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Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Ballinasloe (Irish: Béal Átha na Slua) is a town in the eastern extremity of County Galway that developed as a crossing point on the River Suck, a tributary of the Shannon. The Irish placename — meaning the mouth of the ford of the crowds — reflects this purpose. The latter part of the name suggests the town has been a meeting place since ancient times. A new public marina has been developed on the river in recent years that allows traffic from the Shannon navigation to access the town.

Ruined Churches and Abbeys testify to the piety of its people and their steadfastness during Penal Times. Old Forts and castles tell of ancient enmities and of the long struggle between Norman and Irish. The tragic battlefield of Aughrim reminds us of the time when Irish and Anglo-Irish united to fight for the cause of the Catholic Stuarts against William of Orange, and died in their thousands.

The Ballinasloe Fair is one of the oldest horse fairs in Europe, bathed in history it dates back to the 700s. Today the ever popular fair is still held, along with a festival that attracts up to 100,000 visitors from all over the world. The town also boasts a successful summer festival called An tSúca Fiain.

Gardens

Birr Castle Demesne

Birr, Co. Offaly

It is possible to do a whistle stop tour of the world in this fascinating demesne surrounding majestic Birr Castle and embraced by the River Camcor. You can globe trot in minutes from Pakistan to New Zealand, and from Mexico to a glade that looks ...

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Golf

Athlone Golf Club

Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Course Type: Parkland

Athlone Golf Club was founded in 1892 making it one of the longest established clubs in the country. It is a superb 18-hole parkland course situated on the shores of Lough Ree in the centre of the country bounded on three sides by picturesque ...

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Self Catering

The Stone Cottage

Portumna, Co. Galway

4 * Rating by Irish Tourist Board Situated in a rural location just five miles from the bustling town of Portumna, this delightful property has been rebuilt using the original stone from an old cottage and its outbuildings. The result is a fab ...

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What's On

Mountbellew Local Food Market - Co Galway - Wednesday

Mountbellew Local Food Market - Wednesdays 11am - 5pm

Mountbellew, Ballinasloe, Co Galway

Contact: info@ballinasloe.com www.ballinasloefood.com/mountbellew.html

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Tourist Attractions

Clonmacnoise

Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly

Clonmacnoise is an Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The strategic location of the monastery helped it become a major centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship and ...

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Wedding Venues

Wineport Lodge

Glasson, Co. Westmeath

Ray Byrne and Jane English’s lovely lakeside lodge styles itself ‘Ireland’s first wine hotel’ and it is one of the most romantic destinations in all Ireland, both for its beautiful location and the luxury, service and good ...

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