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Renowned for our great food andfriendly atmosphere!Winner Best Restaurant Offaly 2011Winner Best Customer Service Offaly 2011Georgina Campbell Guide 2011Opening Hours:Mon to Sat:........................5.00 to 11.00Sunday:...............................1.00 to 10.30Lunch: Thurs & Fri ..........12.00 to 2.30Early Bird & Set Dinner MenusTake-Out & Delivery Service availablePATRICK STREETTULLAMORE, CO. OFFALYTel: 057-9352839info@siroccos.netFURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITEwww.siroccos.net* Leading Restaurant Awards * Member RAI * Estd 1999*3

The WolftrapWilliam Street, Tullamore057 93 23374Live Bands-DJ’sLate Bar - Free AdmissionDRINKS PROMOTIONSBook all your yFunctions & Party’s@ the Wolf Trap2 Private Function Rooms availableEarly Bird 4.30pmFood Served 12pm - 8.30pm7 Days a Week7 Big Screens for all yourSports & News5

Tullamore is a vibrant and modern town. Its central location puts even thefarthest parts of Ireland within a day's journey. It has a catchment area of 45,000people for commercial and shopping services. There are many attractivefeatures, buildings, amenities, quality restaurants and accommodation and atthe old distillery harbour, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre. The neo-classicalcourthouse, designed by J.B. Keane, is situated at the southern end of the town.Built in 1833, the building is set back from the street on a height, in a parklandsetting with boundary railings. The courthouse is the administrative centre forOffaly County Council and also provides court facilities. The Mallet Tavernsituated on the banks of the canal to the west of the town was the onlythatched pub to survive the great fire in Tullamore in 1785.Tullamore today has a population of around 15,000 and has been the capitaltown of Offaly since 1833. It's more than twice the size of its nearest rival, Birr.Yet records from the 1660s put Tullamore's population at 100, while Birr wasconsiderably larger with 700 inhabitants.John Moore, who was the son of Thomas Moore, an Elizabethan soldier, hadreceived lands at Croghan Hill, an extinct volcano in east Offaly in the 1570's aspart of the first British plantation of Offaly. The Moore family let long lease ontheir Tullamore lands throughout the seventeenth century, choosing to live atCroghan Castle instead.A future generation of the Moore family decided to leave their home atCroghan Castle in the early 1700s and built a house in Tullamore, near wherethe harbour is today. No trace of this house now remains. Through politicalinfluence, they had a barracks built to house 100 British foot soldiers in 1716,and by the late 1720s, a Protestant church was built in Church Lane, now ChurchStreet. This building also no longer exists.The arrival of the soldiers proved to be an attraction for businesses to the areaand a key factor in the early growth of Tullamore. The first recorded buildinglease is one from the Moore family to Richard Brennan, a tobacco spinner, in1713. His premises is now the Brewery Tap bar in O'Connor square.6

Stylish 4 star hotel offeringan uncompromising mix ofmodern luxury withtraditional hospitalityLuxurious accommodationcomprising 104 guestrooms and suitesA unique dining experienceenjoyed by locals andvisitors alike offering achoice of fine dining,private dining or a morecasual and relaxed menu inthe Furlong BarExtensive leisure facilitiescomprising a fabulous 20mpool, sauna, steam room,Jacuzzi, fitness suite,aerobics room and crècheA popular and variedentertainment line up inthe Furlong Bar everyweekendAmple private car parkingTullamore, Co OffalyTel: 057 934 6666 Fax: 057 934 6677Email: info@tullamorecourthotel.ieWebsite: www.tullamorecourthotel.ie7

By the mid 1760s Tullamore would have consisted of Patrick Street, ChurchStreet, Bridge Street, part of O'Connor Square and part of High Street. Towndevelopment then suffered a setback following the death of Charles Moore,first Earl of Charleville who had encouraged building development. On CharlesMoore's death the property passed first to his sister's husband, John Bury ofShannongrove, Limerick who died soon after in a bathing accident at Ringsend,Dublin.Tullamore then passed to Moore's nephew, Charles William Bury, a child of sixmonths. During his younger years there were no leases for more than 21 yearsgranted and thus no new building activity. Charles William Bury's coming of agein 1785 coincided with the famous balloon fire in Tullamore.A hot air balloon crash landed in the town leading to a fire that caused seriousdamage to around 100 houses in the Patrick Street area. Exact details of thedamage caused are sketchy and some accounts are conflicting, but it isbelieved that most of Kilbride Street was also burnt to the ground, with theexception of Molloy's pub, the Mallet Tavern, the oldest pub in tullamore, whichstill stands today and is still a pub.This flight of a hot air balloon took place onlytwo years after the first flight in Paris.Charles William Bury presided over the fortunes of Tullamore 'til his death 50years later. The burning of Patrick Street gave him an opportunity to let theproperties there on new leases and widen the street in the process. During thistime the population trebled to over 6,000 in 1841. There was also the matter ofthe Grand Canal which was linked to Tullamore in 1798 and to the rivershannon in 1804. The canal marked the northern boundary of the town untilthe 1900s, as did the railway line from 1858 on the southern side.The canalprovided a link to Dublin and a great method of transporting goods to andfrom the capital. Tullamore is now the biggest urban area the grand canalpasses through outside of Dublin.The town is laid out on a gridiron pattern with the principal street running fromthe road to Kilbeggan at the north end of the town to the road to Birr at the southand beyond it to Charleville Castle, situated in Charleville woods just outside thetown. The castle was completed between 1800 and 1812 and became the homeof the former owners of the town, the earls of Charleville. It was designed byFrancis Johnston who also designed Dublin's GPO, is considered one of the finestGothic style country houses in Ireland and is now open to the public.8

Dooly’s HotelBIRRTradition of Quality & Service since 1747Coach House Lounge is a favourite amonglocals and visitors alike.Splendidly furnished, warm and welcoming,good food and cheer.Our renowned Emmet Room Restaurantservesinternational and local dishes.Open to Guest and Public - 7 Days a WeekPrior Booking AdvisableThe hotel provides an excellent range ofbanqueting facilities.Be it an intimate dinner, company dinnerdance, conference, training session orcharity ball, your event will run smoothlyand efficiently.Dooly's Hotel, Emmet Square, Birr, Co Offaly.Tel: 057-91 20032 Fax:057-91 21332Email: reservations@doolyshotel.ieor info@doolyshotel.iewww.doolyshotel.comDooly's Hotelwhere hospitality comes naturally9

Charleville CastleThe new streets, such as Offaly Street, Harbour Street and William Street allfollowed the grid iron pattern and a second Market square was provided in the1820s, still named Market Square today. The Tullamore tenants petitioned theIrish House of Commons in 1784 and in 1786 to designate Tullamore as thecounty capital in place of Daingean, but because of the significant politicalinfluence of the Ponsonby family, now owners of Daingean, this was notachieved until 1833. The county jail was built in Tullamore in 1826 and thecounty courthouse in 1835.The origins of the town's most famous export, Tullamore Dew - the legendaryIrish whiskey - can be traced back to 1829 when the Tullamore Distillery wasfounded by Michael Molloy. In 1887, following the death of Mr Molloy, thedistillery passed into the hands of the Daly family with Captain Bernard Daly incharge of the business. A keen sportsman, Captain Daly left the routine runningof the distillery to one of his colleagues, Daniel E Williams. Williams was themajor influence in the expansion and development of the distillery His initialsD.E.W inspired the whiskey to be named 'Tullamore Dew' with its slogan "Giveevery man his Dew" which appeared on the bottles for many years. In 1947, thedistillery also gave birth to Irish Mist liqueur. Sadly, the huge canalside buildingis no longer a functional distillery with both drinks now being made elsewhere.However, thankfully the place was preserved and is now the tullamore dewheritage centre, housing a bar and a superb museum for visitors to take a tripdown memory lane.The famous D.E. Williams DistilleryBuilding developers were draughted in to oversee the expansion of Tullamore.Chief among these developers was Thomas Acres whose house is now theheadquarters of Tullamore Town Council at the top of high street. There waslarge scale building and development in the town from this time right up untilthe beginning of the famine in 1845.10

Hennessy pubMain St, Ferbane 090 645 3963As modern a pub as you could hope to findin a thatch pub, established in 1865, and yet itretains the old world character.LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY NIGHTCatering or Parties -21st, 40th etcROMATake AwayClaraTel: 057 936887212

The Tullamore DewHeritage CentreTourist AttractionsThe Tullamore Dew heritage centre onthe banks of the Grand Canal focuses onthe distilling, canal and urban history ofthe town. Audio visual and self guidedtours are available daily.Tullamore Dew is a brand of Irishwhiskey. It was first distilled in 1829 inthe small town of Tullamore, CountyOffaly, Ireland, but is now produced by Irish Distillers Ltd. in Midleton, CountyCork, and marketed by Cantrell & Cochrane. The name derives from the initialsof an early owner, Daniel E Williams - D.E.W. His home address was dew park andafter his death the drink Irish mist was founded by the same companies.Charleville Forest CastleCharleville Forest Castle, on the edge of the town, one of Ireland’s mostsplendid Gothic buildings, stands in beautiful parklandwhich contains the Charleville oak, one of the biggest andoldest in the country. The castle is said to be haunted andwas featured on series 1 of Living TV's Most Haunted. Theoak woodland is beautiful – and botanically an importantsurvivor of primeval stock.Currently, the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust is managedby Dudley Stewart. The day to day running is handled byvolunteers, who come from countries including France,Canada,The United States of America and the United Kingdom, as well as otherparts of Ireland to help out at the castle.Kilbeggan DistilleryKilbeggan, County Westmeath - Tel: 353 57 9332134.Established in 1757, Locke's Distillery is the oldest licensed pot-still distillery inthe world. Now open as a museum, guided tours follow the process from thegrinding of the grain to thecasking of the final product. Peerdown into the 28ft deep solid oakvats to where the yeast and wortsfermented. Watch and listen as the19th century water wheel drivesthe machinery. Over 90% of theoriginal machinery is now restoredand can be seen working daily.Slieve BloomTullamore is an ideal base for discovering the Slieve Bloom Mountains tothe south of the county. The 'Slieve Bloom' mountains have manybeautiful walking and cycling trails as well as excellent picnic areas withsome panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands. The area is made upof forests, blanket bog of a type which is unique to Ireland, interspersedwith hidden valleys of great character, and interest to the nature lover. Itincludes farmland bounded by hedgerows full of bird and plant life. Thenatural colours of the landscape are remarkable in any season. It is anextremely peaceful area which permits the opportunity to be close tonature. Much of the higher reaches of the mountains have beendesignated as an Environmentally Protected area for special preservation,as an amenity for generations to come.13

Walks:You will find some of the best walkingopportunities in Ireland, whether you want justa leisurely stroll or a more challenging hill-walk.This peaceful retreat has a wide variety ofWalking Trails to suit every type of walker.* Long distance walks The Slieve Bloom Waylinks with the Offaly Way at Cadamstown* Day Treks from Glenbarrow to Clonaslee, Clonaslee to Cadamstown,Cadamstown to Kinnitty.* A variety of Loop Walks at Glenbarrow near Rosenallis, Clonaslee,Cadamstown, Kinnitty* Eco Trails at Glenbarrow, Cadamstown, Knockbarron, Glenafelly andGorteennameale.* Wild Life, Wheelchair accessible and Heritage Walks at Lough BooraParklands just 10k from the Slieve BloomsLough BooraBeauty lies at the heart of Ireland.Lough Boora Parklands, in County Offaly, is a beautiful landscape of naturaland manmade lakes, wetlands and woodland areas, providing a new habitatfor wildlife. It is also home to 21 of Ireland’s most innovative sculptures,inspired by the rich natural and industrial legacy of the boglands.The area is an ideal destination for individuals and families alike. Spend arelaxing day roaming the walkways or find a quiet spot and immerse yourselfin the extraordinary landscape. It’s perfect for all kinds of interests: cyclingangling, birdwatching, photography and, of course, observing spectacular artin a unique environment.After a day exploring, visitors can recharge their batteries and enjoy lunch inour picnic area complete with benches, restrooms and parking facilities.We’re open seven days a week and admission is free. Group guided tours arealso available.For more information visit www.loughbooraparklands.comClonmacnoiseClonmacnoise (the Irish Cluain Mhic Nois meansthe meadow of the sons of Nos) was founded in548 by St. Ciaran the son of a wright or mastercraftsman.The pivotal location contributed to thedevelopment of Clonmacnoise as a major centreof religion, learning, trade, craftsmanship andpolitical influence. As the burial place of St. Ciaran,it has attracted pilgrims for nearly 1500 years.Situated on an esker ridge overlooking a large areaof bog through which the river Shannon flows, itslocation in earlier times was literally at thecrossroads of Ireland where the north/south arteryof communication, the Shannon, crossed the majoreast/west routeway along the gravel ridges of the glacial eskers.Clonmacnoise has been a national Monument since 1877 and is now underthe care of Duchas, The Heritage Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage,Gaeltacht and the Islands. The site now offers exhibitions, audio-visual show,guided tours, tearooms, car/coach parking and tourist information services.For further details or reservations contact: Tel: (0)90 96 7419515

Aura Leisure Centres- Fun Fitness & Health for Every BodyAura Sport & Leisure Management Ltd is the largestleisure centre operator in Ireland with over a millionvisits per year to our sites. We started with just onefacility and the simple philosophy of providing qualityaffordable swimming & fitness activities. Over 8 yearslater, we are still committed to offering the same.Aura offers everybody, no matter your age or fitnesslevel, the opportunity to improve your health and fitnessas well as have fun.The unique aspect to Aura is that youdon’t have to be a member to avail of our facilities andservices; you can simply “pay as you go”!We provide new and comfortable surroundings, state-ofthe-artequipment and a range of courses, classes, fitnessprograms and activities for both adults and children.As the fastest growing operator in Ireland, AURAcontinues to deliver on its promise of value and greatservice for all of its users - a simple formula with a proventrack record of success.Opening Hours* Monday 7am - 10pm* Tuesday 9am - 10pm* Wednesday 7am - 10pm* Thursday 9am - 10pm* Friday 7am - 10pm* Saturday 10am - 7pm* Sunday 10am - 7pmBank Holidays as weekendAura Tullamore Leisure CentreHophill RoadTullamore Co. OffalyPhone: 057 9329398Fax: 057 932 0772E-mail: information@auragroup.ie16

N80N52R420N80Dangan Rd.TULLAMORE LEISURE CENTRECloncolligR420TULLAMORE LEISURE CENTRESomethingfor EveryoneHAVE FUN - RELAX - KEEP FIT• 25m pool• Learner pool• Kiddies’ fun pool• Swimming Lessons• Fully equipped fitnessgym• Fitness classes• Aerobics studio• Sauna and steamroom• Two 5-a-side allweather pitches• Kids camps andactivities• Zig zag dance classAll Fitness Classes FREE formembers or available on aPay As You Go basisAt Aura we offer a range of Fitness Classesincluding:- Aqua Fit- Step & Tone- Body Blast Circuits- Cycle Class- Step Aerobicsand many many more...COURSESKarate, Yoga and Pilates coursesWE ARE HERETULLAMORE TOWNCENTREChurch St.Harbour St.O’Carro l St.Church RoadPay as yougo or flexiblemembershipoptions available.It’s your choice!Aura offer a range of courses which run for6-10 weeks. These courses are also availableon a pay as you go basis with discounts formembers.Bachelors WalkSpollanstownChurch RoadYou don’t have to do anything…but if you want to loseMembershipfrom as little as€1.09 perdayMon, Wed & Fri 7am - 10pmTues & Thurs 9am - 10pmSat & Sun 10am - 7pmSee website or call 057 9329398 forpool and fitness class timetablesTULLAMORE LEISURE CENTREHophill RoadTullamoreCo OffalyTel: 057 9329398information@auragroup.iewww.auraleisurecentres.ie17

To Celebrate 20 years in BusinessGlendeer Pet Farmnow has new arrivals ofMonkeys & WallabiesAfter 20 very successful years in business,Glendeer Farm, Drum, Athlone has introducedthese new animals to help celebrate the farm’sbirthday and to make everyone’s visit even more fun.Along with the two cheeky capuchin monkeys andthree wallabies, there’s a range of other farmanimals, fowl and more exotic species for animalloversto enjoy; the Vietnamese pot bellied pig &piglets, llamas, emu, ostrich, goats, donkeys, guineapigs, pheasants and peacocks! Also new thisseason, are the two tortoises who are 60 and 80years old as well as the baby deer and the annualfavourites that are the puppies and kittens.A visit to Glendeer Pet Farm is an unforgettableexperience for children. They can pet and feedmany of the animals and their young, whilelearning about animal life, and their habits.The secret to Glendeer’s success is the diverserange of animals, the additional recreationalfacilities and also the value for money that you get.A family of four costs only €28 for what can be anunforgettable day out for children and adults of all ages. Whether itrains or shines Glendeer is prepared, with fabulous indoor andoutdoor facilities. Families can spend a whole day at the farm, viewingthe animals, taking a picnic, enjoying the indoor coffee shop facilitieswith fresh coffee, homemade sandwiches and scones, etc. and ifthey’ve any energy left, the kids can be let loose in the outdoor playarea or the indoor sand pit and slide.Of course Glendeer also welcomes school tours to the farm, andchildren come from all over the Midlands, the west and even Dublin.The central location of the farm and the recent opening of the M6motorway have only added to the ease of making a visit.“It’s very educational and also great fun. We provide a guided tour forone hour for groups, and an additional hour gives them plenty of timeto play.The kids get to feed the animals and we explain to them wherethe animals come from, such as the emu from Australia and ostrichfrom Africa. It’s a very different experience from a zoo as the kids caninteract with the animals,” explained Phil.Since 1999 in December, Glendeer is transformed into a magicalwinter wonderland called ‘Ireland’s Lapland’ where under a blanket ofsnow and twinkling fairy lights, children can visit Santa and his deer, aswell as a crib with a real cow and donkey.Another Eggciting event at the farm is the annual Easter Egg Hunt onEaster Sat, Sun & Mon @ 3pm, it promises to be a lot of fun!!!When visiting Glendeer Farm take exit 13 off M6 & follow the signs forDrum. Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 11am–6pm & Sun: 12pm–6pm(Summer). Contact: 090 6437147, glendeer@glendeer.com orwww.glendeer.com18

LUKER’S PUBSHANNONBRIDGETel: 090 - 9674995Relive the Pastin one of the Oldest Pubsin the country dating back to 1700Ceol agus Craicand aGreat pint of Guinness19

BirrSet in the southwest of County Offaly,Birr is the most attractive and wellkept town in the county. With treelinedavenues and Georgian Houses,Birr is a town with much character.Initially a monastic town from the12th century when St. Brendan of Birrfounded a monastery, it was in the 13th century that, like so manyother towns, it became a Norman town. During the Plantations of1620 the estate, including the castle, were given to the Parsons inwhose hands the estate remains after 14 generations.The main attraction today is the gardens of Birr Castle whichcontain over 1000 species of different shrubs.Also in the castle grounds is the world famous telescope.Completed in 1845, scientists and astronomers from all over theworld came to use the telescope. It remained the largest inexistence for 75 years. The telescope was used in the mapping ofthe moon. Demonstrations take place 3 times daily as to how thetelescope worked.Dooly's Hotel stands in Emmet Square, the very centre of GeorgianBirr. The hotel is one of the oldest coaching inns in the countrydating back to 1747 and now enjoys the status of being a 3 starhotel.Birr was laid out during the Georgian period and still retains manyof its original features such as its wide tree lined walls, pleasantgardens, period houses and Georgian character. The town itselfreflects the peace and contentment of its surrounding countryside.The Granary CafeFull Irish, Great Coffee, Steaks and CakesBirr (Main Street behind Mary’s Flowers)089 419780520

RomaGrillTullamoreTel: 057 9321732Take AwayMenuDelivery ServiceCorrigan’s The Corner HouseThis traditionalfamily-run pubhas been in theCorrigan familyfor over twogenerations.A traditional pubwhere folk gatherfor a touch ofceltic culture, song, story-telling, poetry and of course thefinest pints in the country. There's no better place to be ona summer's day than sitting in the beer-garden for a bar-bqueor maybe a cool pint or two in the bar and a bit ofcraic. There's an old saying " That Beats Banagher " butthere's nothing to beat Banagher so long as Corrigan's Baris at the heart of it.For hospitality, fine food & beer, sure you're alwayswelcome at the corner!Main St, Banagher, Co OffalyTel: 057 9151384 Fax:0579151363 Mobile: 0872210067www.corrigansbar.com Email corrigansbar@eircom.net21

Opening Hours:10am - 6pm Mon - FriTel: 090 6661923 Fax: 090 6661872Email: ethelkelly@eircom.netSee the countries old traditionbrought to life as you watch thepipes being made in the workshopusing tools from the 1890’s.Admission FreeLeftBankAntiques(Beside Seans Bar)15 Main Street, AthloneTel: 090- 6493377Mobile: 086 8325616AntiquesBought and SoldBrian & Mary KellyRelax and cruise the River Shannonon a replica Viking boat to historic Clonmacnoise orinto magnificent Lough Ree where Viking warbandsplundered and pillaged its many islands steeped inreligious history.Viking Tours, live commentary onViking battles, tales of buried treasure on Hare Island,refreshments on board. Daily trips depart below TownBridge beside castle.Contact MichaelPhone: +353 (0)90 647 3383Mob: 086 2621136Fax: +353 (0)90 647 3392Email: vikingtours@ireland.ieVikingTours22

Kilbeggan Distillery ExperienceOpen year around and weekends with a restaurant,whiskey bar, gift shop and free car and coach parking.A visit to Kilbeggan Distillery is a unique experience not to bemissed!Tel & Fax: +353 57 93 32 134Email: info@kilbeggandistillery.com www.kilbeggandistillery.comFor a Fun Filled Family Day Out!No matter what the Weather!Turoe Pet Farm& Leisure ParkBullaun, Loughrea, Co. GalwayTel: 091 841580 www.turoepetfarm.comHave lots of fun from Feeding the Animals & PlaygroundsOutdoors to the “Inflatable City” & Jungle Town (indoors)Summer Opening:7days - Mid May to 31/8/2010.........10am to 7pmWinter Opening: Weekend....1pm to 6pm(extra opening for Easter, Halloween & Christmas)Admission Rate: Adults.............€6.00Children............€12.00Hot Food & Refreshments Available (Picnic’s Welcome)No Time Restrictions - Last Admission 5pm23

Golf in the MidlandsThis midland location offers a choice of 9 superb courses, from theChristy O'Connor designed Glasson and Esker Hills courses tohighly acclaimed ones at Athlone, Mount Temple, Moate,Roscommon, Castle Barna, Tullamore and Mullingar.Glasson Golf Hotel & Country ClubRanked in the Top 10 NewIrish Courses 2004 byDermot Gilleece (GolfJournalist) This majesticgolf setting is snuggleddown in the heart ofIreland.A Christy O'Connor Jnr. masterpiece that has all golfers talking.Every hole is breathtaking and measuring over 7000 yds from thechampionship tees it is a true test for all golfing standards. GlassonGolf and Country Club must be seen to be believed. Set on apeninsula bordering Lough Ree, it is set to become the subject ofmany an oil painting. It has 29 luxury Bedrooms, Central Location,Full Catering Facilities, Purpose Built Conference Centre, PrivateJetty on Lough Ree. Tel: 090- 648512026Esker Hills Golf Club is aChristy O'Connor Jnr. designedmasterpiece, built on uniqueterrain where no two holes areremotely alike. Spend sometime here exploring theultimate golfing test - it's wellworth the effort!Regarded as one of Ireland's leading inland courses, Esker Hills is achallenging championship golf course where no two holes areremotely alike. It is noted for its distinct links feel, superb sandbasedgreens, all-year playability and warm welcome.Esker Hills Golf Club is built on 150 acres of testing terrain. Openedin 1996, the Club has 300 members. The exploits of IrishInternational Shane Lowry has greatly enhanced the profile of theClub. Golf Club privileges are available to registered home ownersat 'Lios na Coille'.Shane finished tied for 37th together with Colm Moriarity fromAthlone, after a four round total of one under-par at the 139thOpen Championship in St. Andrews, and has mixed feelings afterhis first appearance in a Major tournament.

Awards and Recommendationsfor Offaly FoodNew Bridgestone food guide has 25 Offaly entriesOffaly food culture is well represented in the latest Bridgestone IrishFood Guide with 25 separate listings lauding everything from aPortarlington blueberry farm, a pretty Birr cafe, to organic wholesomesoups in Cloghan and superb rock buns in a Tullamore bakery in theninth edition, written by highly regarded food writers John and SallyMcKenna."Artisans and good restaurateurs are bucking the economic trend," saidauthor John McKenna. "It may seem hard to believe, but many of thepeople featured in the latest edition of the Bridgestone Irish FoodGuide - whether they are artisans, shopkeepers, restaurateurs ormarketers - have had their best ever year in business.The sheer numberof new entrants in the book amazed us, and we were also amazed bythe quality of foods they are producing and cooking."Among the Offalians praised in the tome include MeadowsweetApiaries, Doon, for their heather honey from Clara bog described as"intense and louring", while Lough Boora Farm's successful box schemecontains "the beautiful carrots that Tony Garaghy's light sandyish soilbrings forth" and "the perfect stop for coffee and something sweet, ora light and energy-filled lunch" is Maidin Gheal in Ferbane.Meanwhile, Clareen-based Slieve Bloom Foods is singled out fornoteworthy comments as the owners of the only cranberry farm inIreland. Other well known names in the Offaly food industry featuredagain this year include Glenisk Organic Dairy, Mossfield Organic Farm,Andrew Rudd Food Group, organic vegetable grower Philip Dreaperand Annaharvey Farm Foods, all favourably commented on the foodieguide, as are newer names like Mill House Sheep's Cheese in Tullamore,speciality cake maker and designer Miriam Pearson's business SweetCreations and Farm Factory Direct in TullamoreWinnerBest Restaurant Offaly 2011Irish Restaurant Awards 2010 inassociation with the RAI andsponsored by Santa Rita andSunday Independent LifeMagazine. Sirocco's Restaurantrepresented Offaly at theNational finals which took placein June.27

"There were a lot of highs and lows last week, but generally I reallyenjoyed the whole experience and can't wait to taste more of it,"said Shane. Tel: 057- 9355999New Forest GolfWith New Forest, Peter McEvoy has crafted a true parklandmasterpiece. New Forest is set to take its place amongst the greatIrish parkland courses. Weinvite you to experience agolf course that is both ajoy to the eye and apleasure to experience.Mount Temple Golf &Country Club is an Irish traditional Championship Golf Course,sculpted from a dry esker site and is renowned for its large linkstype greens and undulating fairways. It lies in the heart of the Irishmidlands just a short distance from Athlone town. Being situatedon an esker gives the course the advantage of being playablepractically all yearround. This course is amixture of parklandand links typelandscape which willoffer all levels ofgolfers a demanding but fair challenge. New Golf Academyincluding Driving Range now open! Tel: 090/6481841.Mount Temple Golf & Country Clubwith Golf AcademyFull Memberships available. Men €600. Ladies €450Mount Temple, Athlone, Co. WestmeathTel: 353 90 6481841 E-mail: mttemple@iol.iewww.mounttemplegolfclub.comSuperb 18-Hole ChampionshipGolf Course in the hearth of Ireland.“Built by God, polished by man”Playable all year around withpanoramic views of the midlands.Renowned for its natural links type greens andundulating fairways.Catering facilities, farmhouse cuisine daily,wine licence, village pub 100 yards away.10 minutes from Athlone Town28

About Kilbeggan RacesKilbeggan Races - a truly Irish occasionAn evening of fun at Kilbeggan Races is one of the mostenjoyable experiences. It mingles the heart stopping spectacleof racing over jumps with the laid back charm of a genuinerural meeting.The Kilbeggan formula is made for fun, friendship andatmosphere for the thousands who return meeting aftermeeting giving Kilbeggan the edge over other events.An evening to remember at Kilbeggan RacesThe quiet midlands town is transformed on race evenings intoa festival of social and sporting pleasure, drawing admirers fromevery corner of Ireland. You can meet friends, circulate freely;you can eat, drink or cheer without restriction; you can bringthe family or whoever; where for a few pounds the odds aremuch better than a lottery ticket; and where you can boastafterwards that it was sheer skill that made you pick the winner!If you are bright, witty and rich you will enjoy Kilbeggan Racesand if you are not, you will enjoy it just the same.Public Catering FacilitiesThe facilities at Kilbeggan are now at a par with the bestavailable in Ireland and include the new Pavilion baroverlooking the winning post, self-service restaurant, snack barand of course the tented bar with live music on the hilloverlooking the entire racecourse. The bars are a popularmeeting place with visitors and locals alike, and are the idealplace for post race analysis as well as a nice relaxing pint.Ireland’s only-all National Hunt RacecourseThe only Racecourse in Ireland where races are over jumpsunder national hunt rules- the type of racing the Irish love best.That makes for an entertaining and heart-stopping spectacleand you are close enough to see the skill, excellence andbravery of man and animal.30

“is already recognised as one of thegreat Irish parkland golf courses”Architect, Peter McEvoy, ha crafted a truly spectacularcourse that is both a joy to the eye and a pleasure to play.The undulating, natural forested surroundings bring anoutstanding quality to the course, with some of the finestputting surfaces, tees and fairways in the country.New Forest welcomes visitors playing golf or justintending to relax in the 8th Century Manor House afterplay. We pride ourselves on our quality food and ourfriendly, efficient service. Our all-encompassing restaurantand conservatory bas is open 7 days a week servingbreakfast, lunch and dinner and we also host privateparties, meetings and conferences.Competitive green fee prices and society, group andcorporate packages are available throughout the year.New Forest is only some 20 minutes from Mullingar &Tullamore and is only 1 hour from Dublin.Located in the heart of Ireland just off junction 4on the N6.Higginstown, Tyrellspass, Co. Westmeath.Tel: 044 9221100 Email: info@newforest.iewww.newforest.ie31

MoneygallFalmouth Kearney, a maternal great-great-greatgrandfather of Barack Obama, 44th President of theUnited States of America, emigrated from Moneygallto New York City at the age of 19 in 1850, near the endof the Great Famine, and eventually resettled in TiptonCounty, Indiana.[8] Kearney's father, Joseph, hadbeen the village shoemaker, then a prosperous, skilledtrade. The whole Kearney family emigrated to RossCounty, Ohio, in the first half of the 19th century.Falmouth Kearney's youngest daughter, Mary Ann,moved from Indiana to Kansas after her father's deathin 1878. Mary Ann Kearney is a paternal grandmotherof Stanley Dunham, President Obama's maternalgrandfather.On 23 May 2011, Obama andhis First Lady, MichelleObama, visited Moneygall aspart of a visit to Ireland. TheObamas arrived to arapturous reception by 5,000people. The President wasgreeted upon arrival by Henry Healy, his distantcousin, and following a walkabout on the main streetwhere they shook hands with many local residents,the Obamas entered a house that had been built onthe site where Falmouth Kearney had lived.Afterwards, they visited Ollie Hayes's pub to meetmore of the President's distant relatives and to studythe birth records of his ancestors. President and Mrs.Obama drank Irish stout to the traditional toast, sláinte(meaning "good health"), and Mrs. Obama wentbehind the bar to learn how to pull a pint.32

Where art and natureinteract in a uniquelybeautiful landscape.A must-visit location in the heart ofIreland - ideal for walkers, anglers,cyclists and all outdoor enthusiasts.Parking and picnic facilities available.Just 90 minutes’ drive from Dublinto Boora in West Offaly.Admission free. Open 7 Days.Ph: 057 9345978info@loughbooraparklands.iewww.loughbooraparklands.com33

Kids Stuff Kids StuffKids StuffTullamore Court HotelWhy not let the kids join the fun with the Harry theHedgehog Holiday Club? Activities are organised overEaster, Halloween, all Bank Holiday weekends, schoolholidays and each day during July & August. This keepskids aged 4-12 entertained while you relax and enjoythe break. Tel: 057 934 6666A typical day includes:10.00 - 11.00 Pool Games11.00 - 12 .00 Fit Kids2.00 - 3.00 Games Hour3.00 - 4.00 Fit Kids7.00 - 8.30 Movie8.30 - 9.30 Movie QuizAura’s Activity CampsAura offers activity camps filled with fun, adventure andexcitement, during the school holidays. These camps areco-ordinated by trained staff and offer a variety ofactivities ranging from soccer to art & crafts.Aura Tullamore Leisure CentreHophill RoadTullamore Co. OffalyPhone: 057 9329398Fax: 057 932 0772E-mail: information@auragroup.ieThe 4* Bridge House HotelJoin in the fun at The Bridge House Hotel where our VIP’s(the kids!) get the special treatment! The Hotel is familyfriendly and offers lots to keep those little mitesentertained throughout the year! Activities are organisedover the school holidays which may include fun time inour kids fitness club, pool games during splash hour,painting competitions, storytelling, DVD’s & much more!34

Our great value family packages are not to be missed sofor special offers, free places & kiddies treats check outour brand new web page www.bridgehouse.com or callreservations directly on +353 (0) 57 9325600Glendeer Open FarmAfter 20 very successful years in business, Glendeer Farm,Drum, Athlone has introduced these new animals to helpcelebrate the farm’s birthday and to make everyone?svisit even more fun.Along with the two cheeky capuchin monkeys and threewallabies, there’s a range of other farm animals, fowl andmore exotic species for animal-lovers to enjoy; theVietnamese pot bellied pig & piglets, llamas, emu, ostrich,goats, donkeys, guinea pigs, pheasants and peacocks!Also new this season, are the two tortoises who are 60and 80 years old as well as the baby deer and the annualfavourites that are the puppies and kittens.A visit to Glendeer Pet Farm is an unforgettableexperience for children. They can pet and feed many ofthe animals and their young, while learning about animallife, and their habits.Since 1999, for the month of December, Glendeer istransformed into a magical winter wonderland called‘Ireland’s Lapland’ where under a blanket of snow andtwinkling fairy lights, children can visit Santa and his deer,as well as a crib with a real cow and donkey. It is anexperience that many families repeat year after year!Another Eggciting event at the farm is the annual EasterEgg Hunt on Easter Sat, Sun & Mon @ 3pm, it promises tobe a lot of fun!!!When visiting Glendeer Farm take exit 13 off M6 & followthe signs for Drum. Opening hours for Glendeer Pet Farm,Curryroe, Drum, Athlone are: Mon to Sat 11am-6pm & Sun12pm-6pm (Summer season). Contact: 090 6437147,glendeer@glendeer.com, or www.glendeer.com.Kids Stuff Kids StuffIrelands Lapland:1st Weekend in Dec to 23rd: Mon - Fri 5pm- 8pmSat and Sun: 3pm - 8pmDrum, Athlone Tel: 090- 6437147Email: glendeer@glendeer.com www.glendeer.comTelephone: 057-9322453/9360973 Fax: 057-932254135

Fishing in the DistrictBanagher is located in CoOffaly ( Mid Shannon Area) -about 75 kms from Limerick,and approximately 150 kmsfrom Dublin.This is a well established andwell serviced coarse anglingcentre with specialistoperators resident to lookafter your needs. There areplenty of angling venuesaround the centre, mainly onthe main River Shannon.Access is very good generallyand a number ofdevelopments including newaccess roads and otherfacilities have beenundertaken over recent yearsby the Shannon RegionalFisheries Board. The Grand Canal is also in very closeproximity offering easy bank fishing around Shannon Harbour5 km away and at Ferbane. As there is much water on theShannon, anglers are encouraged to hire boats and explorevirtually 'hidden waters' where access is only possible by boat.For the Pike angler fishing is often very productive on the mainriver, especially around Meelick where fish up to 20lbs + arereported quite frequently.Below is a list of themain angling venues/hotspots in the area.Mid River Shannon Venues Banagher Angling Centre Banaghertown StretchBullock Backwater,Inishee Island ,Meelick WeirInishee Backwater,Meelick Match Stretch,Chicken RunMeelick Pumphouse,Bullock Island,Grand CanalYou can browse and book local ANGLING SERVICES ANDACCOMMODATION in advance of your trip to this area If youfeel you need further assistance, contact the Angling SectionTel: 057 9121777 or email Brian Mc Manus at the AnglingSection for assistance: info@shannon-fishery-board.ieOther contacts Mr Paddy Kelleher, Sleepy Hollow, Taylor'sCross, Banagher, Co Offaly.Tel Outside Ireland: +353 57 9151273Inside Ireland: 057 91 5127336

FISHING SEASONThere is no close season for Coarse and Pike fishing but there are besttimes for individual species.FISHING ADVICETo facilitate anglers, particularly those of you who are less experiencedor those coming to Ireland for the first time, we recommend youreview and follow tips and advice on COARSE AND PIKE FISHING INIRELANDThere is no rod licence required for coarse and pike fishing on the RiverShannon.However, as Banagher Bridge forms the demarcation line between theSouth and North Shannon Regions, a fee in the form of a ShareCertificate is required to fish the Shannon upstream of the bridge, thefee is voluntary to fish downstream of the bridge, payable to the LowerShannon Trout & Coarse Fisheries Development Society. Please contactthe North Shannon Co -Operative Society for up to date informationon applicable rates and distributors as the Shannon Regional FisheriesBoard do not issue or administer Share Certificates. Contact Mr MartinMc Enroe Athlone Telephone Number: 090 64 94800.COARSE & PIKE ANGLING BYE LAWSORDER A POCKET GUIDE TO PIKE AND COARSE FISH BYE LAWS IN 8DIFFERENT LANGUAGESThe ShRFB recently published a pocket guide to Pike and Coarse FishBye Laws in eight different languages (English, German, French, Polish,Lithuanian, Latvian, Hungarian and Russian). Anglers can request acopy HERE or it can also be DOWNLOADED in pdf (7.38Mb) for thosewith broadbandLough Cloghan,Boora Parklands,CloghanThere are excellent facilities on thelake including a number of fishingstands constructed by the ShannonRegional Fisheries Board. Otherfacilities include a car park, accesspaths to the stands and aninformation board located at thevenue. Frequent stocking is carriedout by Cloghan Angling Club, whichis assisted by the Shannon Board.As some of the Midland Bogs havereached the end of their commercial life Bord na Mona in associationwith the local development groups have undertaken extensive work toecologically restore the cutaway bogs into a pleasant naturalenvironment with amenities which will benefit local communities. Aspart of the development plan, five angling lakes have been developedat Boora Parklands since 1995. More recently a new lake LoughCloghan was opened by Liam Hyland MEP on May 1st 1999.This is a 10acre ‘put and take’ trout fishery located a few miles outside Cloghanvillage in Co Offaly. It is currently leased by Bord na Mona to CloghanAngling Club who have overall responsibility for it’s management. AFishery Committee is established with representatives from the LocalCommunity, Bord na Mona, Shannon Regional Fisheries Board and the37

local Angling Club. In associationwith FAS a manager has beenappointed to run the fishery.As a put and take fishery withstocked trout fishing with regularwetflies will work well. Lure fliessuch as Baby Doll,Viva, Black Ghostand Muddlers are said to beworking well.The Camcor RiverThe Camcor River rises on the western slopes of the Slieve Bloommountains and is the primary tributary of the Little Brosna River whereit joins at the Castle Demesne in Birr town a distance of about 12 miles.A spate river with its interesting character meanders quite a bitimmediately above Birr and then alternates between long flats withoccasional broken rifled areas, glides and pools. With a rolling gravelbed it is an ideal spawning river for salmonid species (salmon andtrout). Resident local trout of up to 1lb+ are present but are generallysmaller at about 8 - 12ozs. The river receives migratory runs of largeLough Derg trout, locally know as 'CRONEEN on route to spawn. Recentscientific investigation has found that the CRONEEN trout are aUNIQUE SPECIES to the Birr area.The Little Brosna and Camcor Fishing Club have local rules for the river.We request that anglers observe these rules in the interest ofconservation and local angling policy. Further details, please contactMr Chris Brummell Membership Sec, Little Brosna and Camcor FishingClub Mobile Number: 086 3858221 or 057 93 22082ShannonbridgeThe village of Shannonbridge is an old and long established anglingcentre located on the banks of the Mid River Shannon in Co Offaly,about half way between Lough Derg to the south and Lough Ree tothe north.First time visitors to Shannonbridge are faced with the question ofwhere to fish, as there is such a choice of angling waters. On thisguide there is a total of 12 angling hotspots described, extendingfrom Clonmacnoise on the River Shannon to the north ofShannonbridge, downstream through Shannonbridge village as faras Shannon harbour near Banagher, a total distance of about 14miles. Specimen Tench are frequently recorded off the Hot Waterstretch. The guide covers the Lower River Suck which flows fromthe west through Ballinasloe to its confluence with the RiverShannon a short distance below Shannonbridge village. But don'tforget there are other neighbouring angling centres of whichShannonbridge serves as a good base, ATHLONE is 15 miles to thenorth and BANAGHER 8 miles downriver to the south, Ballinasloe tothe west covers about 8 miles of mainly slow moving and quitedeep, meandering but often very productive waters on the lowerRiver Suck system.As with much of the Shannon and its tributaries, there are many'hidden' waters inaccessible by road which have barely seen a boat,let alone an angler. This is what makes the area so unique andinteresting as anglers who like to explore such 'hidden' waters do so38

fishing from boats and cruisers. For those more adventurous anglerswilling to explore these extensive waters, boats are available for hirein the village.Fishing Guide to the River Shannon ShannonbridgeClonmacnoise R. Shannon ,Shannonbridge Hot Water ,DevenishIslands R. ShannonEammon's Stretch R. Shannon, Cappeleitra Backwater, MickiesBackwater R. ShannonLong Island R. Shannon ,River Suck Creggan ,Shannonbridge Bay RShannonRiver Suck Correen Moran's Island R Shannon River Suck CulliaghEverything an angler needs is available in the village, includingprime and highly specialised accommodation providers, restaurantsand other services anglers look for. Killeen's Pub and well knownangling specialists and others in the village have a vast knowledgeof the waters in the area and will offer you all the assistance andadvice you require while visiting the area or where necessary inhelping you organise your trip to the area. Killeen's provide liveentertainment in their village pub, are official bait stockists, havefishing tackle and have angling log books to enable you to recordyour catch details each day. They have Specimen scales to facilitatethe specimen hunter.Pallas LakePallas Lake is a small landlocked midland limestone lake about 8miles from Tullamore town. The lake covers an area of 33 acres ( 13Hectares ) As a ‘put and take’ trout fishery, it is stocked regularly bythe Fishery Board with rainbow and brown trout and gives goodsport throughout the season. When fish over winter they tend togrow large. Rainbow of 7 - 12lbs have been caught here. Typicallyfish of 1- 2lbs are the norm. The banks are soft and wading can be adangerous exercise. Fishing stands are provided and there are plansto extend these stands in the future. In the interest of safety anglersare advised to confine their fishing to the stands. A range oftraditional wet flies and lures work well, The Muddler Minnow, Viva,Baby Doll are some lure names which work well here.The Kilcormac Silver River is a tributary of the Brosna River andholds fair stocks of wild brown trout averaging half a pound.Tullamore Silver RiverThis small limestone River holds good stocks of wild brown troutaveraging 0.5lbs. It has good fly hatches but tends to weed up insummer making fishing more difficult.The Clodiagh River is a tributary of the River Brosna. While access isgood, the river was drained and consequently some of the banks aresteep, please be careful. The river holds fair stocks of wild browntrout ranging from 0.75lbs to 2lbs.The Gageborough is a small river which holds a fair stock of browntrout up to 1lb. The best fishing stretch is upstream of theconfluence with the River Brosna.If you are planning a fishing trip to our region and need assistanceplease contact Brian Mc Manus, Angling Section Tel 057 9121777Fax: 057 9121756 or email info@shannon-fishery-board.ie39

Music Sessions in the localsOne of the most Irish ofevening entertainmentsis the "session". Aninformal gathering ofamateur musicians in alocal pub leading to acommunal appreciationand celebration oftraditional music. It canalso take the form of parting or instructing in a specificmusic instrument - as the late USA President Gerald Ford(pictured above) gets from “Ringo” McDonagh from thefamous “De Dannan”group. Also in the picture are formerTaoiseach, the late Jack Lynch and former GovernmentMinister Des O’Malley.Most sessions start at around 9.30 pm or whenever a fewmusicians have gathered. Somebody starts beating a rhythmon a bodhrán or improvising a tune on a banjo. Somebodyjoins in with another instrument and suddenly the wholepub seems to be filled with music.The actual choice of music can be described as "pot luck" -depending on the proficiency of the musicians, their abilityto actually play together and the general mood. You mightbe induced to hop up and down by rousing jigs and reels ormoved to shed a tear by a slow, plaintative air.Fergies Bar Tullamore’s No 1 entertainment Venue. Livemusic every weekend. Function room available for all parties.6 Plasma screens for all sporting events. soups andsandwiches served daily.The Wolftrap Pub & Restaurant - bringing a whole newdimension to going out in Tullamore. Great food and excitingatmosphere! Come on in and join the craic. Private Partiesalso catered for.The Brewery Tap in Tullamore, Co. Offaly is a drinkingemporium of distinct character where everyone enteringtheir door is made to feel welcome and at home.Cosgroves Pub Located in the centre of Tullamore Town,County Offaly, Cosgroves Pub has all the essentialingredients for the traditional Irish pub with plenty of liveentertainment.Whether it's a birthday celebration, corporatefunction, engagement party, 21st, Christmas parties, familyevents or wedding receptions, Cosgroves Pub in Tullamorehas the complete package.Loughreys bar and guesthouse is located on the Highstreet along the main social strip.The bar is a hive of activityfor locals and tourists alike.The weekends are great with livebands every friday and sunday.40Going to the pub - - - Going to the pub - - - Going to the pub - - - Going to the pub

Going to the pub - - - Going to the pub - - - Going to the pub - - - Going to the pubShannonbridge:(What Visitorssay...)You can moor yourcruiser neatly only afew yards away fromthe nearest pub andthat's always good.This pub is calledLukers, nearly has itstoes in the water, andit could yet be a rivalfor the unique one weare going to have a pint in a little later because proprietor John JoeRyan, who was known to one of our party, has grafted themodernity of the present era neatly on to the amazing old pub,which boasts a Victorian fireplace so rare that even journalists whowrite about classic fireplaces come to have a pint here. It has anumber of unusual features such as a hinged front grille, and theimage of the old Regina herself, just like on the letterboxes,hawkishly eyeballs you from either side of the glowing fire whereold Eric Luker used love to entertain both locals and river folk. JohnJoe's customers have the choice today of the old and the new anda fair few of them, he tells us, choose to spend time by the oldQueen's fire.We enjoy a good drink here before moving on.FerbaneHennessy's Pub Main St, Ferbane Co. Offaly has a rich and longheritage. In 1846 James Hennessy ran a temperance coffeehouse and in 1870 Owen Hennessy changed over theestablishment to Hennessy's Public House. His 3 grandsonsJimmy, Dan and Owen were bachelors and throughout the lasthalf of the last century they took over the reigns and from theirlove of life and many friends the place was known as the bestwatering hole around the midlands. Now under newmanagement they want to maintain that sense of history andcharacter while also embracing current trends. Old customs area rarity these days. 3 things you can be guaranteed, on enteringHennessy’s. A friendly welcome a great pint and a bit of craic.BanagherCorrigans: We stopped off on our way to Athlone on theshannon. great pub...fantastic atmosphere, clean, and friendlystaff a truely irish pub!! great band with trumpet player on thenight we were there. loved it ?Brosna Lodge Hotel: Music and entertainment at weekends.Perfect for that Fishing Holiday (special prices) or have thatround of Golf at 10 different courses nearby. A place toremember. Enjoy a drink in Pat’s Olde Bar where you can cuddleup at one of our open fires.41

Pauline'sBeauty & SpaMarket Square, TullamoreTel: 057 9321915Web: www.paulinebeauty.ieEmail: info@paulinebeauty.ieHAIR & BEAUTYNo.1 Millmount TerraceMullingar, Co WestmeathT:044 9347800 E:info@laserandskin.ieCustomNo.6 The Left Bank MallPearse St, Athlone, Co WestmeathT:090 6498839E:athlone@laserandskin.ieCutsLadies &Gents SalonOpening hours: Tuesday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Saturday: 8.30am - 5pmLate Opening: Wednesday & Thursday: 9am - 9pmSpecialists in all aspects of Hairdressing4 Custom Place, Athlone Tel: 090 - 6478478Medusa Hair Studio Tel: 090 647 98339 Church Street Athlone42

WHERE TO GET A TAXIMinibus ServiceWheelchair AccessibleD-One TaxiContact Enda at 086 255 33 441/6PassengersAllOccasionsD.C. CabsIncorporating D.C. LimosDermot: 087 908 5656 / Office 057 93 50 5Tullamore TaxisSUPER KABS087 9222205A ONE CABS090 6473000Cornamagh, Athlone43

Whereto StayHotels:Many hotels to choose from, all with excellentconference facilities and the capacity toaccommodate large numbers.◆ Bridge House Hotel ............057 9325600◆ The Court Hotel ..................057 9346666◆ Days Hotel ..........................057 9360034◆ Kinnitty Castle ....................057 9137318◆ Dooly’s Hotel......................057 9120032BED & BREAKFASTWHERE TO STAY B & BPINEVIEW HOUSE B & BTel: 057 93 35149Horseleap, Moate,Co. WestmeathJames & Madeline LanganBrookside Guest HouseDaingean RdTullamoreCo. OffalyTel: 057 9351277Sky Digital in all Rooms-Rooms En-suiteCar Park - Five minute walk from town CentreThe Gables B&BTel: 090 6457355Email:cfinneran@eircom.netCarmel & Padraig Finneran44

BED & BREAKFASTWHERE TO STAY IN TULLAMORE- B & BArdmoreCountry House B &BKinnitty Birr Moneygall OffalyIreland Failte Ireland Star RatingPhone: +353 57 913 7009Mobile +353 86 278 9147Email: info@kinnitty.comA warm Irish welcome to the cosy relaxed atmosphere of ArdmoreCountry House B&B, a real treat for anyone looking for a refreshingand authentic Irish experience, near Moneygall.You can relax in the beautiful landscaped private gardens and enjoythe panoramic views of the Slievebloom Mountains.Cloghan Castle B & BCloghan Castle is one of the few medievalcastles which is both lived in and offersopen access to the public. Bounded by therivers Shannon and Little Brosna, it wasoriginally a medieval O'Madden stronghold.Bed and breakfast is also offered at the castle.Guests can stay in the 300 years old guest wing, have breakfast inthe 'Main Guard' dining room at a 16 feet long 300 years old table,and feast on the rich history of Co. Offaly.Tel 057 9151650Dinnis CottageBatchelors WalkTullamore, Co Offaly057 93 23528www.dinniscottage.iemaria@dinniscottage.ieStylish accommodation inpleasant surroundingsATHLONE/WEST OFFALY AREATULLAMORERiverside HouseClara057 9331616All RoomsEn-suiteGreat Irish Breakfast45

Eating OutQuick ReferenceHotelsBridge House Hotel .............................................057 9325600The Court Hotel ...................................................057 9346666Days Hotel ...........................................................057 9360034Kinnitty Castle .....................................................057 9137318Dooly’s Hotel.......................................................057 9120032Restaurants/Cafes/PubsBridge House Restaurant .....................................057 9325600Bridge House Bar & Grill....................................057 9325600Cafe India.............................................................057 9352496Chocolate Brown Coffee Bar...............................057 9329950Cosgroves Bar & Restaurant ...............................057 9323307Granary Cafe Birr ................................................089 4197805Jenny’s Kitchen....................................................057 9324878New Village Chinese............................................057 9341810Riverbank Restaurant...........................................057 9121528Shishiir Restaurant...............................................057 9351498Sirocco’s Italian Restaurant .................................057 9352839Maunsell’s Pub & Restaurant ..............................057 9323394Yaadgar Restaurant .............................................057 9328939Roma Grill ...........................................................057 9321732Paddy Fields.........................................................057 9351788Mezzo...................................................................057 9329333Roma Take -Away, Clara .....................................057 9368872The Wolftrap ........................................................057 932337446

CosgrovesBar & RestaurantAward Winning PubDaily Breakfast ............€5Special Early Bird from 5.30pm ..... €10including drink of your choiceSunday LunchAll Main Courses ................ €10Children Menu ......................... €5Baby Bowls ........................... FreeFree Finger Food for All Parties & DJHeated Beer Garden & MarqueePrivate Function Room AvailableHigh Street, Tullamore.Tel: 057 9323307www..cosgroves.ieT&C apply47

Excellence is not an act but a habit- Outdoor Catering on Request -- Only Charcoal Clay Oven in the Midlands -Opening HoursLunch........Mon to Fri & Sun.....12.30am - 2.00pmEvening.....Mon to Fri & Sun.....5.30pm - 11.00pmFriday & Saturday ....................5.30pm - 11.30pm“Chelsea Clinton loved our food”Easter Court, William St, TullamoreTel/Fax: 057 932953648