Ballinahown in Co. Westmeath announced as Ireland’s Tidiest Village for 2024
Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath has been announced as Ireland’s Tidiest Village for 2024. Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event live-streamed to many more online. This year, 904 towns were competing for the prestigious awards demonstrating the continuing huge national interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition, […]
Tullamore Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan and Town Regeneration Framework Launched
Offaly County Council with Waterways Ireland, Consultants Brady Shipman Martin / Faulkner Browns and Grafton Architects are seeking your views for the future of Tullamore. To ensure that the Tullamore Regeneration Framework and Grand Canal Harbour Masterplan meets the aspirations of the whole community the team would like to hear from all stakeholders within the […]
Over €32million in investment grants announced for regenerative tourism projects in Midlands
Fáilte Ireland has announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU. 22 projects across the wider Midlands region have been approved for €27.1million investment […]
Midlands Region declared Overall Winner at .ie Digital Town Awards 2024
The ‘Midlands Digitisation’ Project take the overall win, as well as the ‘Digital Education’ Award and Athlone’s Midlands Polish Community TV wins ‘Digital Newcomer’ Award The Midlands Region has come out on top at this year’s .ie Digital Town Awards with multiple wins across various categories including being crowned ‘Overall Winner’ at an awards ceremony […]
Transition Year Students Showcase Innovations at ‘Ideas Made Real’ Event in Mullingar
The Mullingar Park Hotel was the venue for the “Ideas Made Real” Transition Year Programme Showcase and Awards Ceremony, hosted by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), Mullingar. The event, sponsored by Decotek Automotive with additional support from strategic partners Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT) and the Engineering Technology Teachers’ Association (E.T.T.A.), featured participation from over 150 […]
New Midlands Food and Drink Directory Launched to Showcase the Best of Produce from the Region
The online directory hosts over 100 food & drink producers listed from across the Midlands region Midlands Ireland has officially launched a new Midlands Food and Drink Directory at an event held in Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery in Stradbally, Co. Laois. This comprehensive directory celebrates the rich culinary heritage and diverse offerings of the Midlands […]
Midlands projects to receive €18 million under EU Just Transition Fund programme
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has announced the 15 projects in the Midlands that will receive grant awards amounting to €18 million from the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme. All of the awarded projects will invest in local communities, to create employment and to diversify the local economy of […]
Schools Tech Talent Showcased at LOETB S.T.E.A.M. Awards.
There were big wins for secondary schools across Laois and Offaly at the inaugural Laois Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) S.T.E.A.M. Showcase event, held recently at Portlaoise College. The showcase and awards were the climax of a new S.T.E.A.M. (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Maths) Programme for LOETB schools, where, as part of a […]
Launch of Masterplan for Banagher Marina
Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick officially launched the Banagher Marina & Environs Masterplan at Crank House, Banagher on Friday 12th April, 2024. The Marina Master Plan was funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in partnership with Offaly County Council and sets out a […]
Festival of Gardens and Nature to take place in Ballintubbert Gardens and House
The newest festival to take place in the Midlands is a unique celebration of gardening and nature. The Festival of Gardens and Nature will take place in the beautiful surroundings of Ballintubbert Gardens and House in County Laois on the weekend of 20th and 21st April 2024. Garden designer Catherine FitzGerald has teamed up with […]
People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction: A €30m Sustainable Gem mooted for the Midlands
In a bid to transform eco-tourism in the Midlands, plans for a ground-breaking €30 million visitor experience, the People’s Discovery Visitor Attraction, are in development. Nestled in the heart of Ballaghurt Bog in Co. Offaly, the visionary project would centre on sustainability and environmental education. The project is led by Peatlands and People in collaboration […]
Midlands hosts VEX Robotics Regional Finals
The Midlands hosted the regional finals of the 2024 VEX Robotics Competition in Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore on Tuesday 23rd January, with over 200 secondary school students from across the Midlands region taking part. The competition brings Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning to life with students taking part in a game-based engineering challenge to […]
Midlands towns score highly in Work Life Balance Index 2024
Towns across the Midlands have performed strongly in the Switcher.ie Work Life Balance Index for 2024. The annual index researches Ireland’s towns for local services, hybrid working, family life and leisure to find the best places to live and work. The Work-Life Balance Index includes: The Midlands Winners The best performing town in the region […]
‘Ideas Made Real’ Schools STEM Programme launched by IMR in Mullingar
The Midlands is Pioneering the Future of Innovation with the official launch of the new “Ideas Made Real” programme, an initiative of Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar. The dynamic platform is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of visionaries, creators, and leaders by working with schools, students and enterprise to highlight the possibilities of a […]
Discover the ‘Science of the Scrum’ with Jack Carty, Rosie Foley and Midlands Science
With Rugby becoming a national obsession thanks to the World Cup in recent weeks, the Midlands Science Festival is proud to present “The Science of the Scrum,” an exciting event featuring Irish flyhalf Jack Carty and former Irish International Rosie Foley. This one-of-a-kind event exploring the science of rugby will take place on the evening […]
New €24 million fund launches to further support the Just Transition in the Midlands region
Funding of up to €1 million available for local projects, with up to €5 million on offer for strategic, regional flagship projects Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has today announced a further €24 million for the Midlands region under Ireland’s EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) programme, to provide targeted funding […]
The Future is Fiorbhia Farm, Laois
“I’m the only one in Ireland doing this!” Laois regenerative farmer, Brendan Guinan is talking about agroforestry, which is defined as ‘agriculture incorporating the cultivation of trees’. Brendan tells me “here in Fiorbhia Farm in Laois, it is the only 100pc biological agro-forest in Ireland”. Using no chemicals, electricity, or outhouses, he has transformed a 30-acre […]
Abbeyleix Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2023 in big day for the Midlands
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (6 October) announced Abbeyleix, Co. Laois as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023. Over 600 TidyTowns volunteers were present at the SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony at Croke Park in Dublin with the event live-streamed to thousands more online. This year, 887 towns were competing for the […]
Midlands Sports Clubs to get over €553,500
As part of a €4.86 million investment from the Department of Sports and Culture, through the Dormant Accounts Funding in Local Sport Partnerships, sport clubs in the midlands are due to receive €553,500 euros in funding. The Dormant Accounts Fund enables unclaimed funds from accounts in credit institutions in Ireland to be utilised to support […]
Midlands success with 37 Medals at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 37 Medals at the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. Midlands Food and Drink producers took home a total of 13 Gold Medals, 14 Silver Medals and 10 Bronze Medals at the Awards, […]
Ballycommon Training Centre, where the heart is.
Ballycommon Training Centre is not just a training provider hub in County Offaly, it has become the beating heart of the community there. Situated just ten minutes from Tullamore, Geashill and Daingean. According to Manage,r Deirdre Arnold, Ballycommon Training Centre was established by the community for the community; “this is the absolute heart of the […]
8 Midlands Finalists in 2023 Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards
The annual Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards is one the biggest nights in Irish Food, and this year the Midlands is celebrating 8 nominations across 6 different awards categories. Food & Wine magazine have developed the influential awards, and they are run in partnership with the Sunday Business Post and with sponsors […]
Are ya Ploughing?
66,250 people attended Day One of the 2023 National Ploughing Championships. Let’s take a look at highlights for Wesdnesday and Thursday. With heavy rain yesterday, the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said, “I must say you are all surviving very well as loyal supporters of the Ploughing!” The 82 year old President pointed out […]
Top 10 Events for Culture Night in the Midlands
The theme for Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is One Night for All-Oíche Dár Saol. Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir on Septmeber 22nd is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and […]
Midlands success with 19 Finalists in the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023
The reputation and quality of Food & Drink from the Midlands region continues to go from strength to strength, with 19 Food and Drink producers from the region named as Finalists in the influential Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards 2023. The Awards are the latest in a string of accolades for Midlands Food and […]
May the force be with Anna May McHugh
As I approach the IPA (Irish Ploughing Association) Headquarters in Ballylinan, County Laois, I realise I am not entering an office but a home. Anna May’ McHugh’s house is of course the home of the Ploughing, only a few kilometres from Ratheniska where the Championships take place. There are scores of people upstairs and down, […]
The new Portlaoise Library
Aoife Moore, librarian, walks with a spring in her step as she shows me around the stunning new Portlaoise Library. The brightness and vast space are the first things that catch your eye. The high walls and open plan of the building create an atmosphere ideal for calm and concentration. The front lobby offers a […]
Fáilte Ireland open €17m Just Transition Fund Scheme for Midlands regenerative tourism projects
Fáilte Ireland has today (29 August 2023) launched an open call for Expressions of Interest for its Investment Grant-Aid Scheme for Private & Community SMEs as part of the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism & Placemaking Scheme for Ireland’s Midlands 2023-2026. The scheme aims to transform tourism across 8 counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands […]
21 Midlands Finalists in Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards 2023
Food and Drink producers in the Midlands have received 21 nominations in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 2023, in recognition of the world-class food and drink producers located throughout the region. Now in their 10th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have become a well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and […]
12 Finalists for the Midlands in Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023
A big day for Midlands Hospitality as the region receives 12 nominations in the Irish Bar of the Year Awards 2023. Bars across the region have been named finalists in 8 different categories, from Hotel Bar of the Year, to Gastro Bar of the Year, Tourist Bar of the Year and Best Value Pub. Leading […]
The Midlands Emerges as the ‘Home of Events’ with Over 1 Million Visitors Expected in the Next Two Months
Ireland’s Midlands is set to become the ultimate destination for entertainment, culture, and agriculture events, as it prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of visitors over the next two months. With a series of highly anticipated gatherings, including the renowned Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023, the Midlands solidifies its position as the ‘Home of Events’. […]
Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra set for St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford
The Midlands will welcome the Strasbourg Youth Symphony Orchestra and its performance of “A Symphonic Evening” to St Mel’s Cathedral later this month, as part of Longford’s Cruthú Arts Festival which runs from July 18th to 23rd. The concert on Sunday 23 July, is part of a tour that the OJS (Orchestre Symphonique des Jeunes […]
Microsoft Dream Space success for Longford students
Congratulations to Colmcille Broadband Connection Point (BCP), St Joseph’s National School and Scoil Bhríde Glen, who won awards at the first ever national Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, representing both Co. Longford and the broader Midlands region at the STEM event. Prize winners from the inaugural Longford Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, which was held in Edgeworthstown […]
Census 2022 : Midlands Region Results
Longford, the second least populated county in the State, has recorded the biggest percentage increase of 14.1 per cent between 2016 and 2022 according to new figures. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (30 May 2023) released Census 2022 Summary Results, which details the population changes in the six years since April 2016. The […]
The Laois Garden Trail
Have you heard of the Laois Garden Trail? It is a wonderful trail that includes 12 gardens, from Emo to Heywood, Durrow Castle to Gash Gardens, there are so many beautiful spaces to explore and perhaps re-discover. In this article, I will explore a variety of what Laois has to offer. The 12 gardens attract […]
Grow Remote Summit 2023
The Midlands is set to host a major National Remote Working Conference on June 8-9th, with an impressive line-up of international leaders and experts in Remote Working descending on Portlaoise to bring together the remote working community, leaders in government, business innovators, and employers to explore the future of work. The last 2 years has […]
Midlands Schools achieve European Digital School Award
European Digital School status has been awarded to 11 secondary schools across the Midlands, as part of a European project from the Erasmus+ programme from European Union in partnership with HP and AMD. What is The Digital Schools Programme? The Digital Schools programme works to build a community of digital schools across Europe, aiming to […]
‘Thyme’, a beacon of light in Athlone
There is a reason why Thyme Restaurant is credited as one of the reasons to visit Athlone, County Westmeath. A visit to the Michelin-awarded restaurant is high on the list of ‘Top 10 Must-Dos’ in Athlone, along with a trip down the Shannon, Athlone Castle, Sean’s Bar and even the Viking Trail. Thyme Restaurant has […]
The Rise of the Esker
The Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore is finally opening its doors to the public on April 15th. After decades of trying to get the Arts Centre off the ground, with community groups and individuals, all flying the flag for years, it was the amalgamation with Offaly County Council that helped see it through. I paid […]
Midlands nominated for 8 Irish Wedding Venue Awards
Wedding venues across the Midlands are celebrating after receiving a total of 8 nominations in the finals of the Annual SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards. The annual awards recognise the best in venues, special places and spaces, rewarding excellence, high quality and unique offerings to make a special day truly special. This year, 47 of […]
EU officially approves €169 million Just Transition Fund for the Midlands Region
The European Commission has today officially approved Ireland’s Territorial Just Transition Plan and associated Programme for 2021-2027. The approval has been welcomed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, and follows government approval on 29 November 2022. The EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF) is targeted at the Midlands region. The designated […]
Over €3.2 million in funding for 20 Midlands Town and Village Renewal projects
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today (14 December) announced over €27 million in funding that will combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages across Ireland, with over €3.2 million of the fund being allocated to projects in the Midlands region. The announcement represents the largest ever […]
Boost for Public Transport routes across the Midlands
Transport connectivity in the Midlands is set to for a series of improvements with new public transport announcements from Bus Eireann and Iarnroid Eireann under Transport for Ireland. Improved bus services between Athlone, Mullingar and Drogheda, and between Athlone and Cavan are the latest announcements, serving many towns and villages of the region along the […]
Significant boost for LGBT+ Community Projects throughout the Midlands
LGBTI+ Community Projects across the Midlands region have received funding under the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy is based on four key themes, providing a vision of an Ireland where members of the LGBTI+ community are healthy, visible and included, safe and supported and treated equally. Positive visibility and increased non-stereotypical representation of LGBTI+ […]
Over €1.8 million to upgrade 18 Community Centres across the Midlands region
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, have today announced funding of over €1.8 million for the upgrade and development of 18 Community Centres across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The announcement under the new Community Centre Investment Fund represents the largest ever capital investment […]
Over €1.2m for Midlands under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors
A total of 5 projects across the Midlands will share in a new fund under the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. Launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, the goal is to make Ireland a destination of choice internationally for outdoor adventures. Building from a ground-up, locally led approach, over €1.2 million […]
Tullamore Harbour in €200,000 overhaul
Contracts have been signed with Waterways Ireland and Grafton Architects for the preparation of a €200,000 masterplan that will aim to breathe new life into the Tullamore’s Grand Canal Harbour area. Under the project, Grafton Architects will prepare development options for the site and a viability appraisal. They will then prepare a masterplan, following direction […]
TUS Learning Gates open across the Midlands
The Technological University of the Shannon has opened new ‘TUS Learning Gates’ at locations across the Midlands. Several ‘TUS Learning Gates’ are to be located throughout the Midlands region, ensuring access to Higher Education opportunities is available to those living and working in surrounding areas throughout the Midlands. The first TUS Learning Gates to open […]
Midlands winners at SuperValu Tidy Towns 2022
It was another great year for the Midlands in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition 2022, with many awards and medals across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Now entering it’s 65th year, the spirit of Tidy Towns is about more than the awards, it’s about communities and people coming together to improve the places where we […]
The Midlands Science Festival is back!
The Midlands Science Festival is back in person this year and it’s all free! There’s a wide range of activities happening in schools and clubs all over the midlands, from Forensic Science to the secret science of Golf, discover the night skies over Lough Boora Parklands and Pete the Vet is even here to explore […]
Halloween in the Midlands
How will you spend your Oíche Shamhna? Let’s have a look at a number of ‘Spooktacular’ events, walks, workshops and film screenings across the Midlands that are happening especially for the Bank holiday weekend and week ahead. LONGFORD Longford’s annual Dead of Night Festival returns this Halloween! This free and frightful festival is sure to scare all […]
Destination Midlands
As the National Ploughing Championships announce that they’re on their way back to Laois for 2023, let’s look at the many festivals that are making the Midlands ‘the home of events’ in Ireland. Over 1 million people visited the Midlands region in recent months, attending a packed calendar of many of Ireland’s top Summer Events, […]
Midlands Food & Drink wins 18 Awards at Blas na hEireann 2022
It was a hugely successful event for Midlands Food and Drink Producers at the prestigious Blas na hEireann Awards 2022 in Dingle. The region won a total of 18 Awards, including Gold, Silver and Bronze, as well as a number of Chef’s Larder Awards. The winning producers showcase the quality and broad flavours of Midlands […]
New Variety of courses in Further Education
Thinking of starting a new course, something new, and looking for something a little different? Did you know that along with many of the courses on offer in Further Education, you can now study Science, Sound Engineering, Music Performance or even Digital Media with your local Education and Training Board? There are dozens of Community […]
Solar Farm for Offaly
Offaly County Council has given the green light for a large solar farm in Edenderry. The Solar farm will be located on a 117-hectare development south of Edenderry. On the sight, PV panels will be constructed on metal frames, new access tracks and 22 MV Power Stations. The solar farm would be operational for 40 […]
Browne’s expand to Tullamore
There’s a reason ‘addicted to progress’ is written in neon lights over Padraig Browne’s new venture in business. Known for the provenance and quality of their food, Padraig and his family are no strangers to progress. At 40 Padraig moved from Waterford to work in the meat business in the midlands. At 57 and three […]
Midlands Hospice Gets Go Ahead
GREEN LIGHT! €20 Million Funding Announced For Midlands Hospice!The government has announced €20 Million in funding for the construction of a 20-bed facility at Tullamore Regional Hospital. The Midlands Region has been fighting for it’s own Centre of Excellence for decades. This is great news for a campaign and story that has been running for […]
Midlands celebrates at Irish Restaurant Awards
It was a great night for Midlands Food and Drink at the Irish Restaurant Awards, with the Leinster awards seeing the best in food and drink from our region celebrated at a big annual event for the industry in association with The Irish Times. The quality of food and drink in the Midlands region continues […]
Birr Castle Hot Air Balloon Championships
The Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships take place in the grounds of Birr Castle, Co Offaly, with the 50th year of the championships taking place from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th September 2022. The skies above the town fill with Hot Air Balloons in a brilliant display for all the family. Balloons are scheduled to […]
Culture Night 2022
Culture Night is one of the biggest nights in the Arts calendar, we take a look at what’s happening in the Midlands this year. OFFALY are be central to RTÉ’s Culture Night special. They broadcast live from Lough Boora Discovery Park on RTÉ One. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a selection of guest artists perform. […]
Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann
The World’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. Currently hosted in its spiritual home of Mullingar, the week-long event is like nothing else in Ireland. Traditional musicians of all ages are invited to gather once again in Mullingar from 6th to 14th August for Fleadh […]
