Shannon and the Midlands:Layout 1 02/05/2007 16:26 Page 165
Athlone is the largest town on the River Shannon.
atmosphere. State of the art leisure club & swimming pool and a surrounding countryside, but also a museum housed in the oldest part
unique outdoor hot spa. New spa & wellness centre. Play golf in the of the castle, the central keep. During the summer months, the town
virtual reality golf facility. Five mins away are two of Ireland’s golfing comes alive with festivals, guided tours and boat trips, along with
treasures, Esker Hill & Tullamore Golf Club, both 18-hole golf courses. some of the finest shops and restaurants in the midlands. An Dún
Winner of the Best Hotel Bar in Ireland. One of Ireland’s most Transport and Heritage Museum is definitely worth a visit, with a
luxurious hotels with 72 rooms, including 4 executive suites & superb collection of vintage cars, farm equipment and a European model
presidential suite. Céad Míle Fáilte, Be our guest. railway and cable car among their collection. Tel: (090) 643 0106.
publicbuilding places of interest guestrooms accommodation
Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Tel: Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Tel: (090) 648
(057) 932 5015; Fax: (057) 932 5016; Email:
info@tullamore-dew.org; 5120; Fax: (090) 648 5444; Email:
info@glassongolf.ie; Web:
Web:
www.tullamore-dew.org. The Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, housed
www.glassongolf.ie. “Glorious Glasson a treat for all the senses” is
in the 1897 bonded warehouse, relates the story of Tullamore Dew what C. Kinny a former guest has to say. The views are magnificent,
Whiskey/Irish Mist Liqueur and the development of Tullamore. Visitors the welcome the warmest, the most spacious and sumptuous rooms
can wander through the various recreated working stations that were at and of course championship golf. With super cosy, contemporary
the distillery, such as malting, bottling or cooperage areas, and learn how bedrooms every guest’s needs are catered for. “The holes range from
the whiskey is made. The tour ends with a complimentary glass of good to great and the setting is at every turn little short of enthralling”
Tullamore Dew Whiskey or Irish Mist Liqueur. Facilities include on site – James W. Finegan, golf journalist. The Christy O’Connor Jnr-designed
bar/restaurant, tourist office and gift shop. Open all year round. course is world class, selected by Dermot Gilleece in the Top 10 New
Irish Golf Courses of the past 25 years. Glasson will always be a haven
CO. WESTMEATH for golfers and leisure guests and now they can enjoy much more with
CAVAN
Westmeath is a county of lakes and the new hotel and leisure facilities.
rich pastureland, well-known to trout Shamrock Lodge Country Hotel & Conference Centre, Athlone, Co.
LONGFORD fishermen and connoisseurs of the Westmeath. Tel: (090) 649 2601; Email:
info@shamrocklodgehotel.ie;
Fore
county’s most celebrated export – Web:
www.shamrocklodgehotel.ie. From the moment you enter the
beef. Athlone, with its spectacular elegant reception area you will find a warmth and graciousness which
Mullingar
Kinnegad
castle and set as it is on the glorious sets the style for the entire hotel. Throughout, the emphasis is on tasteful
Athlone
Moate
River Shannon, is known as the surroundings and traditional Irish hospitality. The hotel, which began life
Kilbeggan
‘Gateway to the West’. Goldsmith as the home of Michael Monks in 1814, was immaculately restored and
Country to the north of the town is refurbished in 1991 with every modern facility while still retaining the
OFFALY
one of the most scenic spots in the country house atmosphere. The hotel offers 40 deluxe bedrooms and 12
Midlands. The county’s main centre family suites, together with a new conference and banqueting room.
of activity is Mullingar to the east,
the only town in Ireland, aside from Dublin, beloved of James Joyce.
Today, it is beloved of golfers and fishermen. Further information from
the Mullingar Tourist Office, Tel: (044) 48650.
ATHLONE CASTLE VISITOR CENTRE
ATHLONE
Athlone is the largest town on the River Shannon; it is seen as the centre
This Norman Castle dominates the town
of Ireland and is situated on the main Dublin-Galway route, making it
centre and commands the traditional gateway to the West of
an excellent stopping off point when touring the country. Its riverside
Ireland. Features exhibitions and audio visual presentations on
location opening on to Lough Ree is the cornerstone of its outstanding
natural beauty and enchanting atmosphere and also makes it ideal for
the siege of Athlone, John Count McCormack, River
cruising the Shannon, fishing or enjoying any number of water-based
Shannon wildlife and history with folk and military
activities. For a unique day out, take a tour of Lough Ree on a powerboat;
museums. Tourist information office on location.
tours are available from Hodson Bay Watersports. Tel: 1890 704090.
Athlone’s strategic position on the Shannon is evident from the
OPEN DAILY APRIL TO SEPTEMBER AND ON REQUEST
splendid fortress of Athlone Castle. The castle, dating from 1210, not
SPECIAL RATES FOR GROUPS AND FAMILIES
only offers spectacular panoramic views of the river and the
BOOKINGS: (090) 649 2912/ (090) 644 2100 FAX: (090) 647 9020
shannon and the midlands 165
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