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

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

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

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in the information supplied no responsibility can be accepted for any error, omission or misinterpretation of this information. Where such are brought to our attention future guides will be amended accordingly. 11 DRIVING TOURS 11 Driving Tours

Laois From Aghaboe continue along the R434 to Durrow: For further information or a copy of Laois The great oak forests that once covered Heritage Trail booklet contact: Laois Tourism, ancient Ireland gave Durrow its name, which Lyster Square, Portlaoise, . comes from Daurmagh Ua nDuach, or the s +353 (0)57 8664132 Oak Plain of the people known as the Uí [email protected] Duach. The way Durrow looks today is largely www.laoistourism.ie or www.laois.ie/heritage due to the Flower Family, Viscounts Ashbrook, who gained ownership of the town in the early Donaghmore 1700s. They built and granted This tour follows the Heritage Trail of Laois permits for many of the fine Georgian and and starts in Donaghmore. Visitors to the Victorian houses that still line Durrow’s streets. Donaghmore Workhouse and Agricultural Museum see the rooms of an Irish workhouse From Durrow take the N77 to Attanagh: almost exactly as they appeared in the late The Irish Fly Fishing and Game Shooting 1800s. The Donaghmore Workhouse was built Museum in Attanagh explores 300 years of to house the most desperate people of County hunting and fishing in Ireland. It is a treat for Laois. Paid for by a tax on local property anyone interested in country life. The museum owners, the workhouse was deliberately was founded in 1986 by Walter Phelan, who made as unattractive as possible so that its comes from a family devoted to fishing. He has only residents would be those who had lost all restored and adapted a traditional farmhouse hope. to house a collection of vintage rods, reels, guns, tackle, tools and specimens of birds and From Donaghmore take the R435 to Borris-in- fish. Ossory, turning right along the N7, followed by the R434 to Aghaboe: From Attanagh travel to Ballinakill Aghaboe was founded in the sixth Heywood Gardens is the site of two garden century by St. Canice. The abbey grew into types: the great park created by Frederick a major centre of learning, commerce and Trench in the late 1700s and the small agriculture. The astronomer St. Virgilius, also interlocked formal gardens created by Sir known as St. Feargal, was its abbot in the 700s Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll in the before he left Ireland, going on to become early 1900s. Inspired by Trench’s Grand Tour Bishop of Salzburg. After the original monastery of Europe, he moved hills, dug lakes, planted burned in 1234, it was rebuilt as an Augustinian trees and placed follies. In the early 1900s, priory. Today a Church of Ireland, which dates Colonel Hutchenson Poe hired the eminent from the 1700s, stands where that priory once architect Sir Edwin Lutyens to create formal stood. gardens around Heywood House.

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From Ballinakill take the R432 to Abbeyleix: From Abbeyleix take the R432 through The original town of Abbeyleix grew up Ballyroan and travel to Timahoe: near the River Nore, on the site of an early An extraordinary carved doorway makes Christian abbey. The town developed under this the most elegant round tower in Ireland. the protection of a twelfth century Cistercian Carvings of human heads, with flowing monastery. When the de Vesci family acquired beards and moustaches, decorate the main Abbeyleix in 1750, they decided that the town entrance, about five metres from the ground. would have to move. The de Vescis levelled the Smaller carvings decorate a second storey old town of Abbeyleix and moved its people window. No one knows why the monks at to a new planned town. Abbeyleix prospered Timahoe carved such a beautiful doorway. in its new location. Over the next century the They may have used it to display a sacred relic main industries included flour mills, a brewery, to pilgrims, or the elegant decoration could and a factory that made carpets used all over reflect the monastery buildings that have the world, including on the luxury liner Titanic. disappeared from this site.

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From Timahoe travel to Stradbally: From the Rock Of continue on the The Stradbally Steam Museum celebrates N80 followed by the N7 to Emo: the steam engines that once ruled Ireland’s is a country villa designed by railways, built its roads and worked its farms. architect James Gandon (1743-1823), best Inside the museum, visitors can see a variety of known for his great public buildings, including steam-driven engines. The collection includes the Custom House and the Four Courts in the Mann Steam Cart, built in 1918. This small Dublin. The house is a magnificent example steam traction engine cleared and ploughed of the neo-Classical style, reflecting the land. The Fowler, another steam traction architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. engine, built in 1936, was used in roadworks The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and to power stone crushers. and parkland which were first laid out in the 18th century and contain formal lawns, a lake From Stradbally take the N80 towards and woodland walks with many very fine trees Portlaoise to the Rock of Dunamase: and shrubs. Stunning views of the surrounding countryside make the towering Rock of Dunamase a From Emo travel initially on the R422 towards strategic place to build a fortress. Through Mountmellick, turning onto the R419 to the centuries, warriors have fought to control Portarlington: this limestone outcrop. The first known In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, settlement on the rock was Dun Masc, an Portarlington was the Paris of the Midlands, a early Christian settlement that was pillaged in place where French, rather than Irish or English, 842 by the Vikings. Today the ruins on the Rock was spoken on the streets. French Huguenots, of Dunamase are managed by the State. escaping persecution in their native land, Archaeological excavation and conservation shaped the culture and the architecture of work by the Office of Public Works have this bustling Midlands town. Today visitors can ensured that the Rock of Dunamase will survive view houses built in the Huguenot style on for further generations to explore. French Street and Patrick Street.

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From Portarlington take the R423 to From Mountmellick travel to Mountrath taking Mountmellick: the N80 initially followed by the R423. In Once known as the Manchester of Ireland, Mountrath take the R440 towards Camross: Mountmellick is a town of fine buildings and the Poet’s cottage is a replica thatched cottage home of a uniquely Irish textile art, Mountmellick which gives visitors a sense of what daily life Work. The foundation of the town was laid by must have been like for most people in rural members of the Society of Friends, also known Ireland in the 1800s. Ireland’s cottages evolved as Quakers. In 1659, William Edmundson settled over centuries. While each community had its in Mountmellick and started a tannery. Other own variations, most cottages were one storey Quakers set up malting, brewing, spinning high and one room wide. The windows and and weaving enterprises. Weaving became doors were located on the side walls, with a one of the town’s major industries. By the mid- chimney stack along the roof. The walls of the 1700s, Mountmellick was a leading centre cottage were built of local stone or mud; the of textile production in Ireland. Today, a fine roof was thatched with reeds or straw. community-run museum displays examples of Mountmellick Work.

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Longford From Ballinamuck travel on the R198 to Drumlish This tour starts from Ballinamuck in County The village of Drumlish is west of a ridge Longford on the R198: of low hills running north-eastwards from Ballinamuck is a small picturesque village Newtownforbes to Arva in . A in close to the Cavan and famous episode of the Land War took place Leitrim borders. It boasts the unique way in Drumlish which is documented in the book of country life that is so often sought. The “The Land War in Drumlish”. The village is the landscape of the region with its gently rolling starting point for the climb of Cairn Hill, also drumlin hills and valleys was formed by the known as Carn Hill or Corn Hill, which derives its retreating ice of the last glaciations. The name from the two cairns, or passage tombs, boglands forests and pastures in the region located near the summit. It is a pleasant form a rich countryside tapestry in hues of climb and there are extensive views over the brown and green. Ballinamuck is a haven for surrounding countryside. fishermen, with its multitude of lakes and its proximity to the situated 13 km From Drumlish travel to Longford Town: away. The county town on the banks of the River Camlin is easily accessible from the main N4 Ballinamuck Visitors Centre is located in the Dublin-Sligo road and N5 Dublin-Castlebar historic former R.I.C. Barracks there is a lively road. It is a progressive town and the county exhibition which gives details of the Year of the administrative centre. The town is spaciously French and the Battle of Ballinamuck in 1798. laid out with wide streets and pleasant Access to the centre should be arranged prior buildings, with good quality restaurants, pubs to visiting. and boutiques. St. Mel’s Cathedral is the principal landmark in the town, constructed of locally-sourced limestone in the Neo-Classical style, and its lofty campanile or bell tower may be seen from many points in the surrounding countryside. The cathedral is currently closed for extensive conservation works.

The courthouse on Main Street is one of the oldest buildings in the town and was erected in 1792. The oldest building in Longford town is believed to be the old Market House, within the grounds of the former Connolly Barracks, possibly dating to the seventeenth century.

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From Longford Town travel on the N63 on to From Keenagh travel to Ballymahon: Lanesborough: Ballymahon is a picturesque town situated on Lanesborough is situated on the River Shannon the and has many associations with at the northern end of Lough Ree. The town writers Oliver Goldsmith and John Keegan derives its name from the Lane family. George “Leo” Casey. Places of architectural interest Lane was granted large tracts of land in the nearby include Newcastle House, Castlecor area. House, with its unusual octagonal hall and Ledwithstown House built by architect Richard From Lanesborough travel towards Ballymahon, Cassels in 1728. visiting Keenagh Village en route: While in Keenagh, visit the Corlea Trackway From Ballymahon take the N55 to Ardagh: Visitors Centre which houses an Iron Age oak The village of Ardagh lies to the south east of road and is surrounded by a fine bog with rare Longford town and has given its name to the and beautiful flora and fauna. diocese: Ardagh and .

From Ardagh take the N55 to Edgeworthstown: Edgeworthstown is a rapidly growing town located on the N4. The town has a long association with the celebrated Edgeworth family. The Edgeworth family vault, in which members of the Edgeworth family including, Richard Lovell Edgeworth and his daughter Maria, the well-known novelist are interred, is located in the churchyard of St John’s Church of Ireland churchyard. The churchyard is also the burial place of Isola, sister of Oscar Wilde.

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From Edgeworthstown travel on the N55 to From travel to Abbeylara: Granard: Beside the village of Abbeylara stands the Granard is a typical Irish market town with a remains of a thirteenth century Cistercian market house and the sites of an historic butter Abbey founded by Richard deTuite, the Anglo market and cornmarket. Its most distinguishing Norman lord who built the motte at Granard. feature is its motte, known locally as “the A semi circular earthwork north of the village moat”, reputed to be the highest motte in is regarded locally as the site of the original Ireland. On the summit of the motte stands church founded here by St Patrick about a large statue of Saint Patrick. St. Mary’s 460AD. From the shore of Lough Kinale, Church, adjacent to the motte is also an northeast of Abbeylara, parts of the ancient important landmark in the town, and its spire defensive earthwork known as the Black Pigs is a landmark which may be seen from miles Dyke extends north-westwards towards the around. A charter was granted to Granard shore of Lough Gowna and on into County in 1678, along with the privilege of returning Cavan. In the parish of Abbeylara there are two members to the Irish Parliament. During two well preserved remains of a stone circle. the War of Independence, Granard was the Lough Kinale is also the site of an important scene of many engagements. Granard was Bronze Age settlement. The lake, along with the home of Kitty Kiernan, girlfriend of Michael the neighbouring lake Derragh Lough are Collins, who visited the Kiernan family often. protected Special Protection Area, due to the wealth of migratory wild birds found here.

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Offaly

The starting point of this tour is Tullamore, which is on the N80 & N52 routes: Tullamore is the county town and is situated in the centre of the county. It is a vibrant, progressive town and is recognised as a major shopping centre for the midlands. It was the home of Irish Mist Liquor and Tullamore Dew, a fine whiskey. The Tullamore Dew Heritage From Tullamore travel the N80 to Clara: Centre charts the growth and development of As you approach Clara you will drive through the town, tracing the part the whiskey industry a cut in a snake like ridge of gravel, this is one played in that development. of the eskers which are such an important part of Offaly’s landscape. They were formed by The is a valuable and attractive deposition of stone sand and gravel when the amenity to the town. The canal reached ice cap was retreating after the last Ice Age Tullamore in 1798. The Heritage Centre around 10,000 years ago. exhibition traces the development of the canal and its impact on the growth of Tullamore in Clara town has a long industrial tradition; the nineteenth century and early twentieth however it is also a place abounding with century. nature. The Gageborough River joins the Brosna a mile downstream of Clara, County About a mile to the south of the town on the Offaly. The trout stocks and fishing conditions N52 is Charleville Forest Demesne. Charleville are much the same as on the Tullamore Silver Castle is considered to be the finest and most River. The best of the trout fishing is in the three spectacular early nineteenth century, gothic- miles upstream of the confluence. revival building in Ireland. There are a number of ancient oak-trees in the grounds. The castle Clara also has one of the few large raised is occasionally open to the public, check midland bogs remaining substantially intact. hours in advance. The parkland is in private The Clara Bog visitor centre opened in 2011 ownership. and is run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is free and located on the R436 towards . It shares a building with Offaly Branch Library. They run a number of events so check with [email protected]. For those interested in walks in the area there is a circular walk through eskers and on a trackway through the bog located on the N80 into Clara directions from the Visitor Centre.

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From Clara travel the R436 to Ballycumber & on to Ferbane: In Ballycumber there is a statue of a pilgrim. This was erected by the local community to mark the fact that from here to Clonmacnoise is one of the early routes taken by pilgrims going to Clonmacnoise.

After approx. 10km at Lemanaghan there is an old school house on your right and a ruined medieval church and graveyard on your left. You can park at the entrance to the graveyard or to the rear of the school house. This is the early Christian site of St Manchan and there is an information board in the graveyard. Behind the graveyard is a holy well, a stone togher or path to an early Christian oratory. The 12th century shrine from Lemanaghan is now on public display north of Lemanaghan in Boher church (return towards Ballycumber and take the first turn left to arrive at Boher for a short and very worthwhile detour).

The junction at Lemanaghan also marks the end of the Offaly Way and there is a walkway to Boher across the bog.

Situated on the , Ferbane is a town which has prospered through peat development and electricity generation by State agencies. Other industries include engineering, printing and vehicle bodybuilding.

However Ferbane is rich in heritage and was once held by the McCoghlans, who were chieftains. They built many castles in the Ferbane area and were known in that era as the MacCoghlans of the Fair Castles.

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From Ferbane travel the N62 to Ballinahowen From Clonmacnoise travel to Shannonbridge & the R444 to Clonmacnoise: on the R444: Clonmacnoise is an early Christian site founded Leaving Clonmacnoise the river Shannon is by St Ciaran in the sixth century on the banks on your right. The Clonmacnoise Holy Well is of the River Shannon. The site includes the about 1 km from the main site. ruins of a Cathedral, eight Churches (tenth - thirteenth century), two Round Towers, three Shannonbridge is well-known for its bars and High Crosses and a large collection of early music. Shannonbridge pottery has a shop Christian graves. The original High Crosses and on the main street which stocks the pottery some of the grave slabs are on display in the President Barack Obama purchased on his visitor centre. There is an audio-visual show visit to Moneygall in May 2011. as well as a number of exhibitions. Adjacent to the site is the spectacular ruins of the 12th This area is renowned for bream, rudd and century Anglo Norman castle, showing that hybrids and has outstanding potential for the politics and religion were closely linked to key coarse angler locations.

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Westmeath The Belvedere Trail The Starting Point for the Belvedere Trail is Outlined in this section are two driving trails, Mullingar Town. the Belvedere Trail and Fore Trail. Mullingar town is noted for is interesting The Lough Ree Trail is another driving tour which buildings, to mention a few, the Railway incorporates the counties of Westmeath, Station, Columb Barracks, Masonic Hall, the Longford and Roscommon. It starts in Athlone Old Infirmary, Clonard House, and the Market and travels around Lough Ree through House where the Tourist Information office is the villages of and Glasson in housed. Another fine building is the Cathedral towards County Longford of Christ the King. The town is surrounded by where the trail passes through Ballymahon, the and due to its proximity to Newtowncashel, Keenagh, Lanesborough many lakes it is aptly named the Capital of the and on to Longford town. From Longford Lakelands and is an angler’s dream. the trail take you back to the Shannon at Clondra and Tarmonbarry and into County From Mullingar travel the N52, the Tullamore Roscommon to the towns of Strokestown Road where you will pass Belvedere House and Roscommon. From Roscommon town Gardens & Park. Belvedere is situated on the the trail returns to Athlone passing through shores of Lough Ennell and it is connected with the villages of Knockcroghery and Lecarrow. a wealth of stories about the Anglo-Irish gentry For information on this trail please contact: and the imprisonment of Mary Molesworth Discover Ireland Centre, Market House, by her husband. Visitors to Belvedere can Market Square, Mullingar, County Westmeath do a tour of the house which was designed +353 (0) 44 9348650 eastandmidlandsinfo@ in the 1740s as a fishing and hunting lodge failteireland.ie for Robert Rochfort and see a glimpse of the upstairs down stairs life of the mid eighteenth

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century. See the Jealous Wall and Follies such as the Gothic Arch, octagonal gazebo and icehouse. Visit the walled garden and explore one hundred and sixty acres of parkland.

From Belvedere follow the signposts to Lilliput. Lilliput was named after Jonathan Swift, who published Gulliver’s Travels in 1726. Swift was the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and was a regular visitor to Westmeath. He stayed with the Rochfort family at Gaulstown House, which was located on the - road close to Belvedere. Swift looked across the expanse of Lough Ennell one day and saw people on the other side of the lake. It is said this is what inspired him to write about the Lilliputians in Gulliver’s Travels. At Lilliput there is an adventure centre where people can do activities such as: canoeing, kayaking, orienteering, archery and hill walking.

Lough Ennell is a premier brown trout lake. The largest brown trout ever caught in Ireland was caught at Lough Ennell. It weighed an amazing 26lbs 2oz. It is now on display at Belvedere House Visitors Centre.

On the N52 follow signs for Kilbeggan. From Kilbeggan you have the option of travelling to Tyrellspass, which is five miles east of Kilbeggan. Take the N52 to Tyrellspass.

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Alternatively travel the N6 to and The Fore Trail on to . The starting point for the Fore trail is Mullingar- Moate takes its name from the Motte & Bailey travel the R394. erected by the Normans in 1180. Moate You will pass Mullingar Hospital. On your left owes its later development to the Quaker you will see St Mary’s Hospital, which was community. They established a number of opened in 1841 as a Workhouse. This building industries in the eighteenth century. Today accommodated eight hundred people. Moate is a bustling market town. Dún na Continuing on the main road the trail veers Sí Heritage Park is the genealogy research right taking the road to . There is an centre for County Westmeath. Included at area known as The Cut by locals, which has a the centre are horse drawn farm machinery, slipway, picnic area, toilets and a car park. a hedge school, portal dolmen and an early Christian ring fort. The centre also has a picnic To your left you will see the Rugby Club. This area and a souvenir and coffee shop. Dún na was formerly the Cullen Estate, which was Sí holds evening seisúns or céilís. There is music once owned by the Duke of Mecklenberg. song, dance and storytelling. Further along this road on the right hand side you will see the gates of Castle. The From Moate travel the Road. castle is still occupied but is not open to the Since the Middle Ages markets and fairs public. On your left hand side in the distance were held at Ballymore. Norman evaders you will notice the spire of a church. This is erected a Motte and bailey at Ballymore and a restored church, which houses the Belfry administered the county from there. Around restaurant. This was once St Mary’s Church. Ballymore are remains of castles, convents The families of the nearby estates of Knockdrin and monasteries. In 1691 the fort at Ballymore Castle and Ballynagall House built it in 1824. As was the site of a major battle between two you pass along this road you will be impressed armies the Jacobite’s and the Williamites. by mature trees and stonewalls bordering the estate. Continue until you come to the village From Ballymore travel to Mullingar on the R390 of . where you will pass the Hill of Uisneach. The Celts herded cattle here and held ritual Continuing on straight from Crookedwood assemblies on the Hill of Uisneach, which is close towards you will see Lough by. Uisneach was an ancient Druidic sanctuary Derravaragh. featured and assembly for the May time festival. It was in the famous Legend called Children of Lir. a royal residence in the second century A.D. There is an information point and resting area The Catstone a large rock on the hill marks the on a little further. As you descend a hill there is meeting point of the five provinces of ancient a lane way to the left that will bring you to the Ireland. This site is privately owned. lakeshore.

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Continuing on the main road the trail veers Detour: To right taking the road to Collinstown. Delvin Castle in the village of Delvin was built Barbavilla House & Estate is on your right as you in 1184 by Gilbert de Nugent. The old Castle at go into Collinstown village. It was once home Clonyn was the second castle built on this site to the Smyths and is now an industrial complex. by the Nugents. Richard Nugent destroyed the Collinstown is just beside Lough Lene. There is first castle when Cromwell was approaching. an area known as “The Cut” by locals, which The present castle is now surrounded by an 18- has a slipway, picnic area, toilets and a car hole golf course. In 1918 Brinsley Mc Namara, park. The Gaelic name for Collinstown is Baile a local, wrote a well-known book called The na gCailleach meaning town of the veiled Valley of the Squinting Windows. There is also women. In the early Christian Era, they lived in a Motte at the end of the village. This was built the area so the town was named after them. by Hugh de Lacy in 1181. Leaving Delvin via There are many ring forts in the locality. the N52 you will see on your right six miles from Delvin. Continue straight on and you will come to the village of Clonmellon. This village on the Westmeath/Meath border is close to Castle and is reputed to be the birthplace of Laurence of Arabia. Situated close by is a monument commemorating the introduction of the potato into Ireland by Sir Walter Raleigh.

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From Collinstown Village travel to Fore Village An important aspect of Fore is the Fore Crosses The village of Fore is in a valley between one of which is in the village of Fore. There are two hills. Here you will see the ancient ruins eighteen crosses; some crosses are plain whilst of a Christian monastery. Fore is the town of others are carved. the springs and was named after St Fechin’s They are spread out over seven miles on spring, which is beside the old church. It was St roadways and in fields and bare witness to Fechin who founded the ancient Fore Abbey religious persecution during penal times. Above around 630 A.D. By 665 A.D. (the time of the Lough Lene is Slieveboy Hill and Gallagher’s yellow plague) there were three hundred Moteens which are Bronze Age graves. monks living in the community. Between 771 These are Cist graves, which succeeded the and 1169 A.D. Fore was burnt 12 times. The communal burial chambers of the New Stone Fore Abbey is famous for its seven wonders: Age.

1. The monastery in the bog; 2. The mill without a race; 3. The water that flows uphill; 4. The tree that has three branches or the tree that will not burn; 5. The water that will not boil; 6. The anchorite in a stone; 7. The stone or lintel raised by St Fechin’s prayers.

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From Fore travel to Castlepollard From travel to Coole village. This village was built in the late seventeenth– You will see a hospital on the left which early eighteenth century by the Pollard family, was an Orthopaedic Hospital for children which explains where the village got its name. until 1981. The church dates from 1841 and Castlepollard has a museum with the display Turbotstown House across the road is about of home and farm artefacts. There are two two hundred years old. It was the home of the churches called St. Michaels, the Catholic Dease family. Turn left at the crossroads near Church dates from 1806 and the Church of Coole Hall. Keep right at the next junction Ireland was built in 1821. There are several and continue for . You will travel tablets for the Pollards and other families in the through moorland and forest and reach the vicinity of the church. The town square once village of Multyfarnham. Multyfarnham has a known as the fair green has a sculpture of seven hundred-year-old Franciscan Friary and Children of Lir. There is a ruin of an old church extensive gardens with life size Stations of the called Kilafree (1672 – 1818) in the town. This Cross. The stained glass windows depict the holds burial vaults of the Pollards. burning of the Abbey in 1601, a priest holding a secret mass and the legend of the Children of From Castlepollard travel the Coole Road Lir. The tabernacle is a millstone with a copper On this road you will pass Tullynally Castle ear of wheat. This symbolises the bread of life. & Gardens, home of the Pakenhams who One mile east of the village a roadway leads are Earls of Longford since the seventeenth to the Donore Shore of Lough Derravaragh century. This is now one of the largest Castles where a modern Caravan & Camping Park is in Ireland still lived in as a family home. The located. This is a great area for boating, fishing, Castle is open to the public during the summer swimming & walking. months.

Detour: Mullaghmeen Forest is a state forest and provides 22.5 km of roadway for the walker. It leads to the highest point in Westmeath (849ft.) From the Rock of Curry you go straight to come to Mullaghmeen. Carrick Craft is situated in Mountnugent, which is close to Finea. There is a visitor’s centre here and a basketry museum, which exhibits traditional baskets made from rod, rush and straw. Craft workshops are available here from time to time.

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From Multyfarnham travel to Mullingar. once a monastery settlement here. The ruins You will come to a junction with a pub called still remain. The last burial on the island was in the Covert on your left. There is a lake across 1830. If the water level decreases substantially the road called Ballinafid, which has a fishing a causeway out to the island can be seen platform. Turn left at this junction 3 km on further under the water. There is a sculpture in the car you will see a breathtaking view of Lough Owel park of the Children of Lir. A pathway leads at , which will be on your right. down a slope across a railway bridge and You will see several small islands. The largest of down to the lakeshore. The railway line will be these islands is called Church Island. There was on your right as you continue on for Mullingar.

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MidlandsIreland.ieMidlandsIreland.ie Bridge Centre,Bridge Centre, Bridge Street Bridge Street Tullamore, 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