How well do you know your local area, really? If you are one of those people who lives for the weekends so you can make a quick getaway to - well, anywhere but here - how about trying something different this weekend? With so much going on across the Midlands, this could be the perfect opportunity to get out there and get to know where you live.
Here at the Advertiser, we have been inspired by the ‘Discover Athlone’ open day taking place this Sunday. The lovely people in Failte Ireland and Waterways Ireland have got together with the town council and local businesses to offer an afternooon of free activities for all the family. There are street sales, water activities, live entertainment and theatre performances in various venues across the town. We particularly recommend the historical walking tour of Athlone with local historian Donal O’Brien, departing from Athlone Castle at 2pm, and the free bus trips to Clonmacnoise and the craft village of Ballinahown.
The day offers locals a chance to see for themselves some of the attractions the region has to offer. They’re not just for tourists. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be proud of all that goes on locally, and make every effort to take advantage of it. We live in a beautiful county, with so much to offer.
But why stop with Athlone? This Sunday is World Heart Day, and the Irish Heart Foundation is urging the people of Westmeath to get their hearts pumping by taking part in a World Heart Day walk in their area this weekend. A walk has been organised for Sunday afternoon in Delvin, beginning at 2.30pm from Carmel Gaffneys, while the Athlone Community Training Centre group is to host another organised walk in Athlone.
Regular walking reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and many other health problems. What more reason do you need to head off for a ramble? With beautiful lakes from Lough Ree to Lough Ennell to Lough Owel, and facilities such as Belvedere House and Gardens, stunning walking trails are right on our doorsteps.
As if that wasn’t enough, the finest fair in the Midlands kicks off this weekend in Ballinasloe. The nine-day Ballinasloe Horse Fair and Festival runs from this Saturday, all week until Sunday October 12. Highlights of the programme include the Carnival and Vintage Parade this Saturday, the Tug of War Competition next Thursday and Friday, the massive outdoor market taking over Ballinasloe’s streets, the Monster fireworks display next Friday, and a Ceili Mor to celebrate La Gaelach next weekend, as well as the various equestrian competition and events. As the fair committee say, the festival would be nowhere without all the support of local businesses and the visitors who pump up to €8 million into the local economy.
And this is just the start of it. There is a growing awareness among visitors to Ireland that the Midlands is somewhere very special. Tourists often compliment the beauty of the region, the serenity of the waterways, the friendliness of the people, the quaint villages, the unspoiled countryside.
It’s about time we sat up and took notice. Get out there this weekend, ramble around, and discover what’s on your doorstep. Sure where else would you want to be?
Triona Doherty [email protected]
