Uisneagh Hill

Uisneagh Hill is about 11 miles from Mullingar on the R390. On this hill can be found the Catstone or "Ail Na Mearainn", said to be the meeting point of the five ancient provinces of Ireland.

This is the hill on which King Tuathal Teachmar erected his royal palace in the second century. An imposing hill, 180 metres high, "Uisneagh" provides a magnificent view of the midlands.

It was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland for 200 years prior to the coming of St. Patrick and the geat pagan festival of Bealtaine was held here during that time.

Crookedwood

Crookedwood, almost 7 miles from Mullingar, dates back to the old legends of Fionn and the Fianna. A 14th century stone roofed church, called the Church of Taughmon can be found here and behind it lies a ring fort. If you return to the main road and take the direction of Castlepollard, you can see Lough Derravaragh, associated with the legend of "The Children of Lir" changed into swans for 900 years by their jealous stepmother, they spent 300 years of that time on this lake before being returned to human form by a holy man after St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland.

Heritage Article

Visit one of the oldest Pot Stills in the World – renowned Locke's Distillery Museum

Established in 1757, Locke’s Distillery is the oldest licensed pot still distillery in the world. Locke’s produced triple distilled whiskey for nearly 200 years. Now open as a museum, guided tours follow the process from the grinding of the grain through to the casking of the final product. The two sources of power, the steam engine and the water wheel are always of great interest. The award-winning exhibition houses a fascinating collection of local artefacts. The tour is complemented by the tales and stories gathered from the workers from the distillery. Over 85% of the original distillery machinery remains intact and restoration work is ongoing.

Peer down into the deep solid oak vats where the worts and yeast fermented. Watch and listen as the 19th century waterwheel drives the machinery. Most of the original machinery is now restored and can be seen working.

Learn about the lives and the working conditions of the people employed here. Watch the cooper as he tightens the hoops on the aged barrels. At the end of the tour you are treated to a complimentary sample of Kilbeggan Irish whiskey!

General Information:

Address: Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath (situated on the N6 Dublin-Galway road)
Telephone; 057-933 2134 / Fax: 057-933 2134
Email: info@lockesdistillerymuseum.ie
Website: http://www.lockesdistillerymuseum.ie
Opening Hours: open all year
Open Times: Apr-Oct: Daily: 09.00-18.00 / Nov-Mar: Daily: 10.00-16.00

With a real sense of excitement and anticipation, Athlone is gearing up to show a warm welcome to visitors from 14 European countries who are arriving in town ahead of the Euro-Festival 2010 which gets underway this weekend, on Saturday, July 24.

Athlone will host teams from 15 different European Countries for a pan European Festival of sports, music, cultural performances, cookery demonstrations, street theatre, the Tonnta street puppets, fire breathers, stilt walkers, clowns, face painters, the renowned Samba Band who will create a real carnival atmosphere, photography and painting competitions.

The festivities will open with a colourful Parade for all to enjoy on Sunday 25th July featuring all of the participating european teams, the best of Irish marching bands, street theatre and lots more.  A european promotional village promises to give more than a taste of Europe with food, arts, crafts, souvenirs and tourist information on the participating European countries and towns.

As well as being entertained for the week by our European friends, the festival fringe programme is packed with numerous free events, entertainment during the day, early evening day and night for families and all ages and interests from street theatre, exhibitions, popular Irish big bands to traditional Irish music and dance.  The Grand Finale night will showcase a fantastic line-up of entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display.

It is expected up to €4m in revenue will be generated locally during the eight-day long event which will provide a welcome boost to the local economy.