€1 Million awarded to Midlands in Community Monuments Fund
Funding has been announced for projects under the Community Monuments Fund 2025. The Community Monuments Fund invests in archaeological heritage and helps owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. Funding goes towards the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. […]
Midlands Flavours Launched by John McKenna
“The secret is coordination, people working together with a common goal. In the Midlands, we have something unique and brilliant. It’s not just Irish hospitality; it’s the quality of Irish ingredients. Coordination is what is needed among the four counties.” (John McKenna, McKenna Guide) The official launch of Midlands Flavours, a new initiative celebrating the […]
Local Enterprise Week, Midlands—What’s on?
Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to attend numerous events aimed at helping them start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week. This initiative by the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities, takes place from March 3-7th across the country. The Midlands will […]
World Championships for 2 Offaly Schools
“The school has come a long, long way since Vex was introduced into our school four years ago. Now America is going to blow their minds, as it is at yet another level again completely.“ Joe Molloy, Teacher at Coláiste Choilm 2 Offaly Teams will go to Vex IQ Robotics World Championships Two teams from […]
Midlands Students Head to National VEX Robotics Finals
The National Finals of the VEX IQ Robotics Competition take place in MTU Cork this week, where Midlands teams will have the opportunity to compete on a bigger stage. The VEX Robotics Competitions enable students to take part in battles of engineering wits, coding prowess and teamwork collaboration. The winning teams at the All-Ireland will […]
CATEX 2025, where connections are made
What is CATEX? CATEX has long been recognised as the must-attend event for foodservice and hospitality, delivering incredible value to both exhibitors and visitors, with key decision-makers in the foodservice industry. In it’s 60th year, CATEX has been at the heart of Ireland’s foodservice and hospitality industry, serving as a cornerstone event for networking, business […]
Community & Enterprise Supports Events to Take Place across the Midlands
Communities and businesses in Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath are invited to a series of special events designed to showcase the wide range of supports available to help them grow, develop, and transition towards a sustainable future. Taking place across a series of county events in the coming weeks, these free events will provide valuable […]
Inside Sennheiser, Tullamore
Since its foundation in 1990, Sennheiser’s factory in Tullamore, County Offaly, has played an essential role in transforming their engineers’ ideas and specifications into reality. Tullamore is the origin of some of the finest hi-fi transducers and the final point of assembly for their audiophile headphones, all the way up to the world’s best headphones, […]
€13.25m for Active Travel in the Midlands
The National Transport Authority has allocated funds to local authorities across Ireland for the ongoing delivery of active travel schemes in 2025. Overall, Laois, Westmeath, and Longford will receive €3.5 million each, while Offaly will receive €2.75 million in Active Travel funding in 2025. Active travel grants help to deliver projects that will encourage walking and cycling […]
O’Donohue’s Bakery: A Legacy of Passion, Perseverance & Pride
At O’Donohue’s Bakery, the aroma of freshly baked bread tells a story that spans generations. The story is one of family, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for baking. Spanning generations, it’s a testament to the enduring love of the craft, a commitment to community, and the power of chasing a dream. From Humble Beginnings “Our […]
Technological Universities have higher employment rates than Universities
According to a new Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023 from the HEA (Higher Education Authority). The new research found that Technological Universities (TU) have higher employment rates than universities, as more of their graduates go directly into employment rather than pursue further study. The figures are contained in the new Higher Education Authority (HEA) study, which […]
New Walking & Cycling trails for the Midlands
A network of connected walking and cycling trails is being created across the Midlands region. The recreational shared cycle and walkways through Bord na Móna lands are being funded by an EU Just Transition Fund. EU Just Transition funding supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination. The fund is designed to support […]
Midlands: 3 things to do this Christmas
For many, the best part of Christmas is the buildup to the big day. In the Midlands region, there’s lots going on to get the whole family in the festive spirit, including local markets, ice skating, and visits to Santa. Here are some family-friendly Christmas events in the midlands this year; 1. Mullingar Winterfest Experience […]
Bretland Construction opens HQ in Edenderry
Leading construction company Bretland Construction has opened it’s new corporate headquarters in Edenderry, County Offaly. The official opening coincides with Bretland Construction’s 25th birthday in business. The premier construction company delivers projects across residential, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for the company’s expanding portfolio of projects and […]
Science Week in the Midlands
Science Week takes place from November 10th and includes a wide range of activities facilitated by Midlands Science in Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath. Over the course of a week, a variety of free events will take place in schools and communities for people of all ages. Midlands Science Week provides a diverse range of activities, including astronomy, zoology, […]
Halloween in the Midlands, 2024
Get ready for a thrilling Halloween in the Midlands with our guide to many exciting events for children and adults alike in 2024. This year, the region is bursting with a variety of events that promise to thrill both the young and the young at heart. From haunted castles and spooky trails to pumpkin carving contests […]
Midlands company wins National Organic Award
Bord Bia has revealed the winners of the National Organic Awards, which included the Laois/Offaly company Garryhinch Mushrooms. The National Organic Awards celebrate the achievements and high standards of the increasing number of organic growers, producers, and manufacturers in the country. Overall, there are seven awards, including the ‘New & Innovative Award,’ which went to Garryhinch […]
In business for 160 years, SHAWS opens in Athlone
With a recently appointed CEO and a brand-new store opened this week in Athlone, the well-known Irish retail business Shaws Department Store continues to grow. Presently, Shaws operates 16 stores in the main provincial towns of Ireland and employs almost 1000 people. The most recent store has just opened in the Golden Island Shopping Centre, […]
Midlands Clár Projects receive €1.8 million
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced over €11.4 million to deliver 264 projects under the 2024 CLÁR Programme. The investment in the four counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath in the Midlands region is €1.8 million. The investment will support the development of sports and outdoor facilities such as […]
Bon Chocolatiers crafted with love
At Bon Chocolatiers, chocolate is not just a product but a passion. It’s the attention to detail and love that transforms each piece of chocolate into a work of delicious art. The Athlone couple behind ‘Bon Chocolatiers‘, Daniel and Georgia, have recently joined forces with Dunnes Stores for a bespoke range of ‘Simply Better’ chocolate products. […]
Two Midlands Schools among the first to offer Climate Action Subject for Leaving Cert
St Mary’s Secondary School, Edenderry, and Coláiste Íosagáin, Portarlington, will be among the first in the country to offer Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development as a subject from the start of the 2025/26 school year. In the country 43 schools have been selected for Leaving Certificate Climate Action and Sustainable Development. 57 postprimary […]
Join Us in Supporting Our Midlands Paralympic Athletes!
35 athletes have qualified to represent Team Ireland for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. They will compete across 9 sports with the first of the athletes competing on August 29th. The Games get underway today in Paris, and there are two Midlands athletes carrying the hopes of Ireland with them. Portarlington’s Nicole Turner will compete […]
Funding announced for ‘Town Centre First’ projects in the Midlands.
€2.6 million in funding has been announced to support the development of a wide range of Town Centre First projects. Minister Heather Humphreys, TD, today announced the funding will assist local authorities in creating a pipeline of significant, well-developed projects in local towns across Ireland. A total of 53 projects will be supported with up […]
5 Midlands SMEs to showcase at the Local Enterprise Village
Five Midlands businesses will get a chance to exhibit their businesses to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, County Laois, next month. The businesses will feature in the Local Enterprise Village, which houses over 30 small businesses and will be located at the centre of this year’s National Ploughing Championships from […]
In 2023, 1,700 Midlands businesses engaged in upskilling.
In 2023, over 4,600 people and 1,700 businesses in the Midlands region participated in upskilling with Skillnet Ireland Business Network. The vast majority (96-98%) of companies that upskilled their workforce with Skillnet Ireland in 2023 were small and medium enterprises. Skillnet figures breakdown 58% of those who undertook training were men and 42% were women, […]
Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme funding for the Midlands
Minister Malcolm Noonan T.D., has announced more than €458,000 in funding for 36 local community groups and organisations for projects across Ireland under the expanded Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme 2024. The scheme is aimed at community-led projects and volunteer groups, who play a vital role in helping to promote and implement conservation and restoration […]
Midlands projects to share €3.8m
15, sustainability-focused projects in the Midlands will receive grants under the EU Just Transition Fund (EU JTF) programme, co-funded by the government and the EU. The grants will enable projects to develop initiatives such as innovation and community hubs, green energy projects, and heritage initiatives. The funding aims to empower local organisations to respond to […]
Great Taste Award winners from the Midlands
Dozens of food producers in the midlands have been recognised in this year’s Great Taste Awards. Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme who put food or drink to the test with a panel of over 500 experts. And even more great news for Athlone Chocolate Producer, Bon Chocolatiers […]
Midlands’ hectic August Bank Holiday
The Midlands is set to become a hive of activity over the course of the next few days, with a wide variety of festivals and cultural activities across the region. Here’s a taste of just a few of the many events taking place throughout the midlands, including live music in Longford’s St. John Church, outdoor […]
Olympics 2024: Midland Athletes
Who are the Irish Olympians competing in the Olympic Games in Paris? Let’s focus on the Olympians from the midlands on Team Ireland. With the largest-ever contingent of 133 athletes en route to Paris, Team Ireland is already breaking records. Ireland is commemorating its centenary of the team’s debut as an independent country in the […]
Funding provides learning opportunities for diverse communities in the Midlands
“It continues to support community education partners make sure that these learners are not left behind.” The Education Training Boards in the Midlands have released two fantastic pieces of good news. Longford and Westmeath ETB have been awarded €200,000 in REACH funding to assist marginalised learners in accessing community education programmes, and the Offaly Traveller […]
Midlands Winners at the Irish Hospitality Awards
The Irish Hospitality Awards 2024, celebrate the dedication, skill and customer service of the professionals that work within establishments where excellence is standard. The awards acknowledge those who make a positive difference in this challenging sector, ensuring their customers always receive top services and unforgettable experiences. The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony held […]
Tullamore Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan and Town Regeneration Framework Launched
Offaly County Council with Waterways Ireland, Consultants Brady Shipman Martin / Faulkner Browns and Grafton Architects are seeking your views for the future of Tullamore. To ensure that the Tullamore Regeneration Framework and Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan meets the aspirations of the whole community the team would like to hear from all stakeholders within the […]
Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands
Fáilte Ireland has announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU. 22 projects across the wider Midlands region have been approved for €27.1million investment […]
Funding Boost for Midlands Women’s Groups
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today announced funding to support 70 Women’s Groups in the Midlands and 500 nationwide. Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to assist groups in every single county to enhance/improve their facilities and to purchase equipment. Minister Humphreys made the announcement during a visit […]
Midlands to receive €1.8 million in funding for Great Outdoors
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD , has today announced a €16.1 million investment in outdoor recreation projects right across the country. See below for funding breakdown for the midlands region. The investment from Minister Humphreys will see a huge investment in Outdoor Adventure Tourism. Right across the country, there will be funding for projects such […]
June Bank Holiday events, Midlands
Laois Laois will be the event base for Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run. The historic vintage route, featuring over 100 vintage and classic cars will also travel through Carlow and Kildare, arriving back in Laois on Monday June 3 for a BBQ Finale at Treacys Pub, The Heath in Portlaoise. Highlights include visits to […]
New Midlands Food and Drink Directory Launched to Showcase the Best of Produce from the Region
The online directory hosts over 100 food & drink producers listed from across the Midlands region Midlands Ireland has officially launched a new Midlands Food and Drink Directory at an event held in Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery in Stradbally, Co. Laois. This comprehensive directory celebrates the rich culinary heritage and diverse offerings of the Midlands […]
Midlands food businesses selected for Grow with ALDI Competition
Three Midlands Producers have been selected among the 27 finalists for the Grow with ALDI Competition, 2024. Among this year’s finalists is Tullamore-based business BiaSol, Le Skinny Chef from Laois and Westmeath’s Sugar Plum Sweetery. Celebrating the launch of Grow with ALDI 2024. Photo: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland The 27 ambitious suppliers have earned […]
Launch of Masterplan for Banagher Marina
Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick officially launched the Banagher Marina & Environs Masterplan at Crank House, Banagher on Friday 12th April, 2024. The Marina Master Plan was funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in partnership with Offaly County Council and sets out a […]
€628,000 for Midland outdoor recreation
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Thursday March 28th,) announced funding of €4.1 million to develop and enhance over 150 outdoor recreation projects. The investment, under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), will be key to enhancing our mountain trails, forest walks, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. It will also […]
Midlands Companies for National Enterprise Awards, 2024
Four Midlands companies are going forward to the 2024 National Enterprise Awards, which takes place at the Mansion House in Dublin on May 23rd. 31 companies will be competing against eachother for a share of the €35,000 prize fund. The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar. Categories this […]
Local Enterprise Week, Midlands 2024
Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices across the country. This year Local Enterprise Week takes place from Monday, March 6th to Friday, March 10th! Check out some of highlights taking place in the Midlands region. Longford Highlights Join the Local Enterprise Office Longford, in conjunction with Longford Chamber, on Monday, 4th March 2024, […]
Spring is in the air at Birr Castle
Birr Castle Demesne is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary places. Created over generations it is an environmental and scientific time capsule, a living breathing and evolving place of beauty and inspiration. Now is the time to see Ireland’s finest private collection of magnolias in bloom and the cherry blossoms appearing in a riot of pastel […]
Drive to make Birr Castle a World Heritage Site
Birr Castle and Demesne recently hosted a significant gathering when important stakeholders came together to agree on a shared vision for the future. The meeting was held to help achieve World Heritage Site recognition for the members of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland; Birr Castle Demesne, Armagh Observatory and Dunsink Observatory. The objective of the […]
Midlands allocated €15.5 million for Active Travel
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated €15.5 million in funding to local authorities in the Midlands with a view to spending on walking and cycling infrastructure in 2024. This substantial investment will fund approximately 800 Active Travel projects throughout the country, with 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure between 2020 and […]
Fresh Milk from Boora Bainne in Offaly
“During covid, there were long queues for the milk and the conversation”. (Paul Molloy) Boora Bainne is a self service milk vending machine, situated beside Lough Boora Discovery Park, on the road between Blue Ball and Cloghan in County Offaly. Run by Dairy Farmer, Paul Molloy, he is an entrepreneur full of ideas. After the […]
Athlone Hosts Inaugural Para-Athletics Festival
At the recent Indoor Diversity Games and Para Athletic Festival in Athlone’s International Arena, schools from all over the midlands took part in both individual and team categories. Six of the ten team categories contested were won by Offaly schools. This js part of a new competition concept known as Future Stars. The Indoor Diversity […]
Midlands Arts Grants for 2024
Here are a selection of the Arts Grant funding available now throughout the midlands. The funding is essential to ensure a standard of high quality art is produced by artists in the region. It serves It offers to support artists for a period of time, and in so doing responds to the needs of those […]
636 new jobs supported by Local Enterprise Offices in the Midlands in 2023
Local Enterprise Offices provided support to the highest number of jobs across the country since it began in 2014. In 2023, it contributed to the creation of 6,640 jobs across the country. 82% of new jobs created by LEO client companies were outside of Dublin. 636 of these new jobs were in Laois, Longford, Offaly […]
Midlands schools to benefit from almost €500,000 in STEM funding
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD has announced a trebling of the budget for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) grants to €4.7m. The announcement, which comes as a result of phenomenal demand, marks a significant stride towards advancing STEM education in schools nationwide. Midlands schools will benefit from almost a half a million in […]
Midlands Census 2022 – Employment, Occupations and Commuting
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released Census 2022 Profile 7 – Employment, Occupations and Commuting. Here are highlights of some of the main results for Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. The publication focuses on people at work, unemployed, and outside the labour force, occupations and main sectors of employment, as well as on the commuting patterns […]
Hamiltons of Geashill reopens!
Following the retirement of Jim and Catherine Hamilton, Hamiltons Pub has reopened under the new ownership of Paul Moriarty and Michael Comyn. Both well known figures in the world of broadcasting, they intend to honour the tradition of Hamiltons at the heart of Ireland’s Tidiest Village, Geashill. They say; “As the new custodians of Hamilton’s […]
Minister Humphreys announces almost €300,000 in funding for Outdoor Projects in the Midlands
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has announced funding of almost €2.3 million to support the development of 50 outdoor adventure projects across Ireland. The investment under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will be key to enhancing outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, rivers, lakes and beaches. The projects, when ultimately […]
Midlands Christmas Markets & Santa Visits
If you want to find out where your local Christmas Market is this year, have a look at our list of where and when they will be taking place across Laois, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly. Supporting local is the driving force behind many of our local Christmas Markets. It is an opportunity to meet old […]
Full S.T.E.A.M ahead in Laois and Offaly
A new initiative from LOETB in partnership with Laois and Offaly County Councils will see nine post-primary schools benefit from €10,000 worth of S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) equipment and support. This is part of a new programme to support the development of digital skills among students in LOETB schools over the next […]
Healthy ÍON oils produced in Laois
“I really love the Irish way of living, especially the magnetism of the Irish people” (Andrea Milley) It took Andrea and Markus Milley, both hailing from Germany, to return home to realise how much they cherished Ireland. Now settled back on their farm in Clonanny, Portarlington, they are producing their own edible cold pressed oils. […]
Feighery’s Farm Beetroot Juice, County Offaly
Anne Marie Feighery is one of Ireland’s only Beetroot Juice producers, using the beetroot grown and nurtured on her home farm just outside Kilcormac, County Offaly. In 2019, Anne Marie noticed a gap in the market for beetroot juice and in a short space of time she has developed her idea into a fully operational […]
A look at Midlands Science Week
The Midlands Science Festival, supported by Science Foundation Ireland, as part of National Science Week, is taking place from 7th – 19th November. The theme for Science Week 2023 is Human, which asks people to consider what it means to be human in today’s world, and how the decisions we make today will impact the […]
Midlands Sports Clubs to get over €553,500
As part of a €4.86 million investment from the Department of Sports and Culture, through the Dormant Accounts Funding in Local Sport Partnerships, sport clubs in the midlands are due to receive €553,500 euros in funding. The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised to support […]
Ballycommon Training Centre, where the heart is.
Ballycommon Training Centre is not just a training provider hub in County Offaly, it has become the beating heart of the community there. Situated just ten minutes from Tullamore, Geashill and Daingean. According to Manage,r Deirdre Arnold, Ballycommon Training Centre was established by the community for the community; “this is the absolute heart of the […]
Top 10 Events for Culture Night in the Midlands
The theme for Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is One Night for All-Oíche Dár Saol. Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir on Septmeber 22nd is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and […]
Local Enterprise Village showcases Midlands Companies at the Ploughing Championships
Spotlight on Four Midlands Businesses at the Local Enterprise Village Year on year, the Local Enterprise Village proves to be one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Ploughing Championships. This year, over 30 small businesses from across the country will get an opportunity to sell and promote themselves to crowds of almost 300,000 […]
A look inside Charleville Castle
For Heritage Week, Charleville Castle opened it’s door to the public and thanks to Offaly based photographer Kenneth Smyth you can see it in all it’s glory. Charleville Castle was located 3km southwest of Tullamore, look out for the huge ancient oaks. Charleville was the family seat of the Burys, who commissioned the design in […]
Veteran Offaly Inventor returns to Tullamore Show
Veteran Inventor, Tony Bergin will be at the National Inventions competition segment of the Tullamore Show this Sunday. The renowned 93-year old inventor from Cooleshall on the Offaly/Tipperary border shows no signs of slowing down as he will take part in the Tullamore show for the 26th year. Only last year, he won an award […]
Midlands Events for National Heritage Week
Where history comes alive… The theme for National Heritage Week 2023 from August 12th– 20th is ‘Living Heritage’. This theme is centred around the practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next and are still in use today. Let’s look at activities taking place in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford […]
5 Midlands Festivals for the August Bank Holiday
With a series of highly anticipated gatherings, including the renowned Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, the Midlands solidifies its position as Ireland’s premier events destination. Here are 5 things to do for the weekend. 1: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann The Fleadh Cheoil is back in Mullingar this August bank holiday weekend. With an estimated half […]
July Festivals in the Midlands
July is always a good month for the smaller festival, the calm before the storm perhaps. Ahead of the big Summer festivals like the Electric Picnic and Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann in Mullingar, let’s take a look at what the smaller festivals are doing across the midlands for the month of July. From Forest Fest […]
Emo Court most visited OPW site in the Midlands
The Office of Public Works (OPW) have announced that 2022 was another successful year for visitor numbers at its heritage sites. The number of recorded visitors last year exceeded 15 million, up by 2.3 million on 2021, an increase of 18%. In the Midlands alone, over half a million people visited OPW heritage sites which […]
RiverFest, the Midlands newest music festival
Where does Éanna Ryan find the time to hold down a full-time job, while running Lukers in Shannonbridge, a pub/restaurant/venue with his two brothers John Joe and Tomás? If that’s not enough, they are putting on a Music and Arts Festival called RiverFest in just under two weeks. 33-year-old Éanna, who works full-time for a […]
Census 2022 : Midlands Region Results
Longford, the second least populated county in the State, has recorded the biggest percentage increase of 14.1 per cent between 2016 and 2022 according to new figures. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (30 May 2023) released Census 2022 Summary Results, which details the population changes in the six years since April 2016. The […]
Biodiversity week, Midlands
Biodiversity Week takes place from Friday, May 19 to May 28 with free events and workshops and aims to engage the public in a range of nature-related activities, from bat walks, to dusk choruses, plant identification events and much more. Let’s have a look at the events taking place across the midlands. Biodiversity week, Westmeath […]
Darkness into light, Midlands
Darkness Into Light started in 2009 with 400 people walking in Dublin’s Phoenix Park and has since grown to become a global movement in suicide awareness. This year, hundreds of thousands of people will rise in the darkness and walk into the brightness of dawn in 15 countries, across 5 continents. Many people who have […]
Midlands festivals this May Bank Holiday
The Midlands comes alive this weekend! In the aftermath of the very successful Granard Booktown Festival last weekend in Longford, the midlands really is the place to be this May Bank Holiday with the amount of festivals happening across the region. From the mountain Biking Blitz to Portlaoise Tradfest , the All Ireland Drama Festival […]
New Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival
This weekend (April 28th – 30th), will see a major new event take place in and around the Slieve Bloom mountain bike trails, with sites in both Laois and Offaly, hosting a series of family-friendly bike-themed activities. The Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Festival is a three-day festival event intended to showcase the spectacular Slieve Bloom […]
Degree Course Access for Midlands students
“A student could complete the first year of a computing course in Laois/Offaly ETB and then have a guaranteed route into SETU to pursue a degree.” (Minister Simon Harris) For the first time in Ireland, there will be guaranteed access to a degree programme that starts in further education and concludes in higher education. A […]
Refurbishment of St. Joseph’s Convent, Ferbane
Give your opinion Your opinions on the refurbishment of St. Joseph’s Convent, ancillary buildings and grounds for use as a multipurpose community/enterprise/learning space are needed. Offaly County Council in partnership with An Síolán held a Public Open Day last Friday in St. Joseph’s Convent, Ferbane, Co. Offaly. See below to give your views on how […]
Garryhinch Wood Exotic Mushrooms
Garryhinch Wood Exotic is a long-standing family-run farm by Joe & Dolores Gorman, on the banks of the river Barrow on the borders of counties Laois and Offaly. They started off with 2 tunnels in 1989 successfully growing ‘button white mushrooms’ until July 2016 when their business collapsed due to Brexit. At the time, they […]
Double Tourism Award wins for Clonmacnoise and Sean’s Bar
Two of the Midlands most iconic Visitor Attractions have been named award winners in the influential CIE Tours International Annual Awards of Excellence. Clonmacnoise in Offaly, and Sean’s Bar in Athlone both received Visitor Attraction Merit Awards 2023. Clonmacnoise, located on the banks of the Shannon in Offaly, is a 6th century monastery which is […]
Where to celebrate World Wetlands day this weekend in the Midlands.
Celebrating World Wetlands Day at Newtownforbes, Longford Where – Scoil Mhuire in Newtownforbes Time – 11am Type – Guided Walk (wear appropriate footwear) They are celebrating World Wetlands Day with LAWPRO, Longford County Council and Newtownforbes Tidy Towns on Saturday 04 February. From 11am at Scoil Mhuire in Newtownforbes there will be a talk with […]
Increased funding for 35 community-based organisations in the Midlands
Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien, has announced that almost 400 community organisations nationwide will receive additional funding under the Community Services Programme. See below for list of organisations from Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath who received funding. The Community Services Programme is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises […]
The Rise of the Esker
The Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore is finally opening its doors to the public on April 15th. After decades of trying to get the Arts Centre off the ground, with community groups and individuals, all flying the flag for years, it was the amalgamation with Offaly County Council that helped see it through. I paid […]
Midlands communities receive €4 million in Community Recognition Funding
Minister for Rural and Community Heather Humphreys, and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, have today set out the details of the €50 million Community Recognition Fund. This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other […]
Midlands Win Big at the Pride of Place Awards
A massive Congratulations to 2 Midlands groups, Mullingar and Geashill Tidy Towns on winning top place in their categories in the IPB National Pride of Place Award 2022. The Pride of Place awards, in it’s 20th year, were established to recognise the selfless efforts of people who make their local neighbourhoods better places to live, […]
Football centre of excellence for Midlands
A new 27 acre site, for a football centre of excellence in the midlands, has been purchased between Tubber and Clara, County Offaly. The land purchase is now complete at Woodfield (outside Clara) for the first Midlands football centre of excellence. There are certainly exciting times ahead as a design team will commence the planning […]
RTÉ’s new Midlands Correspondent says she has a “dream job”
When Longford native Sinéad Hussey stepped into the shoes as Midlands Correspondent for RTÉ, she knew that covering the large midlands area would be no easy task. She takes us through some of the big stories she covered in the second half of 2022 when she took up her role and had to hit the […]
Start a new Course in January, 2023?
Why not start the year 2023 afresh by taking up a new course with your local Further Education and Training Centre? We have compiled a list of some part-time and FREE courses taking place across the midlands, that range in skills from ‘Mindfullness’ to Bookkeeping, Art or even Construction. Most people think they can only […]
Family walks in the Midlands over Christmas
Fancy walking off the Christmas turkey, taking a little breather from the in-laws or just dragging your child away from their brand new Nintendo Switch over Christmas? Here are the ‘Midlands Walks of Christmas’, both forest and trail ways, to help you shake off the cobwebs. So lace up your boots, get your scarves ready […]
Well that beats Banagher!
Banagher is looking good! The Banagher Painting Scheme has been completed, have a look at the photos. The aim of the Scheme was to improve the visual appearance of the town on the approach from the Marina. Funded under a Department of Rural and Community Development initiative, applications were received from eligible property owners in […]
Brewing up a storm!
Breweries in the Midlands There is no better time of year than Christmas to support your local brewery. Beer consumption in Ireland can often lack variety, as it is often the same beverages that are sold in the majority of pubs. This may be due to demand and lack of knowledge of what else is […]
Over €1.8 million to upgrade 18 Community Centres across the Midlands region
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, have today announced funding of over €1.8 million for the upgrade and development of 18 Community Centres across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The announcement under the new Community Centre Investment Fund represents the largest ever capital investment […]
Midlands Finalists in National Digital Awards
Digital Business Ireland, together with Permanent TSB have announced the top five finalists in each of the 22 categories of this year’s National Digital Awards. Seven finalists have been announced from the Midlands. The annual series rewards businesses, people and organisations who have demonstrated excellence in digital. Focusing on three of the nominees, congratulations to […]
The FACTORY, Birr to open Eco School
“We want this to be the most sustainable example business in the whole world, not just in Ireland, the vision is bigger than that.” (Brendan Dooley, Managing Director of The FACTORY) There’s a saying in Design, that it’s just as important to use beautiful wood on the back of the cabinet as it is on […]
Grant Engineering invest €13 million in UK market expansion
Grant Engineering, the Birr-based leader in heating and plumbing solutions, continue their international growth with the opening of a new premises for their Grant UK business, with the Company’s Head Office, warehousing and Training Academy now based in Swindon, Wiltshire. The Company’s new site includes offices and storage facilities that are three times larger than […]
Community Monuments Fund 2023 – Call for Projects
€6 million will be invested in next year’s Community Monuments Fund helping owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future.The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. Core Aims of the Fund The core aims of this Fund are […]
Midlands Christmas Markets, when & where!
It is that time of year again where Christmas Markets are getting their stalls ready around the midlands. Packed with local food and crafts, mulled wine and Santa’s grottos, you dont have to go abroad to find your little bit of Christmas before the big day! As early as this Saturday, local markets from Clonmellon […]
Tullamore Harbour in €200,000 overhaul
Contracts have been signed with Waterways Ireland and Grafton Architects for the preparation of a €200,000 masterplan that will aim to breathe new life into the Tullamore’s Grand Canal Harbour area. Under the project, Grafton Architects will prepare development options for the site and a viability appraisal. They will then prepare a masterplan, following direction […]
Men’s Sheds in the Midlands to get €62,000.
Every Men’s Shed in the country will receive €2,000, as part of a nationwide grant of €800,000 from the Department of Social Protection. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced the funding to support 400 Men’s Sheds across the country. She said “I’m delighted to be in a position to support our […]
New Glamping site proposed for Laois
A new glamping site could be on it’s way to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, County Laois. A planning application for ten glamping pods has been lodged to Laois County Council. The proposed development was made by John Maher for Cappanagraigue, Clonaslee on the Maher family farm. He is looking to “construct a glamping development consisting of […]
Sports Partnerships in Midlands get €466,995
The Midlands welcome an announcement today by Sport Ireland of an investment package of €466,995 euros in Tranche 1 Dormant Accounts Funding. The money will aim to boost sports initiatives such as ‘Sports Hubs’, ‘Get Girls Active,’ ‘Youth Leadership,’ and specialised disability training courses. Inclusivity is core within sport and this funding will help engage […]
Halloween in the Midlands
How will you spend your Oíche Shamhna? Let’s have a look at a number of ‘Spooktacular’ events, walks, workshops and film screenings across the Midlands that are happening especially for the Bank holiday weekend and week ahead. LONGFORD Longford’s annual Dead of Night Festival returns this Halloween! This free and frightful festival is sure to scare all […]
6 Green Flag Awards for Midlands Parks
It’s Green Flag time in the Midlands! A total of 6 of the best Parks in the Midlands have won coveted Green Flag Award status for 2022/2023 in the latest accolades from the International Green Flag programme. The Midlands Parks included in this year’s Awards are – The Mall, Longford – Dún Na Sí Moate […]
‘GREEN OFFALY’CLIMATE CONFERENCE
“Climate Action must be resourced like any other community development group” A two-day conference called ‘Local Future’ is taking place in Charleville Castle County Offaly this week. It brings together groups from Dingle, the Aran Islands, Inishowen, Clare and Offaly, who work with communities socially, and environmentally. With facilitated workshops from people like (TV/Environmentalist) Duncan […]
OFFline Film Festival, Birr
The OFFline film festival runs every October in Birr, County Offaly. The 2022 festival starts this Wednesday 12th – Sunday 16th October. This five-day festival for film lovers and filmmakers alike has been screening Irish and international films in Birr, County Offaly since 2010. OFFline includes an array of workshops on different aspects of filmmaking, […]
Midlands at the centre of building a new Ireland.
John Kelly is the Manager of the LOETB – National Construction Training Centre, Mount Lucas, County Offaly and recently he took me on a tour of the 33-acre sight. It is the only place in Ireland doing the national scaffolding apprenticeship which was officially launched in July by Minister Simon Harris. At the time he also […]
Brother and Sister ‘lockdown’ success story
“People in Ireland aren’t aware of the amount of funding and support that’s out there for them.” (Ruairi Dooley BiaSol) When brother and sister Ruari (31) and Niamh Dooley (28) were little they never got on! With tales of ‘Barbie haircutting’ and ‘soap on toothbrushes’, it’s hard to believe the Tullamore based brother and […]
Solar Farm for Offaly
Offaly County Council has given the green light for a large solar farm in Edenderry. The Solar farm will be located on a 117-hectare development south of Edenderry. On the sight, PV panels will be constructed on metal frames, new access tracks and 22 MV Power Stations. The solar farm would be operational for 40 […]
Browne’s expand to Tullamore
There’s a reason ‘addicted to progress’ is written in neon lights over Padraig Browne’s new venture in business. Known for the provenance and quality of their food, Padraig and his family are no strangers to progress. At 40 Padraig moved from Waterford to work in the meat business in the midlands. At 57 and three […]
Midlands Hospice Gets Go Ahead
GREEN LIGHT! €20 Million Funding Announced For Midlands Hospice!The government has announced €20 Million in funding for the construction of a 20-bed facility at Tullamore Regional Hospital. The Midlands Region has been fighting for it’s own Centre of Excellence for decades. This is great news for a campaign and story that has been running for […]
Midlands celebrates at Irish Restaurant Awards
It was a great night for Midlands Food and Drink at the Irish Restaurant Awards, with the Leinster awards seeing the best in food and drink from our region celebrated at a big annual event for the industry in association with The Irish Times. The quality of food and drink in the Midlands region continues […]
Birr Castle Hot Air Balloon Championships
The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships take place in the grounds of Birr Castle, Co Offaly, with the 50th year of the championships taking place from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th September 2022. The skies above the town fill with Hot Air Balloons in a brilliant display for all the family. Balloons are scheduled to […]
Culture Night 2022
Culture Night is one of the biggest nights in the Arts calendar, we take a look at what’s happening in the Midlands this year. OFFALY are be central to RTÉ’s Culture Night special. They broadcast live from Lough Boora Discovery Park on RTÉ One. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a selection of guest artists perform. […]
Major regeneration project for Edenderry continues progress
A major urban regeneration project for Edenderry continues to progress, as Offaly County Council plans for a new flagship Library and Arts Centre move to design phase. The ambitious Blundell Masterplan envisages a new urban quarter for the town, with a new link from the Square and JKL Street opening up to Blundell Castle and […]
The Tullamore Show
The Tullamore Show is Ireland’s largest one-day event, and attracts up to 60,000 visitors each August to the grounds of Butterfield Estate outside Tullamore in Co. Offaly for festival of farming and country life. Agriculture was originally the Show’s main focus but this has broadened considerably over the years to adapt to Ireland’s changing culture. […]
