. com |www.birrcastle.com

Offaly Travel back to the time of the earlier Earls and Countesses of Rosse, when Birr Castle was a Heritage Sites hub of scientific discovery and innovation. The interactive centre reveals the wonders of Belmont Mill & Artists Studio early photography, engineering, astronomy Belmont, County Offaly and photography with a special emphasis on +353 (0) 90 64 57598 | [email protected] the brilliant design and assembly of the world www.belmontmill.com famous Great Telescope.

Belmont Mill and Artist Studios are set in a Discover astronomical instruments, cameras, water mill complex which dates back to the photographs and photographic equipment 18th Century. It is an inspiring venue for artists used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, and creative people. Located adjacent to Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s. the weir, on the in the Heart of Also on display is electrical and engineering Ireland. The mill is open to the public mid April equipment originally belonging to Charles – mid July, visitors can visit the restored mill and Parsons and used in his experiments as well see exhibitions. as a large area devoted to the botanical work carried out in the Demesne. The whole collection is housed in the restored stables. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Clara Bog Visitor Centre Scenes include the eviction of a family from Clara Bog Visitor Centre, their cottage, a windmill and a landlord’s Clara, County Offaly. house. Each model cottage is roofed with +353 (0)57 9368878 | [email protected] thatch and finished to intriguing detail. Step inside the life-size cottage and sit by the open Clara Bog is one of the best remaining fire. It is a rare insight into Ireland’s past. examples of a raised bog in Western Europe. Ten thousand years of fascinating history can be explored in this unique landscape where Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands plant and animal life are varied and plentiful. Boora, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9357400 The Clara Bog Visitor Centre offers the visitor [email protected] an interesting insight into the history and www.sculptureintheparklands.com development of the bog. The magnificent wetlands and wildlife wilderness of Lough Boora now host some of Larry’s Old Time Village the most innovative land and environmental “Windmill House” sculptures in Ireland. Artists draw inspiration Belmont, County Offaly from the rich natural and industrial legacy of +353 90 6457232 the boglands and have been invited each [email protected] year to create a series of large-scale sculptures that are now part of the Parklands permanent This ‘vernacular folk art’ model village depicts collection. Sculpture in the Parklands began Ireland from the early 1900s up to the 1950. It as an international sculpture symposium in incorporates 12 thatched cottages, a pub and 2002 and is constantly evolving. 60 figurines inclusive of people and animals. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre was a centre of learning excellence, and Bury Quay, , County Offaly many manuscripts, including the including the +353 (0)57 9325015 Annals of Tighernach (eleventh century) and [email protected] the Book of the Dun Cow (twelfth century), www.tullamore-dew.org were written here. The site is entered through the visitor centre, where a number of cross- The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre is located slabs are displayed. The centrepiece of the in the original 1897 Bonded Warehouse. Visitors Interpretative Centre is the ninth century Cross can wander through the various recreated of the Scriptures. Guided tours and a coffee working stations of the distillery such as the shop are on site. The surrounding area of malting, bottling, corking, cooperage areas Clonmacnoise is a microcosm of landscapes and the warehouse where the old oak barrels within the Midlands. These include the river filled with Tullamore Dew Whiskey were left callows, eskers, boglands both preserved and to mature. An exhibition relates the story of cutaway. Tullamore Dew Whiskey and the work that used to take place in the distillery. Tours are available in which visitors have the opportunity to see Drumcullen and touch the artefacts for themselves. County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 9346839

Monastic Sites The site was founded in the 6th century by a monk names Barrind. The high cross at Clonmacnoise Castle is believed to be from this site originally Clonmacnoise, and brought to the castle by the landlords. , County Offaly Access to Drumcullen monastic site is slightly +353(0)90 9674195 tricky. Leaving from Kinnitty you need to turn for Rath / Knockbarron and pass the access This sixth century monastic site, located on the road on your right. As the turn is acute, you banks of the River Shannon is home to three need to turn and come back to the turn in. It is High Crosses, a Cathedral, seven Churches and probably best to park and walk in as there are two Round Towers. This great monastery was a number of gates and the terrain is uneven. founded in 548- 9 by St Ciaran. Clonmacnoise Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Lemanaghan Ballycumber, County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 9346839

Lemanaghan is the site of a monastery founded by St Manchan in 665. The ruined church was built in the twelfth century and Durrow, County Offaly extended between the fifteenth and sixteenth + 353 (0) 57 9346839 century. Inside are two cross inscribed stones. Beyond the church is the holy well and rag St Colmcille (also known as St ) tree. Beside the church is a very fine bullaun founded a monastery at Durrow Abbey in the stone. A stone flagged togher leads from the sixth century, and the monastery’s scriptorium holy well to a rectangular enclosure with an later produced the ‘Book of Durrow’, a Latin early Christian oratory, called St Mella’s Cell, gospel, now in Trinity College Library, Dublin. in it. Associated with this site is St Manchan’s On site there is a holy well, a Georgian mansion Shrine in Boher Church. and a 19th-century church. Survey work has revealed an extensive early Christian enclosure surrounding the entire site. At present it is Macregol Gospels possible to park at the gate lodge and take Birr Town Library, Wilmer Road, Birr, County a short walk of around five minutes to the site Offaly and there are plans for a visitor centre. +353 (0)57 9124950. [email protected] www.birrhistsoc.com

Gallen The Macregol Gospels are a manuscript copy , County Offaly of the four Gospels, written and illuminated + 353 (0) 57 9346839 by Macregol who was scribe, abbot and bishop of Birr around 800AD. The Gospel Book This site associated with St Canoc is just outside of Macregol is a significant relic of the early Ferbane on the N62. It is signposted and Christian monastery at Birr. Exhibition copy on parking is available on the avenue. On view display in converted Pugin convent now Birr is a fabulous collection of grave slabs mostly Library, while original is in Bodheian Library, from the 8th to 10th century, which the Office Oxford of Public Works have displayed in a newly built wall. These were excavated in 1934-35. They display an extraordinary variety of Christian symbols. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Seir Kieran Clareen, County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 9346839

This is the site of an important monastery founded by St Ciaran in the fifth century. In the fields surrounding the church one can see the extensive double-banked earthen enclosure which probably supported a timber palisade enclosing an area of ten acres. Visible along the enclosing ramparts there is a low motte on top of which it is thought a timber castle was built by Anglo in the twelfth century. Inside the graveyard there are the remains of the Augustinian Priory with a medieval gun turret and the base of a round tower. The decorated base of a large high cross, the shaft and head which are now missing can still be seen in the centre of the graveyard. Adjacent to the site Rahan are St Ciaran’s Bush and Stone, and holy well. Rahan, County Offaly + 353 (0) 57 9346839 St Brendan’s Church The monastic site at Rahan dates back to the Birr, County Offaly 6th century and is associated with St Carthage. +353 (0)57 9246839 The large enclosure is D shaped with the Brosna river forming the straight side. The enclosure is St Brendan’s Church was built in the late privately owned farm land. Please park on the thirteenth and fourteenth century, on the roadside. You can however walk along the site of a monastery founded by St Brendan in path to the Church of Ireland church which the sixth century. In the seventeenth century, dates back to the 12th century and the two the Parsons family added a north aisle and a graveyards, and on across the field further fortified bell tower. to the Romanesque medieval ruined church Cain Adomnain, a law for the protection of women and children, was proclaimed here which is managed by the State. Access to in 697. The monastery had one of the most the church shows the wonderful chancel important scriptoria in Ireland and produced arch and carved heads, call 087 7426297 for a ninth century illuminated manuscript known the key. At the rear / east end of the church as the Gospels of Mac Regol, now housed is the famous Romanesque round window in the Bodleian library in Oxford. A copy can with carved heads, binoculars are useful for be seen in Birr library. Mac Regol was scribe, examining them at first floor level. bishop and abbot of Birr and died in 822. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Houses, Castles & Gardens

Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre Birr, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9120340 [email protected]| www.birrcastle.com

Birr Castle Demesne and Ireland’s Historic Science Centre offer a winter garden, formal garden, terrace garden and a river garden. The beautiful parkland features thousands of rare trees and plants collected from all over the world. The rivers, lakes and waterfalls are all memorable. The Great Telescope constructed at Birr Castle in the 1840’s, the largest in the world for seventy years, can be viewed. Ireland’s Historic Science Centre St Manchans Shrine features pioneering achievements in fields of Boher, County Offaly astronomy, photography engineering and + 353 (0)57 9336119 horticulture.

The Shrine, from Lemanaghan Monastic site is now magnificently displayed in the Church of St Manchan at Boher. Though damaged, the Shrine is one of the masterpieces of Irish Christian art. A house-shaped box of yew- wood has been cased in bronze, and the whole elaborately gilded and enameled. Most of the ornamental work is of mixed Viking and Irish styles, which date the main body of the Shrine to around 1125. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Kinnitty Castle Kinnitty, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9137318 | [email protected] www.kinnittycastle.com

Kinnitty Castle is located in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. This castellated mansion is on a 10,000 acre estate. The first Castle at Kinnitty was destroyed in 1209 and was later rebuilt by the Normans in 1213. Later, the Normans were driven out by the powerful Gaelic clan, the O’ Carrolls of Ely. In 1664 the crown granted an estate, which included Kinnitty Castle, to Colonel Thomas Winter as reward for military service. Colonel Winter’s descendants sold the estate to the Bernard family in 1764. It then became known as Castle Bernard.

Charleville Castle The ninth century Drumcullen high Cross Tullamore, County Offaly is located in front of Kinnitty castle in the +353 (0)57 9321279 grounds. [email protected] www.charlevillecastle.com As with many stately homes in Ireland, the Castle was burned down by the Republican This castellated mansion was built between forces. The Castle was rebuilt in 1928 and the 1798 and 1810 for the first Earl of Charleville Bernard family lived there until 1946 when designed by Francis Johnston. With its soaring it was sold to Lord Decies who in turn sold prospect tower and attached chapel wing, it the Castle to The State in 1951. The State is an exceptional example of domestic Gothic retained ownership until it was sold in 1994 and Revival. It is one of the very finest and most transformed into a luxurious hotel. impressive country houses ever to have been built in Ireland. The castle is situated in one of Ireland’s ancient oak woods. Advanced booking is advised to ensure access to the castle. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

The following are open by appointment:

Ballybrittan Castle , County Offaly +353 (0)87 2469802

Ballybrittan Castle is an extended tower- house which takes its name from the tower or a castle built in the late fifteenth century as an O’Connor stronghold in the townland of Ballybrittan, near Edenderry, Co. Offaly. Although a major portion of the castle was taken down in the nineteenth century the overall suite of buildings is regarded as one Lough Boora Parklands of the best surviving examples of this house Boora, County Offaly. type. It still incorporates fifteenth, sixteenth, +353 (0)57 9345978 seventeenth and eighteenth century features [email protected] reflecting many extensions, renewals and www.loughbooraparklands.com rebuildings over hundreds of years.

This fascinating re-generating cut away bogland is fast developing new habitats and hosting a whole range of new species on a site which was relatively barren 20 years ago. There is now a suite of walks and cycle paths to archaeological and natural heritage sites. Home to the Grey Partridge this is also a great site for birdwatchers. A Sculpture Park has been developed over the past decade with a considerable range of works by international artists. Bike hire is available in the summer months. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Cloghan Castle Lusmagh, , County Offaly. +353 (0)57 9151650 [email protected]

Originally a medieval O’Madden stronghold, it is set in a beautiful area bounded by the river Shannon and Little Brosna. A fascinating guided tour through the castle is offered by the owners where the visitor will see antique furniture, Jacob sheep and hear ghost stories. Special occasions also catered for.

Bellefield House & Gardens , County Offaly +353 (0)505 47766 | [email protected] www.loughderggardens.com/bellefield.php

Dating from 1840 this Georgian farmhouse and 2-acre walled garden have been restored by well known garden architect Angela Jupe. A member of the Lough Derg Garden Trail, the walled garden contains a collection of peony, iris, and old roses. Its centrepiece is Clonony Castle a whimsical folly. Old apple, pear, damson Near Shannonharbour, County Offaly and cobnuts have been retained while new +353 (0) 90 6457896 | www.clononycastle.ie Irish and old varieties of apple, plum, cherry, quince and persimmon have been added. Situated on the R357 between Cloghan The walls are clad with unusual clematis and Shannonbridge, this is one of the better and Chilean climbers. There is also a large preserved tower houses in Offaly and it shows glasshouse, which was built with salvaged cast many layers of reuse and adaptation by its iron windows. It houses grape, peach, fuchsia owners over the centuries. Built in the 1500s and species lilies. In spring the woodland by the MacCoughlan family, it is currently garden is awash with snowdrops (over 100 undergoing conservation works by the present varieties), cyclamen, wood anemone and old owner. Picnic areas are available plus the daffodils. banquet hall and tea room by reservation only. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Gloster House Brosna, Birr, County Offaly +353 (0)87 2342135 |[email protected] www.glosterhouse.com

Gloster House and Demesne is a late seventeenth – early eighteenth century The Round House Georgian house of significant architectural Boland’s Lock, Cappincur, County Offaly and historic importance with extensive gardens +353 (0)1 4972268 incorporating terraces, water features, woodland and lakeside walks. This beautifully refurbished lock house is a seven-bay, two storey house with gable ends, four windows and a castellated front. Michael Hayes, who constructed the canal harbour Birr, County Offaly +353 (0)57 9131115 and stores in Tullamore was responsible for its [email protected] construction and design. The house is located 5 km east of Tullamore, a pleasant walk along Through turbulent centuries, Leap Castle kept a section of the Way. watch for the Chieftains of Ely O’Carroll and still stands fortress-like on the hillside overlooking a vast stretch of the countryside. In 1532 upon the death of The Chief of the Clan, fierce rivalry erupted within the family. Above the main hall of the original tower is the Bloody Chapel where “One-eyed Tadhg O’Carroll” slew his brother, a priest, as he was holding mass at the altar, hence the name the Bloody Chapel.

Woodland Cottage Garden Woodland Cottage, Birr, County Offaly. +353 (0)57 9121215 [email protected] www.loughderggardens.com/ woodlandcottage.php

Woodland Cottage Garden has been developing over 20 year period. The garden consists of three distinctive areas. To the front Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

of the house is the main lawn, which is flanked Kilbeggan Distillery by a large mixed herbaceous border on one Main Street, Kilbeggan, side. A hidden path leads down to the new rose garden, where there is a reflection pond +353 (0)57 9332134 | info@kilbegganwhiskey. and pergola. Continuing along the rustic com | www.kilbegganwhiskey.com path, visitors reach the woodland area. The semi-mature trees are under-planted with Take a step back in time and visit the oldest spring-flowering bulbs, Hellebores, Anemone licensed distillery in the world. Established in nemerosa, Hostas and many other interesting 1757, triple distilled malt whiskey was produced woodland species. Crossing the avenue, in Kilbeggan for over two hundred years. Now visitors can follow grass pathways that open as a museum, guided tours follow the meander through a meadow filled with some process from the grinding of the grain to the fine specimens of both mature and semi- casking of the final product. Learn about the mature trees. Of particular interest are some lives and the working conditions of the people old heritage apple trees. who worked here. Peer down into the 28ft deep solid oak vats to where the yeast and worts fermented. Look as the nineteenth century water wheel drives the restored machinery. Westmeath Watch as the cooper tightens the hoops of the oak casks. Stroll through the Bonded Heritage Warehouse and let the aroma of maturing whiskey arouse your senses. The distillery is Dún na Sí Heritage Centre located just off the M6. Knockdomney, , County Westmeath +353 (0)90 6481183 |dunnasimoate@eircom. net

Dún na Sí Heritage Centre is the home of the Moate Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. It is a microcosm of Irish culture. Explore the park, a picture of by-gone days. Trace your family roots with the help of our trained researchers. Enjoy the music, song, dance and storytelling at a folklore show, seisiún or céilí. Dún na Sí is located 1 km north of Moate on the Mount Temple Road. The Centre is open all year round and the park is open from May - October. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Moate Museum Courthouse Derryglad Folk Museum Main St. Moate, County Westmeath Tuam Road, Curraghboy, Athlone + 353 (0) 90 6482167 +353 (0)90 6488192 [email protected] The Museum has over 1000 artefacts covering the Folk History of the Town and the The museum is privately owned and run by the surrounding countryside in the 18th, 19th, and Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year early 20th centuries. Displays include farm collection of over 3,000 items. These include; tools and equipment, an old farm kitchen, horse-drawn machinery restored to the original church and school through the years, a jail working order, tradesman tools and butter room, an archaeology room, the Old Forge, making equipment radio’s etc. Tradesmen’s Tools and a documents archive. Open 1st June -30th September. Group visits can be set up outside normal hours/days by appointment. Fore, Mullingar, County Westmeath +353(0)44 9661780

Monastic Sites The village of Fore is in a valley between two hills. Here you will see the ancient ruins Cathedral Museum of a Christian monastery. Fore is the town of Cathedral of Christ the King the springs and was named after St Fechin’s Mullingar, County Westmeath spring, which is beside the old church. It was St +353(0)44 9348338 Fechin who founded the ancient Fore Abbey around 630 A.D. By 665 A.D. there were three The Cathedral of Christ the King was opened in hundred monks living in the community. An 1936. It is Basilican in form with twin towers and important aspect of Fore is the “Fore Crosses” a dome. The style is modernised Renaissance. one of which is in the village of Fore. There are The museum is situated within the Cathedral eighteen crosses; some crosses are plain others building, above the Sacristy, the entrance are carved. There are spread out over 10 km being at the right side of the building. It contains on roadways and in fields and bear witness to many artefacts of historical interest and models religious persecution during penal times. Fore of church buildings in the Mullingar area from contains the only certain Benedictine remains the seventeenth century to the present. Art in Ireland. exhibits of various kinds, including two large canvases of Saints Loman and Colman, two saints of local origin are on display. Limited opening hours during the months of May – October. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Multyfarnham Franciscan Friary – St Munna’s Church Multyarnham, County Westmeath , County Westmeath +353 (0)44 9371114 +353 (0)44 9348571

The 700 year old Franciscan Friary, includes Taghmon church, one mile east of quarters for priests and brothers and an Crookedwood is one of the most important extensive garden. It was suppressed by Henry monuments in County Westmeath and is VIII in 1540, but the friars preserved a presence preserved as a National Monument in the there ‘a nest of scorpions’ as Queen Elizabeth care of the state. Originally it was the site of described them until they were scattered by an early Christian monastery founded by St Cromwell in 1651. The restoration of the abbey Finian Munna around the late sixth century was completed in 1973. Its new stained glass or slightly later. It is generally agreed that the windows show the burning of the abbey in current ruins date to the fifteenth century. The 1601, a priest holding a secret mass, and the church is reported to have been sacked by Legend of the Children of Lir. The beautifully Farrell MacGeoghegan in 1452 in the Annals laid out gardens contains life-sized stations of of the Four Masters. By 1587 the church was the cross, one of the finest outdoor shrines in known to have been the property of the Ireland. Nugents, an important family of the Pale and it is later recorded to have been ruined by 1622. Nonetheless, it was still able to provide shelter St Brigid’s Well to Cromwell and his army when planning to Mullingar, County Westmeath attack the nearby Nugent castle in 1650. +353(0)44 9348650

This is an ancient spring, traditionally associated with St Brigid. A path of stones representing the Stations of the Cross leads to a small stone beehive chapel. It is located on the old Longford Road. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Tristernagh Abbey Houses, Castles & Gardens , County Westmeath Visitor Centre +353 (0)44 9348571 Saint Peter’s Square, Athlone, County Westmeath About 3 km north east of Ballynacargy lie the + 353 (0) 9064 42109 ruins of Tristernagh Abbey that was dedicated [email protected] to the Mother of God. The abbey sometimes www.athloneartandheritage.ie called the Priory of , was founded in 1192 by Geoffrey de Constantine, an Anglo- Athlone Castle is a Norman Castle that Norman who acquired lands in the area after dominates the town centre of Athlone the Norman invasion. This Augustinian priory in County Westmeath. It commands the is thought to have been quite famous over traditional gateway to the West of Ireland. The the years of its existence until 1536 when the first real signs of settlement at Athlone grew commissioner of Henry VIII plundered it and up in Anglo-Norman times around the castle closed it down. which was built for King John of England by his Irish justiciar Bishop John De Gray of Norwich. Nearby are the remains of Kilbixy which was Though not the first castle to be built at Athlone an important medieval town, but which had this castle has endured like no other. Looking a Christian heritage going back a long time at it today it still incorporates elements of the before. No remains of the original church castle of 1210 together with various additions are visible and its site is occupied by an old and alterations which were made in response Protestant church erected by Lord Sunderlin in to advances in warfare. It has many of the 1800. characteristics of a Napoleonic fortification as it was remodeled during that period to defend the crossing point of the Shannon.

The Keep of the Castle tells the dramatic story of the famous Siege of Athlone while the other buildings house a modern interpretative centre focusing on Athlone, the Castle and the periods both before and after the Siege. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Middleton Park House , County Westmeath +353 (0)44 9226996 [email protected] www.mph.ie

Belvedere House Gardens & Park was built by George Belvedere, Mullingar, County Westmeath Boyd in 1850. He commissioned George +353 (0)44 9349060 | [email protected] Papworth, architect, to design and oversee www.belvedere-house.ie the building of the house. Acclaimed features of the house were its under-floor heating The estate comprises one hundred and sixty system, stone bifurcated staircase leading acres of parkland with magnificent woodland to the gallery landing and three-story high and lakeshore walks. Several follies adorn the atrium lantern located in the main hall. The landscape including Ireland’s largest folly, The house also boasts one of a few Richard Turner Jealous Wall. The restored Belvedere House is Conservatories to be found in Ireland. an eighteenth century hunting/fishing lodge designed by the renowned German architect The house and estate remained in the Richard Castle for Robert Rochfort, later the Rochfort-Boyd family until the 1960s when it 1st Earl of Belvedere. A fascinating Victorian was sold. Since then it has seen many owners. walled garden, contains one of Ireland’s finest Today, Middleton Park House is proud of collections of rare and special plants. At the its architectural heritage and provides an end of the Victorian Garden is a new area The exclusive setting for weddings, corporate Enchanted Glen a secret Faery Garden. The events and other private occasions. Middleton stable block is home to a modern visitor centre Park House is open to the public on Sunday with multi-media show, exhibitions, cafe and without prior appointment from 11.00 am until gift shop. Adjacent to the visitor centre is the 6.00 pm. animal sanctuary and children’s play area.

Lough Park House , County Westmeath +353 (0)44 966 1226

A gable ended, early 18th century, Dower House of the Pollard family, with a pedimented doric doorcase with pilasters and good detail in the small porch. No dogs allowed. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Tyrrellspass Castle The following are open by appointment: Tyrellspass, County Westmeath +353 (0) 44 9223105 Rockfield House and Gardens info@.com Rathaspic, , www.tyrrellspasscastle.com Mullingar, County Westmeath +353 (0)43 76024 This is the only remaining castle of the Tyrrells, cousins of William the Conqueror who came Rockfield House is a classical Georgian to Ireland in 1169. It was built circa 1411 and residence with delicate and ornate plasterwork was extensively restored in the 1970s. The offering traditional character and charm. It castle follows the general pattern of tower stands secluded among mature trees. The houses, stone built, essentially defensive nature’s wonderland garden is shared with and comprising a series of superimposed wandering wildlife and farm animals on an chambers. The original spiral staircase and organic farm. one of the original roof beams dates from 1280. The ground floor is currently being used as a restaurant and coffee shop. Togherstown House Loughnavally, County Westmeath +353 (0)87 9790299 [email protected] www.togherstownhouse.com

Built circa 1695, over its long existence it has gone through many changes. The most significant of these was in the mid nineteenth century, when it was extended to include two large ‘wings’. The westerly ‘wing’ comprises a ballroom with an extremely ornate stucco- work ceiling. Our Past 07 Our Pleasure

Tullynally Castle & Gardens Castlepollard, County Westmeath +353 (0)44 9661159 [email protected] www.tullynallycastle.com

Tullynally has been owned by the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, since the seventeenth century. The original house was remodelled by the 2nd Earl as a huge rambling gothic revival castle in the early 1800s, now one of the largest in Ireland to survive as a family home. Terraced lawns around the castle overlook superb eighteenth century parkland. The adjoining woodland gardens and walled gardens date largely from the same period and encompass a grotto of eroded limestone from nearby and two ornamental lakes. The walled gardens have extensive flower borders and an avenue of giant two-hundred year old Irish yews. and gardens are situated 1.5 km outside Castlepollard on the Granard road (signposted), 20 km from Mullingar 80 km from Dublin via N4 or N3.

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