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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

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Golf

Glasson Hotel & Golf Club

Glasson, Co. Westmeath
Course Type: Parkland

This Christy O'Connor Jr. designed parkland course provides an ideal place to break up a journey across Ireland with some of the most scenic parkland golf around. Glasson hotel & Golf Club is about 10km (6m) north of Athlone in Ireland's ...

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Self Catering

The Stone Cottage

Portumna, Co. Galway

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What's On

Athlone Farmers Market - County Westmeath - Saturdays

Athlone Farmers Market

Market Square, Athlone, County Westmeath

Saturday (10am - 3pm)

The produce on sale includes:- organic vegetables, smoked fish, local honey ...

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Tourist Attractions

Portumna Castle & Gardens

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Wedding Venues

The Old Fort

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In a very pleasant site right at the bridge beside the mighty River Shannon, this restaurant is in a lovingly-restored 19th century fort, and has oodles of character - the old stone walls are several feet thick in places. Churches in the locality ...

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