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 Ireland, 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 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. 02 Festivals 02 Festivals

Laois Electric Picnic Stradbally, County Laois Abbeyfest +353 (0)1 4789093 www.abbeyfest.com www.electricpicnic.ie

Abbeyfest is a community music and arts The Electric Picnic Festival is a boutique music festival based in the heritage town of festival over three days in late August / early Abbeyleix. Abbeyfest takes place over the September and features music, comedy, June bank holiday weekend. cabaret, organic cafes and juice bars, family entertainment, all in the idyllic and picturesque setting of Stradbally Hall Estate in Stradbally, Annual International Irish Music & Set Dancing County Laois. Festival Castletown, County Laois +353 (0)86 2607658

Five céilís held over the weekend. Set dancing workshops for both advanced and beginners on Saturday and Sunday.

Clonaslee Show Clonaslee, County Laois +353 (0)57 8648303

This agricultural show takes place every August, and includes a dog show, cookery and domestic arts.

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Erkina Festival Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run Rathdowney, County Laois www.gordonbennettroute.com + 353 (0)505 46313 Tourism Officer, Laois County Council, Áras an Contae, Portlaoise, County Laois The central theme of this July festival is pageantry + 353 (0)57 8664132 and heritage. There will be day and night [email protected] entertainment plus a day in the bog, finishing www.laoistourism.ie with the grand finale ‘Flare in the Square’ An Annual Rally for Classic vehicles of all types (registered pre-1977) takes place on an annual Festival on the Mountain basis on the June Bank Holiday weekend. Rosenallis, County Laois The Classic Car Run is based in County Laois +353 (0)57 9328879 and takes in counties Kildare and Carlow to commemorate the original Gordon Bennett This festival takes place in July in the picturesque ‘the race that saved motor sport’. The Gordon village of Rosenallis at the foot of the Slieve Bennett route is a historic motoring route which Bloom Mountains. is signposted through the three counties.

French Festival of Portarlington Heritage Week +353 (0) 57 862 3281 Heritage Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, County Laois Taking place in July, the weekend festival has a Tel: + 353 (0) 57 8674348 www.laois.ie wide range of entertainment to suit all interests with music, dance, sport, history, food, a parade There’s lots of fun in store for you during National led by the Festival Queen which includes local Heritage Week. From walks, classical music, businesses, clubs, groups and schools. Festival poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, goers can obtain many French delights at the historical re-enactments, local history walks French Market such as cheeses, pastries, soaps, and talks, food fairs, traditional skills workshops. accessories to name but a few. A famous There’s something for everyone and most French delicacy otherwise known as “Escargot” events are free. can be enjoyed by all who take part in the festivals National Snail Eating Championships or “Championnats d’escargots National Eating”... do you have the stomach for it?! Enjoy music and dance to celebrate the French heritage. Some more of the entertainment that will be provided over the weekend includes a carnival, arts and crafts, face painters, bouncing castles and much more.

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Howya Scarecrow Festival Laois Bealtaine Festival +353 (0) 86 869 4691 Arts Office, Laois County Council, [email protected] Áras an Contae, Portlaoise, County Laois www.durrowvillage.com +353 (0)57 8674342

Taking place each August, the Festival of This festival takes place in May each year and is friendship, the HOWYA festival includes the run by the local arts office in association with Age All-Ireland’s Scarecrow competition for the and Opportunity. Various storytelling and music delight of young and old alike. Friendship is events take place throughout the county. very important these days and a simple Howya and a handshake is a sign of happiness. The small community of Durrow gets together Laois Walking Festival every summer to celebrate this and puts all County Laois their energy to welcome visitors. Bring your +353 (0)57 8661900 own scarecrow or just come in for a stroll through the town. You will get surprised by The festival programme includes many walks the scarecrows found in unexpected places. over a 4 week period. All types of walkers are You will fall under the charm of the village catered for through the festival programme. coming to life during the week. Family day Each walk is lead by a local guide. All routes on the Green, concerts, races, a lot to do for boast special features that set them apart from everyone who wants to celebrate friendship. each other.

International Golf Challenge Leaves Festival of Literature +353 (0)57 8664132 The Arts Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, County Laois. The International Golf Challenge takes place on Tel: + 353 (0) 57 8674344/42 an annual basis in May. It attracts golfers from all www.laoisarts.ie [email protected]. over Europe. The International Golf Challenge is a fourball, betterball competition. Players will Literary Festival in November hosting the best be given the chance to experience the variety of national and local writing, music and literary and quality of at least 3 of the 5 participating golf workshops. courses: Abbeyleix, Mountrath, Portarlington, Rathdowney and the Heath. The leading pairs with the best accumulated scores over the three days will qualify to play the grand final at the championship Golf Course of the Heritage at Killenard, designed by Seve Ballesteros.

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National Steam Rally Rose of Tralee Regional Finals Stradbally, County Laois Portlaoise, County Laois +353 (0)57 8625444 www.roseoftralee.ie www.irishsteam.ie The Regional Finals are held every year before This festival takes place each August bank the Rose of Tralee International Festival to holiday week-end, is one of Laois’ most famous determine which Roses will represent their with its unique collection of ancient machinery territories at the International Festival in August. thirty engines in steam and a steam train all Roses from around the world will join those add to the spectacle and a carnival, hot air from Ireland to take part in a parade through ballooning and a sheep dog demonstration the centre of town and will visit to top Laois provide a great day’s entertainment. attractions.The Regional Finals are hosted by Dáithí Ó Sé who interviews each Rose on stage at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel over Ossory Agricultural Show three nights, followed by music and dancing Rathdowney, County Laois until late after the show is over. +353 (0)87 6572536

This annual Ossory Show takes place in July. There are many attractions for all ages, including classes for horses, cattle and sheep with many qualifiers in these classes, and also in vegetables, home baking and crafts. There are also classes for jams, poultry, flowers, amateur photography and children’s competitions.

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Slieve Bloom Music from the Mountain Festival Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival +353 (0) 87 133 2020 +353 (0)57 9137299 [email protected] [email protected] www.slievebloom.ie www.slievebloom.ie

A weekend of the best of Irish traditional music A landscape of mountains, valleys glens and where local talent is displayed at its very best, waterfalls, ancient raths and medieval castles, set in the beautiful village of Clonaslee in the in the heart of Ireland, rich in music and folklore Slieve Bloom Mountains. Session trail in the is the ideal setting for a festival of Storytelling. local pubs occurs each August.

The Hallowe’en Howls Comedy Festival +353 (0) 57 862 1744 [email protected] www.halloweenhowls.ie

The Hallowe’en Howls Comedy Festival attracts people from all over Ireland to one of the most accessible towns in the country to enjoy the cream of comedy talent in some of the most intimate venues you’ll find anywhere! The festival takes place in the town centre and all venues are located just minutes apart. Join in the action where for the first time the festival will conclude on Hallowe’en night!

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Longford exposed to the varied and diverse forms of the arts. The ethos of the festival is to nurture Airfield Festival & Family Fun Day and develop an artistic appreciation among Tel: +353 (0)44 9357742 young people by introducing them to a wide range of art disciplines such as drama, This event takes place just outside the beautiful music, dance and the visual arts through the village of Abbeyshrule on the . medium of workshops and performances. The festival and Air Show has been attracting This is achieved through participatory public people from all over Ireland and Europe for workshops, schools programme, children’s many years. It is the longest running air show and family theatre and special projects such in Ireland, held annually during the month as the primary school’s theatre programme, of August at Abbeyshrule Airfield, County photography workshops and exhibition and Longford’s own airport and the only airport in the secondary schools film project. the Irish Midlands. The Airshow is an exciting and spectacular event regularly featuring aircraft from the Irish Air Corps, US Air Force and some Annual Vintage Show of the best civilian acts in Ireland and the UK. Tel: +353 (0)87 1167630 / +353 (0)87 6337733 The annual fly-in held in conjunction with the www.longfordvintageclub.com air show regularly attracts visitors and pilots from around the world in particular the UK and Longford Vintage Club hold an Annual Vintage Europe. An exciting and fun weekend awaits Show which attracts Vintage enthusiasts from all the family as well as offering an excellent around the county as well as further afield. day out for all those with an interest in aircraft This event offers a great day out for all those and flying. with a love of anything vintage as well as an enjoyable family excursion. For the younger visitors to the show there is a dog show, a Aisling Children’s Art Festival bonny baby competition, facepainting and + 353 (0)43 3347888 plenty of amusements. C/o Backstage Theatre, Farneyhoogan, www.aislingfestival.ie [email protected]

The Aisling Children’s Arts Festival takes place in October and is a county based celebration of children’s art and provides an invaluable opportunity for the children of Longford to experience, experiment and become

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Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show Tel: +353 (0) 43 3323180 @gmail.com

This is an annual event held on the second Sunday in June at Aughnashannagh, County Longford Ploughing Championships Ballinalee, County Longford. The second (secretary) +353 (0)87-9691176 largest of it’s type in the country the show completely transforms this rural and historical The County Longford Ploughing Association village of Ballinalee and provides a thoroughly hosts its annual ploughing championships enjoyable day out for all the family. All the each April. The event has been running since ponies featured are registered Connemara 1934 and hosts competitions for ploughing Ponies, known for their athleticism and great with vintage and modern tractors, ploughing dispositions. They are gentle creatures and with a horse and hand ploughing with a particularly good with children.Visitors to the traditional “loy” as well as family activities and show get the chance to see them take part in dog show. in-hand and performance classes and if you’re lucky enough to own one of these beautiful animals there are plenty of opportunities to County Longford Cycle Tour meet other owners and breeders to swop Longford Sports Partnership notes and tips. There’s also an excellent dog Tel: +353 (0) 43 3343450 show on the day and a fun parade for the [email protected] entertainment of the children or just to keep www.longfordsports.ie everyone in high spirits. The Longford Cycle Tour is organised by Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with Longford Tourism. This event is extremely popular with over 150 cyclists taking part in last years tour. The tour is structured in such a way as to appeal both to recreational and competitive cyclists with both a 15km and a 50km race.

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County Longford Fleadh Cheoil and combined harvester. There will also be Tel: +353 (0) 86 8119444 threshing, bailing, corn grinding, flail and hand binding. This is a unique event showcasing how The County Longford Fleadh Cheoil is an annual the crops have been saved in rural Ireland over festival celebration of Irish musical talents and the past century and offering an enjoyable culture which attracts people from around the days entertainment for the whole family, locals country and abroad. It provides an opportunity and visitors to the county alike. to learn or play some tunes as well as a chance to meet new and old friends. It is also a place to marvel at the skill of a favourite trad artist and Goldsmith International Literary Festival join in the ceoil agus craic of rural Ireland. What +353 (0)90 6432374 you experience at a festival of Irish traditional Goldsmith Summer School, Rathmore, music will depend to a great degree on what , County Longford you go to find. But whatever your expectation, there’s one thing that you will be sure of finding This three-day event centres on places in County Longford, it is a warm welcome associated with the world-renowned poet. from those with a love of Irish traditional music, Events take place in towns and villages in the dance, song and language, and an invitation vicinity. Over the weekend, those wishing to gain to stay longer. a deeper insight into the life, times and writings of Goldsmith are offered ample opportunity to do so. County Longford Harvest Festival Tel: +353 (0) 43 3322227 Helium Micro Music Festival The Harvest Festival is a time for a celebration of Tel: + 353 (0) 86 – 1657728 the land, a day to showcase how people lived www.heliumfestival.ie long ago and how they sustained themselves [email protected] from the lands bounty. In times past people sowed many types of cereals on their land, Helium Micro Music Festival is one of most exciting oats and barley rye, wheat, potatoes, turnips, music festivals to establish itself in Longford in marigolds, kale and some even sowed sugar current years. An annual event organized to beet. The Harvest Festival provides a day to raise money for Ataxia Ireland this festival boasts tell stories of these times and bring out some of an excellent programme of contemporary those old machines that were used in times gone headlining artists with a vast array of talented by, many of which the younger generation or musicians. This is an amazing, jam packed music visitors to the area may never have seen. There festival to rival any around the country. Full bbq, are several interesting events lined up for the fire performers plus lots of surprises await all Harvest Festival day such as cutting corn with the music lovers. Full camping and after party reaper and binder (horsedrawn) sickle, scythe marquee for all patrons is also included.

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autojumble. There is also a selection of country style market stalls and stands demonstrating traditional crafts such as bread making, churning and basket making. In addition for families and children there is a dog show, flying eagle display, caprine scene (pet goats), and a family funfair, complete with fortune teller, ice cream and refreshment stands, all taking place in the magnificent grounds of Newcastle House in Ballymahon, County Longford.

Lanesboro Two Provinces Triathlon [email protected] www.trilanesboro.com

Heritage Week The ‘Two Provinces’ Lanesboro Triathlon is a Heritage Office, Triathlon Ireland sanctioned event, therefore Longford County Library, Longford every participant must have a racing licence. Tel: +353 (0)43 3341124 If you are NOT a member of Triathlon Ireland, [email protected] you must purchase a one day licence for this race. It consists of a 750 meter swim, 20 There’s lots of fun in store for you during National Kilometer bike and 5 Kilometer run. The swim Heritage Week. From walks, exhibitions, music, will take place in the river Shannon starting on performances, poetry, storytelling, historical the Connaught side of the river and exiting on re-enactments, local history walks and talks. the side 750 metres downstream. The There’s something for everyone and most bike route will take the competitor west along events are free. the N63 across the river turning north onto the R371. On completing the bike section, competitors run around by the small harbour Lakelands Vintage Rally and Auto Jumble following the signs towards the woods running Tel: +353 (0)44 - 9357964/ +353 (0)87 – 6649069 along the marked trail and exiting by turning [email protected] right onto the road where they will run for approximately 2.0 Kilometres to the A perfect day out for those who love all turn about cone. They will then follow the road things vintage, or simply as an entertaining back to the village turning left at the junction family excursion. Visitors can expect to enjoy of the Rathcline road, N63 and R392 running an amazing display of vintage cars, vintage down along the main street and into the car tractors, various stationary engines, and an park area.

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Longford Dance Fest Lough Ree Environmental Summer School +353 (0)44 9357570 Tel: +353 (0) 43 3342577/ +353 (0) 85 8888876 The Shawbrook Dance School, Legan, [email protected] County Longford. [email protected] The Lough Ree Environmental Summer School www.shawbrook.org & Arts Festival is an annual event which has been taking place since 1998. It has grown to Longford Dance Fest takes place annually be one of the most important festivals of its kind beginning with a dance flashmob in the town on the island of Ireland. The school is open to square and continuing with a programme everyone, even those with just a passing interest of events over three days which include in the environment. From its origins as a project dance competitions, workshops and live to increase to environmental awareness, the performances both in Backstage Theatre and summer school is now one the most significant Shawbrook Ballet School. environmental, cultural and social events in the Midlands. It attracts participants from all Longford Marathon over Ireland as well as an increasing audience. Tel: +353 (0)43 3349682 The event is organised by a voluntary local [email protected] committee who give of their own time and www.longfordmarathon.com effort to ensure the school continues to grow and prosper. Over the years the school has The Longford Marathon noted as “The developed a core of repeat visitors who return Friendly Marathon in the Heart of Ireland” is each summer to sample the new additions to Irelands best value Marathon, Half Marathon, our programme as well as partake in the old Marathon Relay and 39 Mile Ultra Marathon. favourites. The Arts Festival adds cultural and It attracts increasing numbers of participants entertainment dimensions to proceedings. and spectators with every year and all profits Arts events and evening entertainment during of the Longford Marathon are donated to the Summer School, include exhibitions, St. Christophers Services in Longford town. workshops, demonstrations, poetry readings The marathon brings the town of Longford and music. alive and the event causes great enthusiasm amongst the crowds gathered to cheer on the runners and walkers. It is a thoroughly enjoyable day with many of the local pubs hosting live music and other special events to entertain the crowds.

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Longford Show & County Fair www.longfordshow.ie

In 1902 the very first County Longford Agricultural show was held and continues successfully to the present day. Competitions for agricultural animals and poultry are held along with show jumping, craft exhibits and trade stands with demonstrations from a diverse range of exhibitors. An important part of the show is field entertainment for families The Dead of the Night Festival and children alike including puppet show, live Longford Town, County Longford music and dance, play area, vintage display Longford Town Council, and more. Market Square, Longford +353 (0)43 3346474 www.longfordtourism.ie The Farrell Clan Rally + 353 (0)43 3345805 This annual celebration of all things magical Longford Town, County Longford and mystical, ghastly and ghoulish takes place on the 31st of October. The festival commences This is an international gathering of Farrells with a lantern-lit dusk parade through the town and O’Farrells (and the many variations of the and ending with a fun filled family evening at surname) to explore the heritage and historical the former Connolly Barracks. links of this ancient Gaelic family to the county of Longford.

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The Lanesboro Traditional Horse Fair dance marquee’s of years past, Declan Tel: +353 (0)86 – 3600419 Nerney, ’s own country music star is joined by other popular music acts and local The Horse Fair is a unique event celebrating musicians in entertaining the crowds over the rural Irish traditions and it is also an event that course of the weekend. The festival also hosts brings many local people who have moved to an olde style fair day & vintage display which other areas of the country back home to meet transforms the quiet villages of Drumlish and locals and chat about times past. The Fair Day into hives of activity. Traditional now is similar to the days of old where people crafts like bread making, butter making and met up after being away from one another for basket weaving is demonstrated for visitors the rest of the year. Classes & Competitions on to the fair. There is a display of vintage cars, the day are for Best horse of the Fair; Best pony tractors and motorbikes, a family fun day with of the Fair; Best Donkey of the Fair and Best face painting, bouncing castles, and other fun Presented Animal of the Fair. activities and a monster bingo held in the ‘98 hall in Ballinamuck. This is an exciting weekend of entertainment for locals and visitors to the area.

The Sean Óg Annual Set Dancing Festival [email protected]

This is a weekend packed with all that is great in Irish traditional and country music, song and dance. Taking place in the heart of rural, authentic Ireland this weekend is the highlight of the years set dancing weekends from around the country and as such draws huge crowds from all over the Island and abroad. Craic agus Ceoil abound on what is always an The Marquee in Drumlish exciting and fun filled weekend celebrating Tel: +353 (0)86 – 8809938 the unique talent and showmanship of the info@themarqueeindrumlish Irish people and more specifically Longford www.themarqueeindrumlish.ie people.

This is a unique annual festival which delivers a talent packed weekend of music and dancing with surprise special guest appearances. Bringing back to life the concept of the old

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St Patricks Day Festival Offaly Tel: 353 (0)86 – 8290390 www.longfordparade.com Bealtaine Festival [email protected] Countywide www.offaly.ie The St Patricks Day Parade & Festival is held [email protected] annually in Longford Town. Lanesborourgh, +353 0) 57 9357400 and Ballymahon also hold St Patrick’s Day Parades on a smaller scale although Bealtaine is a national festival that takes place they are non the less enjoyable, colourful on a local level, which celebrates creativity in and exciting days out for all the family. All older age. The Arts Office and Library Service of the Longford celebrations are always a along with Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and great success and enjoyable events for local Active retirement Groups co-ordinate and people as well as visitors to the county. The create a month long programme of events Longford parade draws exciting floats from in May across the county, which includes local businesses and organisations, marching music, dance, storytelling, workshops, theatre, bands, street entertainers, vintage displays and exhibitions crafts and more. much more, bringing energy and excitement to the town for the duration of the festival. The festival also incorporates an Intercultural Mass and other themed events that take place around the town and county.

Birr Stage Guild’s One Act Drama Festival

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Birr One Act Drama Festival Amongst the entertainment provided in the Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, all inclusive programme are free Children’s [email protected] Events, an Antique and Fine Art Fair, Sporting www.birrstageguild.com Events, live music for all ages, a Donkey Derby, nightly pub entertainment, an Olde Birr Stage Guild will once again present their Time Traditional Fair, a spectacular Fireworks One Act Drama Festival in October, with nine display and the ever popular Festival Opening plays being shown over three nights. The event Parade; a fantastic family day out! promises is an annual feast of talent as theatre companies from across the country present The Arts also play a central role in this Festival top-class entertainment. with a large and diverse range of exhibitions taking place in numerous venues throughout the town. With annual favourites and Birr Vintage Week and Art Festival new events, vintage flavour and modern +353 (0)87 9226961 entertainment this promises to be an exciting Birr, County Offaly and vibrant Festival inspiring participation and [email protected] enjoyment in everyone who comes out to www.birrvintageweek.com sample these events.

Turn back time in this beautiful Georgian heritage town and revel in it’s contemporary culture with a dynamic range of vintage and modern events throughout the Festival Week of August.

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Bo Leictreach - the GreenPlay Festival Daingean Homecoming Festival Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, County Offaly Daingean, County Offaly [email protected] [email protected] www.jasangotheatre.com The Daingean Homecoming Festival is a Bo Leictreach is inspired by the success weeklong event hosted at the beginning of each of a similar American event featuring site August. One of the most anticipated events at specific productions of 10 minute GreenPlays. the festival is a raft race on the Playwrights, established and aspiring, local other events include film screenings, music and and national, are asked to submit plays for traditional events such as threshing etc. During consideration with variations on eco-green the Daingean Homecoming Festival a Festival themes and must be no longer than 10 minutes Queen is selected by a panel of judges. running time.

The selected GreenPlays are showcased Edenderry Three Day Canal Angling Festival followed by post-play discussions with Edenderry, County Offaly playwrights, actors and artists. There are also [email protected] a number of writing workshops with theatre www.freewebs.com/enderrycoarseanglingclub professionals over the course of this weekend in September. A three day canal angling festival held on in June on the Grand Canal in Edenderry, attracting anglers from all over Ireland, Great Britain and Castle Palooza France. Charleville Castle, , County Offaly www.castlepalooza.ie [email protected] Heritage Week Heritage Office, Offaly County Council, They say the best things come in small packages, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly well, if you come to Castle Palooza in August +353 (0)57 46800 | [email protected] you’ll see just how true that is! In the wooded www.offalycoco.ie wonderland that is Charleville Castle, they promise you great music; merriment; magic; There’s lots of fun in store for you during madness and mind-blowing memories. National Heritage Week. From night time bat walks, classical music, poetry, theatre, traditional music, storytelling, historical re- enactments, local history walks and talks, food fairs, traditional skills workshops. There’s something for everyone and most events are free.

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Hullabaloo Children’s Arts Festival I.F. O.N.L.Y. Dance Festival (International Birr and Clara, County Offaly Festival of a Necessarily Lonely You) +353 (0)57 9122911/057 9357400 Birr Theatre and Arts Centre www.birrtheatre.com www.birrtheatre.com www.offaly.ie [email protected] [email protected] +353 (0)57 9122911 [email protected] A unique festival, of renowned national and A week of magic and mayhem, as children international dance artists performing solo aged 3 to 12 and their families, get to dances. experience workshops and performances in all art forms; from puppetry to poems and from singing to filming there is plenty to inspire Irish Game and Country Fair and amaze young people. The Hullabaloo Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, County Offaly Children’s Arts Festival takes place during + 353 (0) 57 9120336 Autumn school term break. [email protected] www.irishgameandcountryfair.com

An annual celebration of Irish rural life, every August with an extensive range of international country sports competitions in clay shooting, fly casting, gundogs, terriers and lurchers and stick making. Also featuring hunting, shooting, fishing eco displays and demonstrations, plus advice from all the main sporting bodies such as the NARGC, FISSTA, CAI, IFA Countryside etc. Amongst the wide range of other attractions are a huge tented village of country lifestyle products; a range of conservation and eco displays; an action packed main arena programme; a living history village and a huge range of interactive activities for the whole family all set in the beautiful setting of the world famous Birr Castle Demesne.

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National Queen of the Land +353 (0)57 9325600 Tullamore, County Offaly [email protected] www.queenofthelandfestival.com

The Queen of the Land Festival will welcome a host of beautiful girls to the Faithful County. The Queens have been nominated to represent their Macra County or Region over the past couple of months.

Over three event packed days they will be appraised by a distinguished judging panel who will take into account appearance, personality, energy, confidence, dress sense, rural knowledge and elocution to choose the contestant which best exudes the qualities of Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival today’s modern rural woman. Tullamore, County Offaly Events throughout the weekend range from Tel: +353 (0) 87 2817825 treasure hunts, comedians, interviews and [email protected] much more. www.johnnykeenan.com

The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival is a haven Offaly Biodiversity Summer School - No Place for music lovers attracting musicians from all Like Home over the world including America, Japan, the Heritage Office, Offaly County Council, UK as well as Ireland. There are jams, sessions, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly busking and concerts. An abundance of Tel: +353 (0)57 46800 | [email protected] musical styles can be heard on the streets, in www.offalycoco.ie the pubs and in nightly concert venues. The Biodiversity Summer School looks at the features of the natural landscape that attracted people in the beginning, with a particular eye to biodiversity and physical character. Field trips daily.

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OFFline Film Festival for your preferred course, this is a special time- Birr. County Offaly out for everyone, every age, every taste, a www.offlinefilmfestival.com community switching-on. Festival Info Line: +353 (0)57 9121812 [email protected] Shannonbridge Midsummer Music Festival The only Film Festival in the Midlands, featuring Shannonbridge, County Offaly a curated programme of features and shorts, www.shannonbridge.com/festival along with workshops, talks and a short filmmaking challenge to film, edit and screen The annual Shannonbridge Midsummer a short film in 48 hours. The festival takes place Music Festival takes place from each June in October. in the pretty Shannon side village. As in previous years the festival makes the most of what the location is known for, great music, Shakefest stunning riverside location and the famous Charleville Castle, Tullamore, County Offaly monastic site. +353 (0) 57 9323 040 www.shakefest.net [email protected] Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival Kinnitty, County Offaly Shake over the past years has grown from a day +353 (0)57 9137299 of Energy, Movement and Dance to a unique [email protected] | www.slievebloom.ie week-end of multicultural and international A landscape of mountains, valleys glens and relaxation and holistic living. Come for the waterfalls, ancient raths and medieval castles, week-end in May, stay locally or camp around in the heart of Ireland, rich in music and folklore the castle, but also, if you prefer, just pop-in is the ideal setting for a festival of Storytelling.

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Tullamore International Summer Organ Series Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, County Offaly www.tisos.org

TISOS is a major event in the mid-Ireland arts calendar, bringing as it does a truly world-class roster of performers to a location which has an equally remarkable instrument - the Frobenius organ, formerly in Vor Frue Kirk in Copenhagen. The organ concerts take place in the Church of the Assumption Tullamore, with one concert Slieve Bloom Walking Festival a month from May to September Kinnitty, County Offaly +353 (0)86 2789147 [email protected] | www.slievebloom.ie Tullamore Show Tullamore, County Offaly The Slieve Bloom Rural Development Society +353 (0)57 9352141 and the Slieve Bloom Walking Club organise [email protected] a Programme of Walks on most Sundays from www.tullamoreshow.com May to September, with local guides to enable you to get the most enjoyment and to benefit Every August over 50,000 people make their from their local knowledge of the terrain and way to Butterfield Estate, to witness Ireland’s of the flora and fauna encountered along the Premier Show, that being the Tullamore and way. National Livestock Show. The great thing about the Tullamore Show is that it has something to offer to everyone. It is a showcase for rural Tullamore Arts Festival Ireland and a shop front for all that is good www.tullamoreartsfestival.com and positive about Irish farming and the wider [email protected] countryside.

Boasts pop-up art galleries, photography, mini theatre, street market, live music, dance workshops, circus skills, marching bands, street performers blitz, opera and a host of children’s activities including balloon modeling, face painting, bouncy castles, clay craft making, dance workshops, treasure hunt and other creative fringe events.

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Athlone Literary Festival Westmeath www.athloneliteraryfestival.com [email protected] All Ireland Drama Festival Athlone, This festival had its origins in the John Broderick +353 (0) 87 677 9782 Weekend. The first of these was held in May, [email protected] 1999 and was hosted by the Rotary Club of www.dramafestival.ie Athlone. Spurred on by the success of that event the John Broderick Committee was Some thirty-five groups from all over Ireland formed and it was this committee which compete at various qualifying festivals organised the 2001 event. In 2003, the nationwide, with the top nine groups competing committee decided that Athlone needed a in the grand final in Athlone commencing at major literary event and that the focus of the the end of April. Nine nights of compelling John Broderick Weekend was too narrow to drama is guaranteed culminating in the final attract national attention. It was agreed to gala awards ceremony where awards for change the name to Athlone Literary Festival best acting and technical skills are presented but apart from a change of name there was including the premier award for All Ireland also a change of focus. Whilst still retaining Champions. In parallel with the competitive a John Broderick element it was felt that we aspect of the festival runs a lively fringe where should broaden the appeal and become many other theatrical performances, street more outward looking and aim to attract to events, art exhibitions, and schools workshops Athlone a share of the many talented writers take place throughout the town during festival that this island produces. From these humble week. beginnings, a major literary event is growing.

Athlone Agricultural Show Athlone 3/4 Marathon Athlone, County Westmeath Glasson, Athlone, County Westmeath + 353 ( 0) 87-6112938 / + 353 ( 0) 86-2540473 [email protected] www.athloneshow.ie www.athlone3quarter.com

Takes place in June every year. Classes for The Athlone 3/4 Marathon is fast becoming pedigree & commercial cattle, sheep plus lots Ireland’s ‘must do’ Marathon of all Ireland qualifiers, including sheep dog preparation event for both first timers and trials. experienced athletes. It is held just four weeks before the Dublin Marathon and five weeks before the New York Marathon over a scenic route on the shores of Lough Ree.

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The race route is primarily small quiet country roads this gives the event an intimate and very local feel. The unique distance (19.66 miles or 31.64km) guarantees a personal best too!

Athlone Viking Festival Athlone, County Westmeath +353 (0)90 6473383

The festival recaptures the historic plundering of the ancient Monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise and the capture of King Scabbyhead over one millennium ago.

Belvedere Family Carnival Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath Tel: +353 (0) 44 934 9060 [email protected] www.belvedere-house.ie Belvedere Scarecrow Festival This summer enjoy all the fun of the fair at a Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, new event at Belvedere House Gardens & County Westmeath Park, The Belvedere Family Carnival. One +353 (0) 44 934 9060 of the largest collections of Fun Fair rides in [email protected] Ireland this Summer will operate from the www.belvedere-house.ie main Belvedere Car Park and will bring great excitement and wonderment with all the On Hallowe’en Weekend Belvedere hosts it’s many rides, attractions and lights. One price annual Scarecrow Festival with local schools, unlimited Rides open to 10pm. groups and individuals competing for great prizes.

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Boherquill Walking Festival musical concerts, drama, family fun, poetry, www.irelandwalking.ie lectures, art, museum and open garden tours, Tel: + 353 (0) 86 2596656 street festivals and sport to name only a few – Tel: + 353 (0) 86 8072208 and all for free. Come and enjoy over 70 free cultural events around Westmeath on this one Boherquill Ramblers will hold their annual open day extravaganza from 10am - midnight! walking festival in May. Everybody is welcome to join these walks. You do not need to be a member of Boherquill Ramblers Destination Sport Mullingar Mullingar Town and Environs, Mullingar, County Westmeath Balloon Festival www.westmeathcoco.ie , Castlepollard, www.westmeathcoco.ie County Westmeath [email protected] National Winner of the Chambers Ireland, www.tullynallycastle.com Excellence in Local Government Award 2011 - Sports Development Award - Destination Sport The Castlepollard Balloon Festival takes place Mullingar celebrates Sport and Recreation in over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Balloon a “Fun For All” Festival atmosphere, promoting teams will converge from all over the world to participation in sport. A host of activities & participate in the four day spectacular in the events will be on offer each June, including magnificent parkland of Tullynally Castle. The the exciting National Criterium Cycle Race; balloons will go up twice daily, morning and The Fighting Cancer Triathlon; National Bike evening, weather permitting and should be a Week celebration events; The “Streets on Fire” wonderful spectacle for all ages. 5k Road Race; Indoor Bowls Competitions; The “Sports Zone” and Sport on the Royal Canal events; The inviting “Taste of Mullingar” on- Culture Night street Food & and Crafts event with music and County Westmeath dance, tug-o-war, street football competition; [email protected] plus lots, lots more. www.westmeathcoco.ie/culturenight www.culturenight.ie

Westmeath Culture Night in September will turn each town in Westmeath into an accessible cultural venue and offer people of all ages and persuasions the chance to experience arts and culture in various forms including exhibitions, dance performance, historic talks,

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Festival of Fires Hilltown New Music Festival Hill of Uisneach, County Westmeath Hilltown House, Castlepollard, + 353 (0) 90 6436175 County Westmeath [email protected] [email protected] | www.hilltown.ie www.festivalofthefires.com The Hilltown New Music Festival includes an The Bealtaine celebration that is Festival of the exciting line-up of Irish and international artists Fires is created through the alchemy of arts, awaiting lovers of contemporary chamber culture and heritage the event culminates music. A series of concerts takes place over in the lighting of a national fire, firstly on the the weekend festival, alongside sonic and summit of Uisneach and then carried to every audio-visual art installations involving artists county in Ireland. Over 100 other fires are to from Ireland, France, Germany, the UK, and be lit nationwide, with all 32 counties joining in elsewhere. this iconic event. The Hilltown New Music Festival takes place in The festival also features three musical stages the beautiful and picturesque grounds of the which will play host to national, international medieval castle keep of the Hilltown House, and local acts. Numerous well-known historians, an 18th century listed building. The buildings poets and story-tellers take festival goers on a have grown organically over the centuries journey into the glorious history of the festival and create a unique setting for the 21st venue, the Hill of Uisneach, and there is lots for century events. The festival welcomes anyone families to see and do. A special family play who has an interest in and an appreciation for area crammed full of workshops, interactive music and arts, from adults to children. There toys, slides and kids play areas is erected, and is guesthouse accommodation and camping Children Under 12 and OAP’s are allowed available nearby. free entrance to the festival. Food and drink from around the midlands is on sale, and local craftsmen and tradespeople will also be showcasing their wares in one of several special ‘festival villages’ on the hill.

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Joe Dolan Mullingar Festival www.joedolan.com | [email protected]

A midsummer mix of Concerts, Theatre Shows, Dancing, Family Entertainment and Farmers Market makes Mullingar the centre of Family Fun and Entertainment for those lazy days of summer. Headlining the Festival will be The Award Winning, Joe Dolan, The Reunion Show. Kilbeggan Festival of Racing A production which sees a projected Joe, Kilbeggan, County Westmeath reunited with his live band for an outstanding +353 (0)57 9332176 performance at Mullingar Arts Centre. Street [email protected] entertainment including The Joe Dolan www.kilbegganraces.com Impersonator Contest, Live Bands, Farmers Market, and Family Entertainment. A Tourist Kilbeggan Races is one of the most enjoyable Trail will take visitors through Mullingar and on experiences. It mixes the heart stopping a journey to Belvedere House and Gardens. spectacle of races over jumps with the laid back charm of a genuine rural meeting.

Life Festival Belvedere House Gardens & Park, Mullingar, County Westmeath +353 (0) 44 934 9060 [email protected] www.life-festival.com

Life Festival provides an eclectic mix of international dance acts with live world music, drum n’ bass, art installations, organic food and of course hot showers provided the perfect balance for an outstanding atmosphere and ambience throughout the weekend. Experience one of Europe’s best small festivals and Irelands leading dance festival.

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Midlands Home and Garden Festival Agricultural Show Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, Moate, County Westmeath County Westmeath +353 (0)86 3041089 +353 (0) 44 934 9060 [email protected] Annual show, of horses, cattle, horticulture, www.belvedere-house.ie home industries, show jumping and trade industries. Taking place in June every year, featuring the best in Home and Garden equipment the show also hosts free seminars and demonstrations Mullingar Agricultural Show daily. The French Continental Market and The Show Grounds, Culleen, Local Food Producers bring a sumptuous Mullingar, County Westmeath mix of tastes and flavours with the heady [email protected] perfumes of Lavender and Lilies abounding. www.mullingarshow.com Held on the House Lawn at Belvedere the show has proven to be a Family favourite with Mullingar Agricultural Show celebrates the best free entry for children and free car parking. in farming, rural interests and country living A special children’s entertainment section and attracts entries from across Ireland. The features a Victorian Funfair and different rides. traditional Agricultural strengths of Westmeath The Show is famous for it’s good value and are reflected in the variety of events and feel good atmosphere with afternoon music classes at the show which include Pedigree on the bandstand providing the perfect tone. & Commercial cattle; sheep showing; sheep Cookery demonstrations and the Belvedere shearing competitions; the popular Horse & Bee Keepers provide active demonstrations Pony showing; the newly introduced Special all weekend. Needs Classes; show-jumping; poultry; horticulture; cookery; arts; crafts; photography; dog show; large area of indoor & outdoor stands; food village and various displays and demonstrations throughout the day. With all this and more, a fantastic day’s entertainment for all the family is guaranteed.

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Mullingar Country Fayre Druid’ stage, unsigned in the ‘Youth Cafe’ and & International Horse Show shuffling in the lake side ‘DJ Area’, old time Mullingar Equestrian Centre, dance and lepping around in the ‘Village Hall’ Athlone Road, Mullingar, County Westmeath as well as open mic with a hot cupa in ‘Granny’s [email protected] Kitchen’. With it’s very own tin ‘Village Chapel’ www.mullingarequestrian.com nestled within the site will provide an eclectic mix of readings, comedians, poets, theatre This shows hosts endless entertainment to and conversation with special guest speakers. include Cossack & Western riding displays, This festival promises plenty of mystery and Texas Tom Cowboy tricks, musical rides, surprises in between. children’s play area, local food producer stalls & shopping village. Close by watch the international & national show jumpers. With TriAthlone an action packed schedule on Sunday & Athlone, County Westmeath Monday, ample parking & easy access don’t [email protected] miss this exciting festival in Mullingar! www.triathlone.com

This race is a great spectacle. Over 750 Street Vintage Festival athletes compete on the closed streets of the Streete Sports Complex, town centre over a course of 750m swim, 20 Streete, County Westmeath km cycle followed by a 5 km run. + 353 (0) 43 6685116 www.streetesportscomplex.ie

The Streete Parish Park Vintage Day recognised as one of the largest Vintage Rally’s in the country with a selection of cars, motor cycles, tractors, machinery, steam engines, will once again include the All Ireland Tug of War Final.

The Green Village Music & Arts Festival , County Westmeath [email protected] | www.greenvillage.ie

This boutique festival is an all ages one day programme feeding all musical taste buds. Musically The Green Village Music & Arts Festival has got indie/alternative on the ‘Mount

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Tyrellspass Heritage Festival , County Westmeath www.facebook.com/tyrrellspassfestival

The annual Tyrrellspass Festival which takes place in August is a fun filled and informative festival celebrating the heritage and culture of the village. There is a medieval theme throughout the weekend with various activities to entertain everyone: medieval Grand Parade; a family fun day on the village green; photography and art exhibitions; Ceili Mor; showcase of local vocal talents; bog walk; talks; guided tours of the Tyrrellspass 600 year old castle; children’s workshops; a family fete with food and craft stalls; as well as visits from some colourful characters!

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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