Places to Visit

From Ballinahown Craft Village drive to Clonmacnoise to experience the beautiful ancient site of Clonmacnoise, the Christian heart of ancient Ireland. Founded by Saint Ciaran, sometime in the 6th century, Clonmacnoise is one of the oldest and most important early Christian settlements in Europe. Built in the centre of Ireland where an ancient roadway, the Eiscir Riada which ran from Dublin to Galway, crossed the River Shannon, its location gave it great strategic importance. Today the buildings at Clonmacnoise are mainly in ruins, but there is much of interest to see and some of the most ancient and precious artefacts of Irish Christian history are here.

A sense of antiquity prevails as one enters the gates of Ballinlough. Perched on a hill overlooking two lakes, the 17th century castle is the home of Sir John and Lady Nugent. The gardens were restored in 1994, and are now open to the public, together with the lakeside and woodland walks. The walled garden is divided into four walled sections. On view are herbaceous borders, a grass tennis court, lily pond, rose garden, a herb and soft fruit garden and a well stocked orchard. From the walled gardens, a white door leads to the lakeside walks with the charming water garden and its rustic summerhouse. The walk around the lake affords dramatic views of the castle and its demense.

The oldest licensed distillery in the world. Take a step back in time and visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Established in 1757, triple distilled malt whiskey was produced in Kilbeggan for over two hundred years. Now open as museum, guided tours follows the process from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. Learn about the lives and the working conditions of the people who worked here. Peer down into the 28ft deep solid oak vats to where the yeast and worts fermented.

No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the privately owned, award winning Derryglad Folk Museum - view over 4,000 items dealing with history, heritage and folk culture. The collection also deals with farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. On display in the MacCormac Photography Room are the contents of an extensive photographic premises in Athlone from 1948 to 2002 - items from studios, darkrooms, finishing room, political portraits, cameras, and much more. Wheelchair Accessible.

Tullynally has been owned by the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, since the 17th century. The original house was remodelled by the 2nd Earl as a huge rambling gothic revival castle in the early 1800’s. Terraced lawns around the castle overlook superb 18th century parkland.