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 […]
Festival of Gardens and Nature to take place in Ballintubbert Gardens and House
The newest festival to take place in the Midlands is a unique celebration of gardening and nature. The Festival of Gardens and Nature will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Ballintubbert Gardens and House in County Laois on the weekend of 20th and 21st April 2024. Garden designer Catherine FitzGerald has teamed up with […]
Midlands Cakemaker wins Gold
Are these the best cakes you have ever seen? From Moate, County Westmeath, Tanya Ross is an award-winning decorator who has made cakes for the likes of Google, the Late Late Show, Conor McGregor, Bob Geldof, and the late Shane MacGowan. Her business is called ‘Novel-T Cakes’ and she specialises in creating custom-made cakes for […]
Laois Mountain Biker is an Eco-Hero
For Laois man Stephen McEvoy, mountain biking is much more than a hobby, it’s about keeping trails clean and litter-free. Stephen, is a founder of TrashFreemtb, and he recently received the ‘Outsider Eco-Hero of the Year award’ from Outsider.ie, in recognition for not only his litter-picking, but also his work in galvanising the Irish mountain […]
Dead Centre Brewing Athlone Turns 5!
“If I had chosen to put Dead Centre Brewing in an industrial estate, I wouldn’t still be in business, because the Shannon, the bar and the restaurant, are the stars of the show here!” (Liam Tutty owner) Liam Tutty loves his job. Running a bar, a restaurant, and a brewery is not a simple job […]
People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction: A €30m Sustainable Gem mooted for the Midlands
In a bid to transform eco-tourism in the Midlands, plans for a ground-breaking €30 million visitor experience, the People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction, are in development. Nestled in the heart of Ballaghurt Bog in Co. Offaly, the visionary project would centre on sustainability and environmental education. The project is led by Peatlands and People in collaboration […]
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 […]
Fore Distillery, why not give it a shot!
Fore Distillery is a new craft distillery producing it’s own Golden Rum, White Rum, Poitin and Whiskey. Located close to the picturesque village and Fore Abbey in County Westmeath, they offer guided tours and tasting, with the ‘Barrel and Bean Cafe’ on site. Head Distiller & Founder, Oliver Guirke gives the guided tours and tasting, […]
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 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 […]
Excitement builds for Longford Lights Festival 2024, as new director appointed
Birr-based artist Caroline Conway has been announced as the new Artistic Director for Longford Lights, 2024. As preparations ramp up in advance of the February festival, Caroline Conway, (who was a lead artist in the 2023 festival), takes the helm for the 2024 event. The Longford Lights festival will take place over three evenings in […]
Midlands Distilleries win at Irish Whiskey Awards 2023
Midlands Distilleries were well-represented among the many emerging and established Irish whiskey producers and patrons honoured at the 2023 Irish Whiskey Awards which took place at the Jameson Bow Street Distillery in Co. Dublin. The evening commenced with a tour of the distillery and a drinks reception hosted by Irish Distillers at the Jameson Distillery, […]
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 […]
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 […]
RíRá Mullingar, a new book on the Fleadh
After two years of documenting Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar, RíRá Mullingar: A Fleadh Cheoil Chronicle has been published. ‘RíRá Mullingar’ is a book of exquisite street photography of Mullingar during the last two years of hosting the Fleadh. The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Homecoming brought together one million people to sing, play, dance […]
Discover the ‘Science of the Scrum’ with Jack Carty, Rosie Foley and Midlands Science
With Rugby becoming a national obsession thanks to the World Cup in recent weeks, the Midlands Science Festival is proud to present “The Science of the Scrum,” an exciting event featuring Irish flyhalf Jack Carty and former Irish International Rosie Foley. This one-of-a-kind event exploring the science of rugby will take place on the evening […]
3 Midlands winners in the 2023 Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards
Representing the four corners of Ireland, the winners of the 2023 Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards were announced at an event hosted by Bord Bia at their new Global Hub in Dublin. Celebrating 25 years, the independent Georgina Campbell Awards are Ireland’s longest running food and hospitality awards. They recognise and honour Ireland’s standard-bearers in food and […]
Abbeyleix Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2023 in big day for the Midlands
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (6 October) announced Abbeyleix, Co. Laois as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023. Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event live-streamed to thousands more online. This year, 887 towns were competing for the […]
Midlands success with 37 Medals at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 37 Medals at the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. Midlands Food and Drink producers took home a total of 13 Gold Medals, 14 Silver Medals and 10 Bronze Medals at the Awards, […]
8 Midlands Finalists in 2023 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards
The annual Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards is one the biggest nights in Irish Food, and this year the Midlands is celebrating 8 nominations across 6 different awards categories. Food & Wine magazine have developed the influential awards, and they are run in partnership with the Sunday Business Post and with sponsors […]
Music in the Midlands
Whether you prefer the cosy surrounds of a local pub, or the massive arena of the Electric Picnic, the midlands has become a great space to host large and small events. Also included here is the Music Generation in the Midlands which has three strong groups of music educators across the region.
Are ya Ploughing?
66,250 people attended Day One of the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. Let’s take a look at highlights for Wesdnesday and Thursday. With heavy rain yesterday, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said, “I must say you are all surviving very well as loyal supporters of the Ploughing!” The 82 year old President pointed out […]
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 […]
Rothar Rogues from Durrow, Laois
“Rothar Rogues are a mens shed on wheels,” according to founding member Hughie Shepherd. ‘Mary’s Kitchen’ in Ballyragget is a meeting point and pit stop for Laois’ Rothar Rogues. Drinking tea and eating cake is certainly an important part of the daily routine for it’s members. Hughie tells me with a laugh, they are a […]
National Ploughing Championships, the Statistics
The National Ploughing Championships has grown to be Europe’s largest outdoor agricultural trade expo, with approximately 300,000 attendees over three days. We are taking a look at the statistics behind the larger than life event which runs next week from September 19th to 21st. From 25 to 1,700 stands “There were 25 stands at that […]
Midlands success with 19 Finalists in the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 19 Food and Drink producers from the region named as Finalists in the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. The Awards are the latest in a string of accolades for Midlands Food and […]
May the force be with Anna May McHugh
As I approach the IPA (Irish Ploughing Association) Headquarters in Ballylinan, County Laois, I realise I am not entering an office but a home. Anna May’ McHugh’s house is of course the home of the Ploughing, only a few kilometres from Ratheniska where the Championships take place. There are scores of people upstairs and down, […]
Dream comes true for Stradbally singer
“It’s a dream come true to be able to play at one of Ireland’s biggest music festivals” (‘Just Alice’ winner of Electric Youth) Stradbally singer Alice Laffan (Just Alice) has just won the Electric Youth Competition and will now perform on the Hazelwood Stage at the Electric Picnic this weekend. With great excitement she said, […]
The new Portlaoise Library
Aoife Moore, librarian, walks with a spring in her step as she shows me around the stunning new Portlaoise Library. The brightness and vast space are the first things that catch your eye. The high walls and open plan of the building create an atmosphere ideal for calm and concentration. The front lobby offers a […]
Fáilte Ireland open €17m Just Transition Fund Scheme for Midlands regenerative tourism projects
Fáilte Ireland has today (29 August 2023) launched an open call for Expressions of Interest for its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026. The scheme aims to transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands […]
Behind the Scenes at the Electric Picnic
“It’s turned into a great big monster now at this stage.” (Tom Cosby, Stradbally Hall) As I drive towards Stradbally Hall to meet owner Thomas Cosby, I take note of the tranquil surroundings just before the 19th Electric Picnic begins. There is already a lot of activity on the ground, with barriers going up, stages […]
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 […]
Great Taste Awards for 34 Midlands Food & Drink products
A total of 34 food and drink products, from 10 of the best food and drink producers in the Midlands, have been accredited with Great Taste Awards for 2023. The Great Taste Awards are run by the Guild of Fine Foods to support independent food and drink producers, and are one of the largest and […]
Carrigmeal is Laois’ Tir na nÓg
New Outdoor Classroom There’s a reason why the looped walk in Carrigmeal in County Laois is called Tir nÓg. Named after the land of eternal youth, landowner James Deegan has dedicated 70 acres of his land to his beloved children and grandchildren. Next month when the schools reopen, a beautiful outdoor wooded classroom will be […]
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 […]
21 Midlands Finalists in Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2023
Food and Drink producers in the Midlands have received 21 nominations in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 2023, in recognition of the world-class food and drink producers located throughout the region. Now in their 10th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have become a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and […]
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 […]
Dove House are ready for the Scarecrow Festival
Meet the All-Ireland Scarecrow reigning champions from Tús Nua, Dove House, Abbeyleix. They have just delivered their latest creation ‘The Capitalist Pig’ to The Scarecrow Festival in Durrow which kicks off this weekend in Laois. Dove house are going for three in a row! Fifteen members of Tús Nua in Abbeyleix have been working together […]
International Pike Festival on Lough Ree
“Hundreds of anglers from all over Ireland and abroad want to come here and compete so from now on, there will be no frontiers” (Chris Scally, Lough Ree Angling hub) The 2023 Lough Ree International Pike Angling Festival will be expanded to include the entire body of the lake for the first time, with an […]
12 Finalists for the Midlands in Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023
A big day for Midlands Hospitality as the region receives 12 nominations in the Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023. Bars across the region have been named finalists in 8 different categories, from Hotel Bar of the Year, to Gastro Bar of the Year, Tourist Bar of the Year and Best Value Pub. Leading […]
The Midlands Emerges as the ‘Home of Events’ with Over 1 Million Visitors Expected in the Next Two Months
Ireland’s Midlands is set to become the ultimate destination for entertainment, culture, and agriculture events, as it prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors over the next two months. With a series of highly anticipated gatherings, including the renowned Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, the Midlands solidifies its position as the ‘Home of Events’. […]
Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra set for St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford
The Midlands will welcome the Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra and its performance of “A Symphonic Evening” to St Mel’s Cathedral later this month, as part of Longford’s Cruthú Arts Festival which runs from July 18th to 23rd. The concert on Sunday 23 July, is part of a tour that the OJS (Orchestre Symphonique des Jeunes […]
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 […]
Bowes celebrates 10 years in business
This week, Bowes Foodhall & Café In Durrow County Laois, celebrates it’s 10th birthday. In July last year, Food Critic, Tom Doorley stopped off on his trip from Dublin to Cork and wanted to start a campaign for more ‘Boweism’ when he entered the foodhall. In his Daily Mail article, he had high praise “Bowe’s […]
Behind the Scenes at Durrow Scarecrow Festival
What happens when you walk into a room and find 40 mammies staring back at you? Worse still, ‘40 Scarecrow Mammies’, showing all sort of expressions, from anger to kindness and the one we fear the most, the mammy with the ‘disappointed stare’. Let’s go behind the scenes at this year’s Durrow Scarecrow Festival in […]
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 […]
Glasson Marina retains Blue Flag Status
Ireland’s best beaches and marinas have been announced by An Taisce, with many awarded the globally recognised blue flag. The owners of Quigley’s Marina in Glasson have retained the Blue Flag status for a record 20 years in a row now. Brian and Glenda Quigley, who operate the facility, told the Westmeath Independent it was […]
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 […]
Triple-win for Midlands at Irish Restaurant Awards
At the 2023 Irish Restaurant Awards last night, Longford’s Fiona Egan said she was “Absolutely blown away to have won the All Ireland category for Best Cookery School at the Irish Restaurants Awards”. Fiona Egan Cloughan Farm and Cookery School in Abbeyshrule, were recognised as the Best Cookery School in Ireland to foster a passion […]
The Laois Garden Trail
Have you heard of the Laois Garden Trail? It is a wonderful trail that includes 12 gardens, from Emo to Heywood, Durrow Castle to Gash Gardens, there are so many beautiful spaces to explore and perhaps re-discover. In this article, I will explore a variety of what Laois has to offer. The 12 gardens attract […]
Midlands Food & Drink Directory
Food and Drink producers across the Midlands region are invited to be listed in a new Midlands Food and Drink Directory which is being developed as part of the Midlands Food & Drink Strategy. The new Directory will be a go-to guide for the regional food and drink producers, and will be hosted here on […]
New Guestrooms, a great addition to Longford
PV’s Bar & Kitchen, is a newly refurbished Gastro Bar located in the heart of Longford town. It was during Covid, when the Longford couple, Barry and Lisa Lynam, worked hard to get the Ballymahon Street pub ready for opening. When it re-opened, two years ago, it provided 15 jobs to the local area, while […]
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 […]
Nuts & Grains, Mullingar
“The thing about a health shop, like any local shop, we have to stock every little thing from toilet cleaner to face cream, but natural” (Marion Moffat, owner of Nuts & Grains) There’s something comforting about ‘Nuts & Grains’ on Friars Mill Road Mullingar. Maybe it’s the yeasty, herbal, soapy smell that permeate the shop […]
Lake Lands, Westmeath
Did you know there are Bespoke Self-Catering Holiday Homes on the shores of Lough Owel, Westmeath?Lake Lodge is set within thirty acres of rolling green countryside just 6 kms from Mullingar. With Lough Owel a 300 metre walk away, Lake Lodge is an ideal location for a family trip or group getaway. They have 3 […]
Fraynes Home Bakery, Mullingar
‘Fraynes Home Bakery and Coffee shop’ is a family-run business located on Mount Street, Mullingar since 1971. A framed news article on the wall reads; ‘Mullingar’s Oldest Bakery still thriving’. Fraynes is certainly withstanding all the new coffee chains and trendy barista cafés that have opened up over the last decade. Maybe it is the […]
Granard Booktown Festival
Granard in County Longford is about to become Ireland’s newest booktown. The idea to make Granard into a booktown festival came from a trip to Wigtown in Scotland where arts and books turned the small town of Wigtown into the national book town of Scotland. Like Wigtown, Granard will be filled with book events, writers, […]
Workshops at Coolamber, Westmeath
There will be an array of lifestyle and workshops held at Coolamber over the coming months. See details about the different workshops available below. Coolamber Garden, Westmeath is a hidden gem. Built in the 1800s, the house and garden has been restored to it’s former glory by Ann Marie Durkin and her husband. Originally from […]
Laois artist Alan Meredith wins award
Laois artist, Alan Meredith is one of seven artists to receive a Golden Fleece Award of €35,000. The funding is for artists working in all forms of visual, craft and applied arts and was established as a charitable bequest by Helen Lillias Mitchell (1915-2000). Alan lives and works from his studio in Laois, creating pieces […]
The future is ‘Greenaer’
What is Greenaer, Mullingar? “It could be one of the most transformative purchases in your life” (Alan Maye, Greenaer) In the heart of the midlands, at Lough Sheever Business Park, Mullingar, you will discover ‘Greenaer’ and a glimpse in to the future. ‘Greenaer’ are part of the mobility revolution. Greenaer was set up by Olivier […]
Longford celebrates multicultural Ireland
Longford author and photographer Shelley Corcoran’s is releasing a new book called ‘The Most Irish Person‘. It celebrates the beautiful multicultural society Ireland has become over the past decade, featuring children from all different cultures. Because after all, we are all Irish! Shelley’s work has been published in many poetry anthologies and journals and her […]
Friends keep café open in Athlone
Have you ever wanted to purchase your local café because you loved it so much? When ‘Fine & Wine Food Company’ in Athlone, closed it’s doors, a group of friends got together and decided to buy it themselves. “If we didn’t do it, it would have been closed” explains Ciaran O’Connor, who runs the new […]
Twelve Points Restaurant opening soon
The brand new Twelve Points Restaurant will open at Easter in Killua Castle, County Westmeath. Located near Clonmellon, in the heart of rural Ireland and at the edge of the Boyne Valley, their ethos lies in using local produce particularly those reared or grown within the vast estate. At the moment the Twelve points team […]
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 […]
‘Thyme’, a beacon of light in Athlone
There is a reason why Thyme Restaurant is credited as one of the reasons to visit Athlone, County Westmeath. A visit to the Michelin-awarded restaurant is high on the list of ‘Top 10 Must-Dos’ in Athlone, along with a trip down the Shannon, Athlone Castle, Sean’s Bar and even the Viking Trail. Thyme Restaurant has […]
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 […]
‘Hummingbird’ Portarlington, a home away from home.
“I do believe, we are being guided” Gillian Treacy Gillian Treacy and her husband Ronan took over ‘Mooney’s Drapery’ in the centre of Portarlington in 2019. Now a thriving cafe and interior design shop, Hummingbird Interiors, is a buzzing hub of activity. Gillian was severly injured in a car accident in 2014 which took the […]
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 […]
Longford Film ‘Lakelands’ set for cinemas and Santa Barbara!
”Last year couldn’t have been much better really” admits Longford filmmaker Robert Higgins, who has just been cited as one of the Irish Independent’s ’50 people to watch in 2023’. Robert is a producer, director and writer, based in Granard, County Longford, who operates the film production and digital media company ‘Harp Media’ with Patrick […]
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, […]
Laois filmmaker needs your help!
A young up and coming filmmmaker, Reuben Harvey from Abbeyleix, County Laois is certainly one to watch. Just 22 years of age, he is shooting his final graduate film for Dun Laoghaire National Film School IADT, at the end of January in his hometown of Abbeyleix. Last year, he won a Royal Television Society Undergraduate […]
Longford students win World Design of the year
Two young students from Longford, representing Cnoc Mhuire Secondary School have won the Overall Prize for ‘World Design of the Year’ prize at the Junk Kouture World Final in Abu Dhabi. Solomon Eduard and Joshua Osabuehien from Cnoc Mhuire Granard, along with their teacher Charmaine Hetherton, flew out to Abu Dhabi where they competed against […]
Midlands nominated for 8 Irish Wedding Venue Awards
Wedding venues across the Midlands are celebrating after receiving a total of 8 nominations in the finals of the Annual SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards. The annual awards recognise the best in venues, special places and spaces, rewarding excellence, high quality and unique offerings to make a special day truly special. This year, 47 of […]
WINES DIRECT, MULLINGAR EXPANDING
Congratulations to Wines Direct Ltd, Mullingar, after Westmeath County Council granted planning permission for them to enter the Athlone market.Located in Lough Sheever, Business Park, Mullingar, they expanded location is earmarked for Units 1 and 3, at The Hickey Building, along Magazine Road, Athlone. The project will involve amalgamating both units into one. Gareth Keogh and his brother Gavin, are […]
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 […]
Midlands Hotels & Resorts receive 9 nominations in Gold Medal Award
The Best Hotels and Resorts across the Midlands have received 9 nominations in this years Gold Medal Awards, which celebrate the Best in Hospitality in Ireland each year. There are nominations for hotels and destinations right across the region, from 5 Star Hotel Spa Experience, to Leading Green Hotel, in the awards which are now […]
€68 million in EU Just Transition Funding allocated to Tourism in Ireland’s Midlands
Tourism across the Midlands region is set to be transformed through a regenerative tourism scheme which will be funded by the Just Transition Fund. €68million has been allocated to the National Tourism Development Authority, Failte Ireland, to implement a Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands. The focus of the scheme is to provide […]
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 €1.2m for Midlands under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors
A total of 5 projects across the Midlands will share in a new fund under the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. Launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, the goal is to make Ireland a destination of choice internationally for outdoor adventures. Building from a ground-up, locally led approach, over €1.2 million […]
Land of Light, Belvedere House, Mullingar
The Light Fantastic comes to Mullingar!
Belvedere house and gardens is putting on a Light Fantastic, an outdoor event that combines the use of nature and technology to provide a spectacle of lights, music and performance for attendees of all ages. A great way to take some time off screens and get outdoors in a safe, fun and magical environment.
€500,000 for North Longford Trail
Longford has been given a significant tourism with the news of €500,000 in funding for the region’s north Longford Rebel Trail. The funding, announced by Minister Heather Humphreys, has been allocated for the Drumlish to Monaduff section of the trail which was officially opened in 2020. Cllr Paraic Brady thanked Minister Heather Humphreys, Senator Michael […]
Laois will be the home of RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’, 2023
‘As the Clinical Psychologist on Operation Transformation I am overjoyed that Laois, my home county is our home for 2023 – the blue zone in the heart of Ireland’ (Dr. Eddie Murphy) This year, RTE’S popular TV series Operation Transformation will make Laois it’s home! The stunning setting of the Malt House Stradbally will be […]
Athlone chocolatiers head for RDS
Athlone chefs Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan from Bon Chocolatiers are set to feature at Gifted, the Contemporary Craft and Design Fair, at the RDS from November 30 to December 4. The couple are classically trained and have worked alongside industry leaders, notably Michelin Starred restaurant Campagne and Bib Gourmand restaurant Thyme. Both have attended […]
Rock of Dunamase book launches
The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase will launch this Wednesday, 23rd November at 7.15pm in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise. The High Fortress, sees experts sift the evidence to tell the story of Dunamase and its surrounding territory from prehistoric times to the eighteenth century, in a clear, accessible way. The […]
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 […]
Abbeyleix Bakery on the Rise
David began his career with Conrad Gallagher in the Pastry Section of one of his restaurants and it was here he met and his future business partner, Wellie Lopes da Silva, who is originally from Sao Paulo. It was at the restaurant where their “great friendship” began and Wellie and David now run their successful […]
Have you heard of Killua Castle?
Helen Carroll from RTE’s Ear to the Ground visits Killua Castle Farm on Thursday’s program, RTE 1 at 7pm to see how the Irish moiled herd are taking to their spectacular surroundings. Killua Castlem Clonmellon, County Westmeath, has been described as one of the most romantic demesnes in Ireland. This former home of the family […]
The ‘Spirit’ of the Midlands!
This is the time of year where Chamber Award Ceremonies are held across the country. It is an opportunity to reward and recognise local businesses and sole traders. But, how do you recognise the heart and soul of a community? This is called the ‘Spirit of the Community Award’. So how does a pub in […]
Brilliant line-up at Ballymahon Film Festival
The Still Voices Film Festival begins this week in Ballymahon, Mullingar and Athlone! The community-focused, international film festival, based in Ballymahon, has grown in stature since it began in 2014. It is certainly a quality programme, packed with film screenings, panels and workshops, as well as the always popular children’s animation workshop. Short films are […]
Laois ‘Leaves Festival’ kicks off this week
“The Leaves Festival is a great opportunity to hear from contemporary writers, enjoy the art of conversation, listen to musicians and appreciate film.” (Leaves Festival Co-ordinator, Muireann Ní Chonaill) The Leaves Festival 2022 brings the best of Irish writing, poetry, film and music to County Laois this Wednesday November 9th. The star attraction will be […]
Thyme Restaurant Athlone makes Irish Times Guide
Thyme Restaurant, Athlone has made it into the Guide for ‘Great-value Irish restaurants: 13 places to go for dinner’. Corinna Hardgrave and Joanne Cronin have searched Ireland for the most exciting places to eat fabulous food at terrific prices and you will find them in their ‘100 great-value restaurants, cafes and places to eat in […]
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 […]
Midlands winners at SuperValu Tidy Towns 2022
It was another great year for the Midlands in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition 2022, with many awards and medals across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Now entering it’s 65th year, the spirit of Tidy Towns is about more than the awards, it’s about communities and people coming together to improve the places where we […]
Midlands Hotel Award Winners 2022
The Irish Hotel Awards 2022 have been announced at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone, where 400 hospitality industry professionals gathered to celebrate. The points are marked according to a ‘280-point report’ compiled by a team of researchers. The marking is meticulous, as they document each establishment from arrival to departure, spanning all departments of the […]
Stradbally Steam goes Green!
Laois is leading the way to de-carbonise and re-fuel the Heritage Railways while keeping everything moving along! In September, Ireland saw the first passenger train to be hauled by a steam locomotive using a 100% renewable biomass-based coal substitute. This was on the Stradbally Woodland Railway, a short narrow-gauge line with steep gradients. Being in woodland, […]
‘Haunted’ Castles in the Midlands!
No visit to the Midlands of Ireland is complete without a visit to some of its historic castles. Some are enchanting and fairy-like, filled with character and charm, while others are said to be haunted! We all love a good story and especially for Hallowe’en, here is a list of castles in the Midlands, deemed […]
A big week for Abbeyleix Bog
For Abbeyleix Bog, and the surrounding community, it is an important week. Restoration works began on Monday (Oct 3rd), involving the construction of marginal berms along the edge of the cutover bog in Abbeyleix, County Laois. Berms act like a dam, keeping water on the bog. This will help to enhance the re-establishing of Sphagnum […]
Midlands Food & Drink wins 18 Awards at Blas na hEireann 2022
It was a hugely successful event for Midlands Food and Drink Producers at the prestigious Blas na hEireann Awards 2022 in Dingle. The region won a total of 18 Awards, including Gold, Silver and Bronze, as well as a number of Chef’s Larder Awards. The winning producers showcase the quality and broad flavours of Midlands […]
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 […]
New Film Studios for Mullingar
Hammerlake Studios are planning a 460,000sq.ft Studio Campus in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The development may become Ireland’s largest film studio facility. It is set to produce movies and shows for the global market and create 1,000 jobs in Lough Sheever Business Park. 300 construction staff will be employed during the building phase, with the first phase […]
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. […]
Glamping and Camping Spots In The Magical Midlands!
Glamping and Camping Spots In The Magical Midlands From Hobbit Houses To Stage Coaches! A new tourism initiative could see a new network of camping and glamping sites, as well as pitches, along the country’s rivers, lakes, and canals. Waterways Ireland is exploring the possibility of developing up to 50 sites at key locations nationwide […]
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. […]
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann
The World’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. Currently hosted in its spiritual home of Mullingar, the week-long event is like nothing else in Ireland. Traditional musicians of all ages are invited to gather once again in Mullingar from 6th to 14th August for Fleadh […]
Electric Picnic
Ireland’s largest gathering of music & arts, and the ultimate rock n’ roll circus, Electric Picnic has established itself as one of the world’s most unique festivals. With a great selection of music, art, theatre, comedy, food and holistic health, it’s the most delightfully diverse end of summer party on the Emerald Isle. Ireland’s premier […]
National Ploughing Championships
The annual event attracts crowds of up 300,000, as the largest agricultural event in Europe. The 3 day festival is about so much more than just Ploughing, celebrating the very best of Ireland from the heart of the country in Co. Laois. All roads lead to Ratheniska, Co. Laois each September, as the Midlands plays […]
The 130km Royal Canal Greenway has been officially launched and is now the country’s longest greenway.
The Royal Canal Greenway passes through counties Longford, Westmeath, Meath & Kildare. There are 14 connecting access points and towns along the route including Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar and Longford town. Waterways Ireland says:‘The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. Starting in […]
Laois & Offaly to receive a total of €770,000 to improve routes, trails & signage in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., has today announced over €6 million for 14 large-scale projects under Measure 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme of which Laois will receive €270k and Offaly will receive €500k. Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said : “I know how important our outdoor amenities have been […]
