5. Creative Community Midland Region.pdf

Guide

The MidlandsIreland.ie brand 

promotes awareness of the Midland 

Region across four pillars of Living, 

Learning, Tourism and Enterprise. 

MidlandsIreland.ie Gateway to 

Tourism has produced this digital guide 

to the Midland Region, as part of suite 

of initiatives in line with the adopted 

Brand Management Strategy 2011- 

2016. The guide has been produced 

in collaboration with public and 

private service providers based in the 

region. MidlandsIreland.ie would like 

to acknowledge and thank those that 

helped with research, experiences 

and images. 

The guide contains 11 sections 

which cover, Angling, Festivals, Golf, 

Walking, Creative Community, Our 

Past – Our Pleasure, Active Midlands, 

Towns and Villages, Driving Tours, 

Eating Out and Accommodation. 

The guide showcases the wonderful 

natural assets of the Midlands, 

celebrates our culture and heritage 

and invites you to discover our beautiful 

region. All sections are available for 

download on the MidlandsIreland.ie 

Content: 

Images and text have been provided 

courtesy of Áras an Mhuilinn, Athlone 

Art & Heritage Limited, Athlone, 

Institute of Technology, Ballyfin 

Demense, Belvedere House, Gardens 

& Park, Bord na Mona, CORE, 

Failte Ireland, Lakelands & Inland 

Waterways, Laois Local Authorities, 

Laois Sports Partnership, Laois Tourism, 

Longford Local Authorities, Longford 

Tourism, Mullingar Arts Centre, Offaly 

Local Authorities, Westmeath Local 

Authorities, Inland Fisheries Ireland, 

Kilbeggan Distillery, Kilbeggan 

Racecourse, Office of Public Works, 

Swan Creations, The Gardens at 

Ballintubbert, The Heritage at Killenard, 

Waterways Ireland and the Wineport 

Lodge. Individual contributions include 

the work of James Fraher, Kevin Byrne, 

Andy Mason, Kevin Monaghan, John 

McCauley and Tommy Reynolds. 

Disclaimer: 

While every effort has been made to 

ensure accuracy in the information 

supplied no responsibility can be 

accepted for any error, omission or 

misinterpretation of this information. 

Where such are brought to our 

attention future guides will be 

amended accordingly.

05 

Creative 

Community

05 Creative 

Community 

Laois 

Laois Arts Office 

Theatres & Arts Centres 


Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, County Laois. 

+353 (0)57 8674344 | artsoff@laoiscoco.ie 

www.laois.ie 

Dunamaise Arts Centre 

Church Street, Portlaoise, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8663355 | info@dunamaise.ie 

www.dunamaise.ie 

The Laois Arts Office provides quality arts 

service to the people of the county and 

visitors. Providing a comprehensive including; 

Laois School of Music, Artists Studios, Laois 

Youth Theatre, Artists in Residence, Artists in 

Schools, Scholarships, Grants and Awards, 

Leaves Literary Festival, Exhibitions, Bealtaine 

Festival, Midland Masterclasses, Midland Arts 

Magazine, Summer Arts Programme, Percent 

for Art Projects and advice and assistance on 

the arts to individuals and groups. 

The Dunamaise Arts Centre is a purpose built 

theatre and arts centre situated in the centre 

of Portlaoise, County Laois. Comprising a 240 

seat theatre, exhibition gallery, restaurant and 

workshop spaces, the centre plays host to the 

best in national and international performing 

and visual arts. 

Mountmellick Community Arts Centre 

Mountmellick, County Laois 

+353 (0) 86 1533614 / + 353 (0) 86 44131 

Mountmellick Community Arts Centre is 

comprises of a 450 seat theatre, the centre 

plays host to an annual drama festival and 

local productions. 

2



Music 

Laois School of Music 

Laois Arts Office, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, 

County Laois. 

+353 (0)57 8674345 | artsoff@laoiscoco.ie 

www.laois.ie 

Laois School of Music (LSM) provides quality 

music tuition to the people of Laois and the 

Midlands. The establishment of a structured 

school of music has developed from a zero 

base to its present position of 300 students, 

14 part-time specialized Music teachers, a 

full-time Co-ordinator and over 900 Primary 

School pupils availing of Music Outreach. In 

providing quality tuition in Piano, Guitar, Strings, 

Woodwind, Voice, Percussion, Kindermusic 

and Orchestra, the LSM has become a 

recognized centre of excellence for Laois and 

the surrounding counties. 

Music Generation Laois 

Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, 

Portlaoise, County Laois 

+ 353 (0) 57 8664370 | rflannery@laoiscoco.ie 

www.musicgenerationlaois.ie 

Music Generation Laois develops access 

to music education for children and young 

people in County Laois, increasing access to 

instruments, professional tutors and performers 

and delivering a range of innovative and 

inclusive vocal, instrumental and multi-genre 

programmes at local level. Projects include a 

School of Rock, The Music Box – a programme 

for children with special needs, a choral 

development programme, a drumming 

project and an uilleann pipe initiative. Music 

Generation Laois is managed by Laois Music 

Education Partnership and is supported by 

Laois County Council and Laois VEC. 

3



Library, Gallery & Studio 

Facilities 

Laois Libraries 

www.laoislibraries.ie 

The Public Libraries in County Laois continue to 

provide an efficient and vital frontline service 

to all sections of the community in the county. 

Libraries provide a rich non commercial space 

in the heart of communities promoting cultural 

heritage, committed to life long learning, 

supporting education and arts activities and 

are in practice a quality public space. Libraries 

through their branch networks provide an 

excellent and efficient service to all members 

of the community. 

Portlaoise Library 

Lyster Square, Portlaoise County Laois 

+353 (0) 578622333 | scarroll@laoiscoco.ie 


Portlaoise Library is the main Library in county 

Laois. The library serves a growing urban 

population in the town and surrounding 

areas. the library which is ideally located in 

the town centre has lunchtime opening and 

has the following facilities, fantastic selection 

of books, cds, dvds audio books, magazines, 

newspapers, reference books on Laois. Access 

to the internet is available for both adults 

and children at very reasonable rates with 

concessions, free WIFI, printing and scanning 

facilities are also available. Portlaoise library 

attracts a huge turnover of weekly visitors over 

1900per week . Although there is no dedicated 

art gallery there is exhibition space in the 

library, the library has a busy events schedule 

with childrens storytelling, bookclubs, arts and 

crafts, author vists, weekly ciorcal chomhrá 

Computer classes and other planned events 

such as Heritage week, children’s book 

festival And Bealtaine. Please check www. 

laoislibraries.ie or check out our face book 

Laois libraries page for an updated events list. 

4



Abbeyleix Library & Gallery 

Abbeyleix, County Laois 

+353 (0) 578730020 | wlawler@laoiscoco.ie 


The library is situated in the renovated Market 

House which was built in 1836 by Viscount John 

de Vesci. The building was later refurbished 

(1903-1906) and given an additional storey by 

Ivo de Vesci, in honour of his late father. The 

ground floor continued to be used as a Market 

House with the Town Hall being situated on the 

upper floor. 

In 2001, Laois County Council decided to 

refurbish the Market House as a public library 

and art gallery. The three stories are serviced by 

the eye-catching spiral staircase. The Library 

space in Abbeyleix is very unique and continue 

to offer a fantastic library service with a large 

IT learning area free WIFI, a large childrens 

library and weekly and monthly events. The 

Art gallery is very well located at the front of 

the building overlooking Main street. 

Mountmellick Library & Gallery 


+353 (0) 57 8644589| bconnell@laoiscoco.ie 


The Mountmellick Library and art Gallery 

was opened in May 2010. The Library has an 

extensive collection of books, dvds music, 

magazines to cater for all members of the 

community. The Library has extensive ICT 

facilities with free WIFI and Elearning available 

Library Staff organize a large number of events 

every year which include author visits, art 

exhibitions, musical events and arts and crafts 

as well as regular bookclubs and games club. 

The Arthouse and Library 

Stradbally, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8641740 

Stradballyarthouse@hotmail.com 

www.stradballyarthouse.wordpress.com 

This newly refurbished Georgian building 

includes a state of the art library, four artists’ 

studios (1 digital & 1 Craft) for national and 

5



international artists, two residential apartments, 

an exhibition gallery, a fully equipped music 

rehearsal studio, a kiln, a garden space with 

a Percent for Art wall mounted artwork and a 

meeting room for the Laois Heritage Society. 

Craft Group & Craft 

Workers 

Laois Crafts Group 

Laois Partnership Company Head Office, 

2 Park Villas, Portlaoise 

+ 353 (0) 57 8661900 |info@laoispartnership.ie 

Armada Crafts 

Ms. Dolores Bonham, 

37 Balladine, Abbeyleix, County Laois. 

+353 (0) 86 3665115 

Dolores specialises in pyrography, the art of 

burning patterns into wooden, cork or leather 

surfaces. 

Bill Davis 

17 Cullenbeg Park, 

Mountmellick, County Laois. 

+353 (0)86 3229377 

The Laois Crafts Group was established with 

the aim of bringing Laois crafts to a wider 

audience through the development of a 

successful brand and network. 

Modern abstract paintings using a wide 

range of mediums using oils, watercolours and 

acrylics. 

Bluebell Dolls Houses 

Mr. Karl Rafferty 

Pallas Little, Portlaoise, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8660703 

Ms. Jean Byrne 

34 Balladine Drive, Abbeyleix, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8730911 

After learning the art of pyrography, Jean has 

developed her own style making a variety of 

wood crafted pieces, such as Photo Frames, 

Clocks, Plaques, Decorated Rolling Pins and 

Spoons. 

6



Bijouterie My Dream 

Ms. Liliya Guslyakova, 

The Ballagh, Durrow, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8736494 | liliana@iol.ie 

Liliya uses Swarovski crystal, Bohemian crystal 

and Czech glass in her work. The pearls used 

are freshwater pearls. She uses also many kinds 

of natural semi-precious stones. The silver used 

in silver 925.’ 

Candles Un-Laoised 

Mr Mark Sutton, 

11 Beechlawn, Portlaoise, County Laois 

+353 (0)86 3440215 

marksuttonie@yahoo.co.uk 

Mark Sutton commenced candle making in 

2004, primarily as a means of recycling old 

candles. Since then he has perfected his skills 

in the craft and design of candles using both 

traditional and contemporary designs. 

Brendon Deacy 

+353 (0)5786 46003 | deacyb@ncad.ie 

Brendon Deacy’s work is inspired by the land 

and people of Ireland. His compositions tell 

a story, where realism and abstraction are 

reconciled in a variety of media including 

paint, pencil and print. His exhibition and 

accompanying ‘artist’s book’ which consist 

of sixty five beautifully crafted linocuts came 

from his admiration for Michael Davitt (founder 

of the Land League) and has been touring 

extensively since January2006. 

Emoke Ceramics 

Ms. Edel O’Keeffe, 

Lower Boley, Abbeyleix, County Laois 

+353 (0)87 2110999 | emoke@oceanfree.net 

The majority of her work is wheel thrown 

pottery though her hand built work has grown 

in popularity.’ 

7



Franz Design 

Mr. Franz Caffrey, 

Clonminham Business Park, 

Portlaoise, County Laois. 

+353 (0)57 8661812 | www.franzdesign.com 

franz@franzdesign.com 

Franz Design was set up and is run by Franz 

Caffrey, an award winning designer and 

master craftsman. From his factory in Portlaoise 

he designs and produces his own products. 

Each is hand crafted and so each is unique. 

Hatai Pheig 

Ms. Peg Hackett, Bushfield House, 

Borris-in-Ossory, County Laois 

+353 (0)505 41250 

peghackett@hataipheig.com 

www.hataipheig.com 

Kevin McCann 

Old Deer Park, 

Ballyfin, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8755980 

Sculpture from materials such as ceramic, 

wood and paint. 

A small family run business offering a range of 

different style hats, bags and scarves. 

Irish Collectables 

Mr Brian Woods, 92 Kilnacourt Woods, 

Portarlington, County Laois 

+353 (0)87 6555372 

bwirishcollectables@eircom.net 

www.irishcollectables.com 

Irish Collectables have compiled a range of 

Irish History Products including Rare Original 

Items, Historical Images, Plaques, Crests and 

original composite pieces. 

Leo Designs 

Ms. Mairead Dowling, An Paircin, Garoon, 

Mountmellick, County Laois. 

+353 (0)57 8644300 |nidhulaing@eircom.net 

Jewellery includes Necklaces, Pendants, 

Bracelets, Earrings, Belts and Rings. 

Lisa Fingleton 

+353 (0)86 3555669 

lisafingleton@eircom.net 

Lisa Fingleton works predominantly through 

installations, video, sound, photography and 

performance. 

8



Maeve Collins 

Kilnaseer, Cullahill, Portlaoise, County Laois 

+353 (0)87 9280550 | flphee@yahoo.com 

Maeve is working with glass and voile material, 

which has a cloudy transparent quality. This is 

combined with photocopied mixed media 

drawings of the living body. These drawings 

derive from the artists internal dialogue with 

the ‘space in-between’ that exists in the body. 

Maeve is currently developing 3D sculptural 

and photography in this exploration. She is 

currently working out of Stradbally Mill Studios, 

Stradbally, County Laois. 

Robert Stack 

14 Broomville, Dublin Rd, Portlaoise, 

County Laois 

+353 (0)86 19115173 

Robert is a landscape painter using a mix of 

watercolours and oils. 

Pamela Quinn 

+353 (0)87 7630150 

Inspiring card designer with influences from 

the natural landscape suitable for every 

occasion. 

Mountmellick Work 

Ms. Annie Kelly, St. Martins, Acragar, 


+353 (0)57 8624531 

A crafter with expertise in Mountmellick Work 

(embroidery and lace). 

Patricia Bennett 

Stableyard Cottage, 

Emo Court, Emo, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8626841 

femoartno1@hotmail.com 

Patricia Bennett is a Laois based painter and 

installation artist whose mainly abstract work 

covers the themes of memory, identity and 

place. She works with mixed media, and is 

particularly interested in the transformation 

of found objects and material. Her influences 

include the Spanish painter Tapies and the 

German abstract expressionists. 

The Bag Ladies 

Ms. Catriona Ryan, 

Derrylamogue, Rosenallis, County Laois 

+353 (0)57 8628692 

Ms. Maria Mullally, 

Balladine, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois 

+ 353 (0)85 1195595 

9



The Bag Ladies make a range of bags and 

have a wonderful assortment of styles to cover 

any occasion - evening bags, smart day wear, 

weddings, communions etc. 

Tom Joyce 

Rosenallis, County Laois 

pogmophone@eircom.net 

www.tomjoyceart.ie 

Tom Joyce is a teacher, artist and author and 

lives in Glenbarrow valley, near the village of 

Rosenallis, on the northern slopes of the Slieve 

Bloom Mountains. Most of his paintings are oil 

on canvas. His landscapes are often inspired 

by the mountain environment, in which he 

lives, while his seascapes capture so vividly 

the beauty of his ancestral home in the west 

of Ireland. 

Photography Clubs 

Midlands Photography Club 

midlandsphotography@gmail.com | www. 

midlandsphotographyclub.com 

Meet once a fortnight in the Prince of Wales 

Hotel in Athlone and take a break of a couple 

of months over the summer. 

Longford 


Longford County Council 

Great Water Street, Longford 

+353 (0) 86 8517595 

fkennedy@longfordcoco.ie 

www.longfordcoco.ie/arts_office.html 

The Longford Arts Office provides quality arts 

service to the people of the county and visitors 

including, Midland Masterclasses, Midland Arts 

Magazine, and advice and assistance on the 

arts to individuals and groups. 


Backstage Theatre & Centre for the Arts 

Farneyhoogan, Longford, County Longford 

+ 353 (0)43 3347889 | boxoffice@backstage.ie 

www.backstagetheatre.ie 

The purpose-built theatre comprises a 

212 seater auditorium and Atrium Gallery. 

Backstage Theatre continues to provide 

a multi-disciplinary programme of events 

that attracts, maintains and develops an 

audience. Its programme boasts a diverse and 

comprehensive series of events encompassing 

a broad range of disciplines such as drama, 

dance, classical music and opera. 

10



Bog Lane Theatre 

Mostrim Road, Ballymahon, County Longford 

+353 (0)90 6432273 

The Bog Lane Theatre Company performs 

two plays annually. It also hosts visiting drama 

groups and the Local Choral Society. The 

Bog Lane Theatre is the lecture venue for the 

Goldsmith Summer School, and frequently 

hosts art exhibitions. 



Ballymahon Library 

Ballymahon, County Longford 

+353 (0) 90 6432546 

ballymahonlibrary@longfordcoco.ie 

www.longfordlibrary.ie 

The ground floor of the former courthouse 

houses the main library, complete with 

children’s corner, computer facilities, lending 

and reference library and soft seating area 

with, magazines and newspapers. Above, on 

the first floor is a large community hall, which 

doubles as a local studies room, complemented 

by two smaller meeting rooms. 

Longford Libraries 

Longford County Library, Longford 

+353 (0)43 3341124 |library@longfordcoco.ie 


There are a wide range of services available 

at the branch libraries to enrich and inform 

the lives of Longford citizens including: Books, 

newspapers and magazines for adults and 

children, Free internet and email access; 

Language learning and life-long learning 

materials and literacy support; Local studies 

and Reference collections; Events and 

activities, including language classes, basic 

internet classes, exhibitions and talks on a 

wide range of topics. 

Drumlish Library 

Drumlish, County Longford 

+353 (0) 43 33 24760 | drumlishlibrary@ 

longfordcoco.ie | www.longfordlibrary.ie 

Drumlish library is located in the heart of Drumlish 

village. As well as providing a wide selection of 

books for adults and children to suits all tastes 

the library also provides free broadband and 

wifi internet access. A comprehensive local 

studies collection is also available in the library 

as well as online access to local Ordnance 

Survey Maps , Griffiths Valuation, and Census 

1901 and 1911. 

Class visits with from teachers and children 

from local national schools are welcomed 

and encouraged and many children’s events 

are held at the library throughout the year. 

11



Edgeworthstown Library 

Edgeworthstown, County Longford 

+353 (0) 66 71927 | Edgeworthstownlibrary@ 

longfordcoco.ie | www.longfordlibrary.ie 

The library has a selection of books for adults 

and children . There is also free broadband 

and wifi internet access for all library members. 

Class visits from teachers and children from 

local national schools are welcomed and 

encouraged and many children’s events are 

held in the library throughout the year. 

Granard Branch Library 

Granard, County Longford 

+353 (0) 43 66 86164 

Granardlibrary@longfordcoco.ie 


Granard Library is located in the old Market 

House building in the centre of the town. A 

wide range of services are available in the 

library including books for adults and children, 

broadband and wifi internet access as well 

as access to Microsoft Office programmes 

such as Word and Excel. The library also 

organises a wide range of events for all age 

groups at different times during the year such 

as the Children’s Book and Summer Festival, 

Bealtaine events for Active Age Groups, FAS e- 

Learning and language classes during Winter 

and Spring. 

Lanesborough Library 

Lanesborough, County Longford 

+353 (0) 43 33 21291 

lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie 


There are lots of things to do at Lanesboro 

Library. Search the library’s online catalogue 

to view the wide range of books available for 

adults and children. The library also organises 

a number of exhibitions, book launches, 

information evenings, lectures and readings as 

well as a wide range programme of childrens’ 

activities during the year. 

Longford Library 

Longford Town, County Longford 

+353 (0) 43 33 40727 

library@longfordcoco.ie 


Longford Library is located in the heart of 

Longford town adjacent to Longford Town 

Centre. It is the flagship library for the county 

and provides a wide range of services and 

activities for the local community. 

12



Craft Groups & Craft 

Workers 

Bog Oak Sculptures 

Barraghmore, Drumlish, County Longford 

+353 (0)43 3324645 | brendancollum@eircom. 

net |www.bogoakart.ie 

Brendan Collum is a self-taught artist and has 

been working with bog oak for the last twenty 

years. His great love is for the artistic sculpture 

of the natural twisted roots that suggest the 

shape of the piece, be it an abstract sculpture 

or root that looks like a bird, animal or human 

form. 

Here the story of bog oak is told through 

video, photographs and the finished pieces of 

sculpture. 

Midir & Etain Cafe and Craft Gallery 

Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre, Ardagh, 

County Longford 

+353 (0)86 3027602 

www.creativeardagh.com 

creativeardagh@gmail.com 

Midir & Etain Café and Craft Gallery’ is located 

in the Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre, 

is in an old schoolhouse built in 1898 on the 

outskirts of the village. It is open on Thursdays, 

Fridays and Saturdays from 10.00 am to 5.00 

pm and showcases local crafts. 

Thomas Lynam Ceramics 

Ballymulvey, Ballymahon, County Longford 

+353 (0)87 9198882 

info@thomaslynamceramics.com 

www.thomaslynamceramics.com 

Bog Wood Sculptures 

Barley Harbour, 

Newtowncashel, County Longford 

+353 (0)43 3325297 | kevincasey@eircom.net 

www.bogwood.net 

Thomas Lynam creates beautiful functional 

ceramics, glazed with rich, earthy hues and 

incised and carved to mimic plant movement 

and the landscape. 

The artists Michael and Kevin Casey, based in 

Newtowncashel, create beautiful sculptures 

from bog oak and their workshop and studio is 

near Barley Harbour, near Lough Ree. 

13



Patrick Casey Bridal Room 

Newcastle House, 

Ballymahon, County Longford 

+353 86 8575339 | bridal@patrickcasey.ie 

www.patrickcasey.ie 

Patrick Casey graduated from the Grafton 

Design Academy. Prior to developing the 

Patrick Casey award-winning label he has 

held lead design roles with international 

fashion houses including Krizia in Milan and 

Vivienne Westwood in London. Awards include 

the Smirnoff Designer of the Year, Satzenbrau 

Designer of the Year and Young Designer of 

the Year. Collection viewing by appointment 

only. 



midlandsphotography@gmail.com 

www.midlandsphotographyclub.com 




Offaly 

Offaly Arts Office 

Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, 

Tullamore, County Offaly. 

+353 (0)57 9357400 | arts@offalycoco.ie 

www.offaly.ie 

“Offaly County Council recognises the 

importance of the arts in developing vibrant 

and creative communities. We believe the 

best way to achieve this is to empower, 

support and resource individuals, groups and 

organisations to achieve their best potential, 

so that their continued achievements are 

sustainable into the future.” 

The Offaly Arts Office provides quality arts 

service to the people of the county and visitors 

including, Tullamore Community Arts Centre, 

FilmOffaly, Offaly Youth Theatre, Scholarships, 

Grants and Awards, Hullabaloo Childrens Arts 

Festival, Exhibitions, Bealtaine Festival, Midland 

Masterclasses, Midland Arts Magazine, Percent 

for Art Projects and advice and assistance on 

the arts to individuals and groups. 


Tullamore Community Arts Centre 

Tullamore, County Offaly 

+353 (0)57 9357400 

www.tullamorecommunityartscentre.ie 

info@tullamorecommunityartscentre.ie 

In 2011 the site and design for a new arts centre 

14



for Tullamore was revealed and work is ongoing 

to realise this much anticipated development 

for Tullamore. The word ‘community’ in this 

centre is integral to the project’s development, 

as it is an investment into the people of 

Tullamore and their potential. 

Birr Theatre and Arts Centre 

Oxmantown Mall, Birr, 

County Offaly 

+353 (0)57 9122911 | birrtheatre@eircom.net 

www.birrtheatre.com 

This beautifully restored Victorian Hall 

situated on one of Birr’s finest malls features 

a year round programme of performances in 

theatre, music, dance and literature. Related 

workshops, exhibitions, visual arts programmes, 

and educational activities. 

Theatre Companies 

Offaly Youth Theatre 

Birr, Tullamore and Banagher, County Offaly 

Janine Wilson 

offalyyouththeatre@gmail.com 

Jasango Theatre Company 


Angela Ryan | jasangotheatre@gmail.com 

StageCraft Ireland 

Mariosa Hume | info@stagecraftireland.com 

www.stagecraftireland.com 

15



Art and Health 

Anam Beo – Offaly Arts and Health 

Programme 

Julie Spollen | anambeoart@gmail.com 

www.anambeo.com 

Stand Mantra, Production Company 

Clonbullogue, County Offaly 

Paddy Slattery | paddy@paddyslattery.com 

www.paddyslattery.com 

Dance Companies 

Offaly Youth Dance 

Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, 

Birr, County Offaly 

Nick Bryson | legitimatebodies@gmail.com 

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company 

Nick Bryson and Cristina Goletti 

legitmatebodies@gmail.com 

Red Embers Dance Troupe 


Terri Dale | theredembers@gmail.com 

Film 

Mixed Bag Media Production Company 

Daingean, County Offaly 

Garret Daly |info@mixedbagmedia.com 

www.mixedbagmedia.com 

Stitch Films Production Company 


Shirley Weir |shirley@stitchfilms.ie 

www.stitchfilms.ie 

Film Offaly 

Film Commission |filmoffaly@offalycoco.ie 

www.filmoffaly.ie 

Hello Camera Production Company 

Birr, County Offaly 

Gary Hoctor |gary@hellocamera.ie 

www.hellocamera.ie 

16



Music Organisations 

Tullamore Town Band 


Pat Doheny 

tullamoretownband@gmail.com 

Clara Town Band 

Clara, County Offaly 

Marian Fitzpatrick | +353 (0) 87 1549481 

St. Colmcille’s Pipe Band 


Pat Nolan | tullamorepipeband@gmail.com 

Music Schools 

Tullamore Classical String School 


Adele O’Dwyer 

tullamoreclassicalmusicschool@gmail.com 

St. Brigid’s Pipe Band Mountbolus 

Mountbolus, County Offaly 

Breda Donnelly |cbjg77@hotmail.com 



The Academy of Music 


Ciaran Brady | info@theacademyofmusic.ie 

www.academyofmusic.ie 

Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra 

Mags Flynn | magsflynn@gmail.com 

Offaly Libraries 

www.offaly.ie/library 

Offaly has 8 Branch Libraries in Banagher, 

Birr, Clara, Daingean, Edenderry, Ferbane, 

Kilcormac and Tullamore. We have a range of 

material from books, ebooks, e-audiobooks, 

DVDs, CDs and MP3s, an online catalogue to 

request your item, searchable online newspaper 

archive and local studies materials including 

photographs and maps. We provide Internet, 

WiFi, printing and photocopying services. You 

17



can come along and simply relax with a book 

or browse through the newspapers. Each 

library hosts ongoing events and exhibitions. 

Belmont Mill Artist Studios 

Belmont, County Offaly 

+353 (0)90 6457598 |info@belmontmill.com 

www.belmontmill.com 

Belmont Mill and Artist Studios are set in a 

water mill complex which dates back to the 

18th Century. It is an inspiring venue for artists 

and creative people. Located adjacent to 

the weir, on the River Brosna in the Heart of 

Ireland. The mill is open to the public mid April 

– mid July, visitors can visit the restored mill and 

see exhibitions. 

Papillion Art Studio 

Baleek, Durrow, Tullamore, 

County Offaly 

+353 (0)86 3166891 

info@papillonartstudio.com 

www.papillonartstudio.com 

In 2001, after twenty years as an art teacher, 

contemporary Irish artist Maura Fahy made a 

decision to paint full time. She has developed 

a unique style working in a variety of materials, 

but specialising in oils. 

Rushbrook Art Studios 

Ballygibbon, Edenderry, County Offaly 

+353 469 732 512 

info@rushbrookstudios.com 

www.rushbrookstudios.com 

Glasshammer Studios 

Rhode 

County Offaly 

+353 (0) 46 9739290 | www.glasshammer.ie 

info@glasshammer.ie 

The studios offer a full educational range of 

art classes including children’s art classes, 

Leaving and Junior Certificate art grinds, 

art portfolio classes and adult painting and 

drawing classes. 

Michelle O Donnell is an Artist and Sculptor who 

has worked extensively for public and private 

glass art commissions. Some clients include 

Shell Oil, Glaxo Smith Kline, OPW, Department 

of Finance, Compaq Computers, Accenture 

and Green Properties. Her work covers a 

broad spectrum from internal architectural 

commissions to large public state bodies. Her 

work is highly regarded both at home and 

abroad and she has shown her work in private 

collections all over the world. 

Sculpture in the Parklands 

Leabeg, Boora, County Offaly 

+353 (0) 57 9357400 

www.sculptureintheparklands.com 

This multi award winning Sculpture Park is where 

art and nature meet, with large land-art works 

by nationally and internationally renowned 

artists who have used the natural and industrial 

heritage of the area as inspiration. Open year 

round, free parking with wheelchair accessible 

routes. 

18



Silver River Studios 

Acontha, Durrow, Tullamore, County Offaly 

+353 (0) 57 932 4044 | kodwyerdesign@eircom. 

net | www.millennium2000silver.com 

Kevin O’Dwyer’s artwork in silver is light of touch 

and light of heart; the stuff of which museum 

collections are made. O’Dwyer’s pieces carry 

their often extraordinary forms, but are part of 

a lovely and integral visual balance. 

and gatherings with others who have an 

involvement or interest in the arts. 

Literary / Writers Groups 

Offaly Writers Group 

Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, 

County Offaly. 

+353 (0)57 9357400 |arts@offalycoco.ie 

www.offaly.ie 

The Atrium 

Aras an Chontae 

Charleville Rd, Tullamore, 

County Offaly 

+353 (0)57 9357400 | arts@offalycoco.ie 

The Atrium at Áras an Chontae offers a 

contemporary space used to showcase 

the works of contemporary local, national 

and international artists on a regular basis, 

providing an opportunity to develop an 

awareness, understanding and appreciation 

of the arts through high quality exhibitions 

and is accessible to the general public. Artists 

apply for exhibition annually. 

Tullamore Rhymers Club 


Ken Hume | kenhume79@gmail.com 








Tin Jug Studio 

Brendan Street, Birr, Co. Offaly 

+353 (0)57 9121818 | rozzy@eircom.net 

Tin Jug Studio is the restored carriage building 

of a Georgian townhouse, with a charming, 

secluded courtyard garden. Rosalind & Derek 

Fanning open this part of their home to the 

public at various times through the seasons 

for art classes, exhibitions, music, poetry, talks 

Slieve Bloom Photography Club 

Goretti O’Dea 

slievebloomphoto@gmail.com 

Birr Photography Club 

Robert Revill, | info@birrphotogroup.org 

19



Craft & Craft Workers 

Offaly Crafty 

www.offalyartsandcrafts.com 

info@offalyartsandcrafts.com 

A cooperative of craftworkers in Offaly, The 

imaginative reworking of earthy materials – 

slate, metal, wood and glass – combined with 

the stimulating use of colour and contemporary 

design, results in remarkable pieces captures 

their inspiration from this diverse county’s 

landscape and its people 

Bevans Glass 

Shinrone, Birr, County Offaly. 

+353 (0)87 4151616 

dawnbevan@hotmail.com 

www.offalyartsandcrafts.com 

Bevans’ glasswork lives with the light, adding 

drama and beauty to the space around it, 

constantly changing it with new patterns, 

colours and moods. From the front door to a 

bathroom screen, the applied leaded glass 

transforms any interior or exterior glazing, 

integrating a unique decorative focal point 

into the fabric of a house. The light boxes, 

mirrors and terrariums bring colour, form and 

style to the room. 

Cathal Barber 

Jeweler, O’Connell Street, Birr, County Offaly 

+353 (0) 57 91 20044 

info@jewellerybycathal.com 

www.jewellerybycathal.com 

Cathal Barber is the fourth generation of his 

family to pursue a career in jewellery. He also 

has a Diploma in Horology from the Irish Swiss 

Institute of Horology and Professional Jewellers 

Diploma from The National Association of 

Goldsmiths London. In 2009 Cathal graduated 

from the Crafts Council of Ireland Jewellery 

skills and Design Course in Kilkenny and was 

awarded Student of the Year. In 2011, he was 

commissioned to make a piece for the First 

Lady of the United States of America, Mrs 

Michelle Obama. 

Design Hub 

Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tulllamore, 

County Offaly 

+353 (0) 57 9357464 | info@designhub.ie 

www.designhub.ie 

Design Hub is an amalgamation of a group 

of young and innovative designers in Offaly 

from varied design disciplines: graphic design, 

product design, interior design and multimedia. 

Design Hub offers innovative design solutions 

that can help businesses and individuals with 

ideas stand out from their competitors. Their 

objective is to utilise design as a problem 

solving activity for businesses or an instrument 

to help bring innovative ideas or products to 

market. 

20



Rita Daly – The Hat Lady 

Harbour St, Tullamore,County Offaly 

+353 (0)57 9352604 | rita@ritadaly.com 

www.ritadaly.com 

Twisted Spirit 

Beechlawn, Clonbullogue, County Offaly 

+353 (0)87 2245405 | idris@twistedspirit.com 

www.twistedspirit.com 

The Hat Lady’s work is not a traditional form 

of millinery in that she masters the art of free 

embroidery. This involves combining and 

manipulating different fabrics and colours 

to create a totally unique and original 

collection. 

Idris Bowen is a wood sculptor with a passion 

for the natural forms of ancient wood and 

works primarily with five thousand year old 

bog wood. His work is unique and unusual; the 

spirit of the wood speaks for itself, often with a 

surprising twist! 

RMM Designs 

Monasteroris, Edenderry, County Offaly 

+353 (0)46 9731310 | info@rmmdesigns.com 

|www.rmmdesigns.com 

Richard Parish’s moulded glass panels and 

decorative bowls feature subtle, original 

designs that reflect his penchant for simple, 

luminously expressive imagery. Worked in 

clear or coloured glass, each piece takes full 

advantage of the complex interplay of light 

and form that kiln-worked glass can offer. 

Shannonbridge Pottery 

Shannonbridge, via Athlone, County Offaly. 

+353 (0)90 9674333 

info@shannonbridgepottery.com 

www.shannonbridgepottery.com 

Situated in the picturesque area of 

Shannonbridge and Clonmacnoise, the 

Pottery has become a demanded product 

with sales around the globe. 

Westmeath 

Westmeath Arts Office 

Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, 

Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 

+353 (0)44 9332140 | arts@westmeathcoco.ie 

www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts 

The Arts Office provides support for the 

professional, voluntary, community and 

amateur arts sectors in Westmeath and provides 

information and advice to the community on 

Arts related issues. The County Arts Office aims 

to promote access, appreciation, awareness 

and enjoyment of the arts for all citizens of 

County Westmeath and also aims to stimulate 

interest in and to promote the knowledge and 

appreciation of the Arts throughout the County. 

Services Offered include: Arts Programming/ 

Promotion of the Arts though the Midlands 

Arts & Culture Magazine, Grant aid funding 

for artists & community groups, Policy Making 

and Planning and Implementation of the Per 

cent for Art Scheme. 

21



Arts, Theatre & Theatre 

Companies 

Áras an Muilleann 

Gaol Hill, Mount Street, Mullingar, County 

Westmeath 

+353 (0) 44 9330644 |eolas@arasanmhuilinn.ie 

www.arasanmhuilinn.ie 

Áras an Mhuilinn is the Regional Comhaltas 

Ceoltóirí Éireann Centre serving the midland 

counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and 

Westmeath. Comhaltas promotes Irish music 

and culture around the world. Áras an 

Mhuilinn is a state-of-the-art cultural facility in 

which Traditional music, song, dance and Irish 

language classes are run on a weekly basis. 

Located in the town of Mullingar in the centre 

of Ireland it is about one hour west of Dublin. 

Weekly Summer Seisiún Shows at Áras an 

Mhuilinn start on Wed 4th July until 29th August. 

Start time 8.30pm. Traditional music, singing, 

dancing and storytelling will be performed 

by talented artists from around the Midlands 

region. 

Facilities at Áras an Mhuilinn include three 

classrooms, meeting room, performance hall, 

bar and reception area. A variety of events 

have been hosted in the Performance hall 

and bar including concerts, ceilí, seminars, 

table quizzes, meetings, set dance and sean 

nós dance classes. 

Athlone Art and Heritage Ltd 

The Civic Centre, Church Street, Athlone, 

County Westmeath 

+ 353 (0) 90 6442130 

info@athloneartandheritage.ie 

www.athloneartandheritage.ie 

Athlone Art and Heritage Ltd is an initiative 

of Athlone Town Council set up to manage 

a number of Art and Heritage sites, facilities 

and amenities under development in Athlone. 

These include Athlone Castle, Abbey Road 

Artists’ Studios and Athlone Art Gallery. 

Details of exhibitions, events, educational 

programmes, opening times, space availability 

and community initiatives - across all these 

facilities can be accessed on the website. 

22



Athlone Little Theatre 

Saint Mary’s Place, Athlone, 


+353 (0) 90 647 4324 

www.athlonelittletheatre.ie 

info@athlonelittletheatre.ie 

A community theatre catering for local drama 

groups. The theatre seats up to 100 people 

and is located in St. Mary’s Place Athlone. 

Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre 

Chapel Street, Athlone, 


+353 (0)90 6492129 

deancrowetheatre@eircom.net 

www.deancrowetheatre.com 

This theatre started life as the parish church 

for St Peter’s parish, in 1959 it was renovated 

and re-named The Dean Crowe Memorial Hall 

and soon became a venue for many local 

and national events, ranging from the annual 

production of the Athlone Musical Society to 

the All Ireland Drama Festival. 

Hilltown House Studio & Theatre 

Castlepollard, County Westmeath 

+353 (0) 86 063 7648 | contact@hilltown.ie | 

www.hilltown.ie 

Hilltown Studio Theatre and Performance 

Space is sited in the castle keep at the rear of 

an 18th century listed building. In recent years, 

Hilltown has hosted a number of small arts 

events and has been made available to artists, 

who wish to spend quiet and focused time 

on developing or finalising new work. There 

is a variety of performance and installation 

spaces. 

Passion Fruit Theatre Athlone 

9 Northgate Street, Athlone, 


+353 (0) 86-3338457 

www.passionfruittheatre.com 

An intimate performance space, catering for 

drama dance, music and literary events for 55 

people in North Gate Street Athlone. 

Moate Performing and Visual Arts Club 

Carmelite Centre, Moate, Co Westmeath 

pastoralcm@eircom.net 

www.carmelitecentre.com 

Moate Performing and Visual Arts Club 

incorporates: Dancezone Stage School, 

catering for children aged between 6 & 

19, the school stages shows in Moate that 

showcases the song & dance talents of the 

members. The School provides a marvelous 

opportunity for young people to become 

23



involved and integrate together, learn the 

enjoyment of group participation on stage 

and valuable self esteem and leadership skills: 

Moate Youth Theatre, catering for the acting 

talent development of young people aged 

between 7 & I 8. MYT also stages its annual 

productions in Tuar Ard Theatre. Moate Variety 

Club, is the adult component of the Centre 

and has through the years has entertained 

thousands of people beginning with local 

variety competition, and Art Easy Catering 

for young Art, Crafts and free range drawing 

talents of those aged between 6 & 18 as well 

as an adult class. 

Mullingar Arts Centre 

Mullingar, County Westmeath 

+353 (0) 44-9347777 

dwhelehan@westmeatcoco.ie 

www.mullingarartscentre.ie 

Mullingar Junior Academy 

for the Performing Arts 

Mullingar Arts Centre, 


+353 (0) 44-9347777 



The Mullingar Arts Centre offers planned and 

structured creative activities for children. 

Designed for children from 7 - 12, weekly 

activities include music; drama and dance. 

Mullingar Kinder Academy 




+353 (0) 44-9347777 



The Mullingar Arts Centre was opened in 

1998, and now comprises a 418-seat theatre, 

two general purpose workshops and a music 

room. Its mission statement is: to promote 

excellence, innovation and participation in 

the arts. To this end, the Mullingar Arts Centre 

provides an Arts Education programme for all 

schools in the area. This programme covers all 

areas of the arts: Music, Dance, Photography, 

Literature, Drama, technical aspects of theatre, 

including sound, lights, stage management, 

directing etc. The Centre encourages people 

to explore, develop and express their own 

artistic creativity to the maximum of their talent 

and aspirations and to increase the range of 

people who participate in the arts. 



From September 2012, the Kinder Academy 

will accept children from 3 - 6. Tuition will 

be provided in two disciplines: speech and 

drama; music and dance. 

Mullingar Panto Group 

Mullingar Arts Centre, Mullingar, County 

Westmeath 

+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Stages an annual pantomime in the run-up to 

Christmas. This year’s production is Rapunzel, 

24



starring Conor Quinn and Grahame Dowling, 

from The Voice of Ireland. 

Mullingar Student Players 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Founded in 2004, to provide performance 

opportunities for the secondary school students 

of the area. Two productions are mounted 

each year: a play in September and a musical 

in the spring. The musical for 2013 will be Miss 

Saigon - by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel 

Schönberg, whose previous works include Les 

Misérables. 

Mullingar Youth Academy 




+353 (0) 44-9347777 





Weekly tuition in drama; music; dance; samba 

drums for children aged from 13 - 17. 

Tuar Ard Arts Centre 

Church Street, Moate, County Westmeath 

+353 (0)90 6482042 

tuarard@eircom.net 

Tuar Ard Arts Centre is used as a venue for 

plays, seminars and classical concerts, as well 

as rock gigs and presentations. 

25



Theatre Companies 

Music 

Little Brother Productions 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Academy of Rock Music 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Dramatic society that affords local actors 

and directors the opportunity to take part in 

theatrical productions. 

Weekly tuition in lead guitar, bass guitar, drums 

and keyboards. 

Rail Theatre Company 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Theatre company attached to the Mullingar 

Arts Centre producing work which is performed 

at the Arts Centre as well as festivals and 

theatres nationwide. 

Mullingar Arts Centre School of Music 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Tuition is available to pupils on various 

instruments: piano, classical flute, traditional 

flute, recorder and tin whistle, by a number of 

experienced tutors. 

Mullingar Gospel Choir 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



An adult choir in the classic tradition of the 

genre; encompassing both religious and 

secular repertoires. 

26



Mullingar Musical Society 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



O’Reilly School of Irish Dancing 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



An adult group which stages an annual 

musical. This year’s production is The Full 

Monty. 

Irish dancing tuition is delivered on a weekly 

basis at the Mullingar Arts Centre. 

Dance Companies 

Apollo School of Dance 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Scheduled to launch in September 2012, the 

Apollo School of Dance will provide tuition in 

disco and tap dancing. 

School of Ballet 




+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Tuition is provided for pupils from pre-primary 

to Grade 8. Candidates are prepared for 

examinations administered by the Royal 

Academy of Dance and pupils participate in 

showcase productions at the Arts Centre. 

Dionysus School of Dance 



+353 (0) 44-9347777 



Weekly classes providing tuition in a fusion 

of styles comprising jazz/contemporary/ 

classical/musical theatre and hip-hop dance. 

An annual show takes place in June. 

Synergy and Light School 

of Movement and Performance 

Athlone, County Westmeath 

Suzanne Hogan: +353 (0) 86 8677164 

suzi@synergyandlight.com 

www.synergyandlight.com 

Niall O’Connell +353 (0) 86 3123588 

niall@synergyandlight.com 

www.synergyandlight.com 

Synergy & Light School of Movement and 

Performance is a dynamic performance group 

that fuses contemporary dance, Laban dance, 

27



theatre, circus and performance skills to teach 

innovative and creative classes designed 

to empower and ignite the imagination. The 

concept was conceived and developed by 

Professional Artist/Performer Suzanne Hogan 

and Social Care Professional Niall O’Connell, 

who between them share 16 years experience 

delivering fun and unique learning objectives. 

Libraries / Galleries / 

Studios 

Athlone Art Gallery & 

Abbey Road Artists’ Studios 

+ 353 (0) 90 6442130 

info@athloneartandheritage.ie 


Athlone Art Gallery is a new space dedicated 

to showcasing contemporary art for local and 

national audiences. Two impressive gallery 

spaces combined with an architecturally 

unique glass, riverside viewing gallery provide 

a welcome and sophisticated addition to the 

cultural landscape of Athlone. The galleries 

location – across the road from the renovated 

Athlone Castle adds vibrancy to the already 

bustling left bank area of Athlone. The gallery 

provides a varied schedule of programming 

featuring a range of local, national and 

international artists which aims to both excite 

and challenge audiences. 

Abbey Road studios opened in September 

2011 and has since then placed itself firmly on 

the map, as a facility very much at the heart 

of artistic and creative endeavor in Athlone. 

Located in the historic old workhouse building, 

only the artwork visible on the ground and first 

floor windows gives a clue as to the level of 

creative activities, workshops and exhibitions 

going on in the facility. Four individual ground 

floor art studio spaces for rent are occupied 

by artists, crafts people, photographers and 

award winning visual arts graduates. The 

Upstairs@studio5 space is a large space 

available for use by exhibitors, educationalists, 

community groups, local professionals and 

resident artists. 

Athlone Art Gallery and Abbey Road studios 

operate in tandem which each other creating 

pathways for artists to follow a course of 

meaningful progression within their practice. 

The range of educational and outreach 

28



activities of the two venues are devised under 

the custodianship of Athlone Art and Heritage 

which is also responsible for Athlone Castle. 

Details of exhibitions, events, educational 

programmes, opening times, space availability 

and community initiatives - across all these 

facilities can be accessed on the website – 


Aidan Heavey Public Library & Gallery 

Athlone Civic Centre, 


+353 (0)90 644 2157/8/9 

athlib@westmeathcoco.ie 

www.westmeathcoco.ie 

This purpose built library opened in 2004 as part 

of Westmeath County Council Civic Office 

complex on the Mullingar Road and hosts 

regular exhibits. 

Kilbeggan Library & Gallery 

Kilbeggan Library, The Square, Kilbeggan, 


+353 (0)57 9333148 

Killib@westmeathcoco.ie 


Based in the square in the old market house, 

the library hosts regular exhibits. 

The Aidan Heavey Library enjoys a town centre 

location as part of the award winning Civic 

Offices built in 2004 and hosts regular exhibits. 

Castlepollard Library & Gallery 

Castlepollard Library, Civic Offices, Mullingar 

Road, Castlepollard, County Westmeath 

+ 353 (0) 44 9332199 

cpdlib@westmeathcoco.ie 


29



Moate Library & Gallery 

Main Street, Moate, County Westmeath 

+ (0)90 6481888 

moatelib@westmeathcoco.ie 


This community library offers a selection of 

books and audio material for all ages. In 

addition, it offers access to the internet and the 

online catalogue. The library holds a selection 

of community information and local history 

material. The library hosts regular exhibits. 

The Atrium 

Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, 


+353 (0)44 9332140 

arts@westmeathcoco.ie 


The Atrium offers a unique opportunity for 

professional visual artists and community arts 

groups to exhibit their work for free in a vibrant 

and dynamic public space. 

The Garden Art Gallery 

Crowenstown, Delvin, County Westmeath 

+353 (0) 44-9664723 

www.zhibit.org/thegardengallery 

Displaying affordable art in a rustic rural 

setting. 

Mullingar Library & Gallery 

County Buildings, Mount Street, Mullingar, 


+353 (0)44 9332161 

mgarlib@westmeathcoco.ie 


This library enjoys a central town location as 

part of the new County Buildings complex, in 

close proximity to Blackhall car park, the library 

hosts regular exhibits. 

The Platform Gallery 

Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard, 


+353 (0)44 9661159 

tullynallycastle@eircom.net 

www.tullynallycastle.com 

An exhibition space for site specific 

contemporary visual arts or multidisciplinary 

collaborations curated by professional 

practising artists Nicola Lane & Karl Somers. 

30



Craft & Craft Workers 

Danielle Allison Storyteller 

188 River Village, Monksland, 

Athlone, Co Wesmeath 

+353 (0) 87 959 2835 

piperallison@eircom.net 

Danielle tells a wide range of stories, which 

often involve audience participation. Her 

sense of humour, creativity and adaptability 

allow her to relate to audiences of all ages. 

She tells stories at playschools, libraries, schools, 

camps, festivals and private functions. She 

brings you some of her favourite tales of the 

magical bananas, hungry cats, feasts and 

children. Join her as she transports you to 

places near and far with stories that are funny, 

serious, wise and interactive... all at once. Not 

to be missed! Come share Danielle’s world of 

lively village characters, the cranky witch who 

lives at the edge of the hill, and the eccentric 

king who lives on top of the hill in his castle. 

Danielle’s interactive and mimed stories bring 

you there. You meet wonderful friendly animals 

there too; who cause the characters some 

problems. From riddles and rhymes to magical 

tales of imagination there is something for 

everyone to listen and enjoy. 

Athlone Arts Group 

C/o Mary Burrows, 

The Beeches, Coosan, Athlone. 

+353 (0)872118177 

maryburrows@vodafone.ie 

The Athlone Arts Group. A group of artists 

who meet and paint collectively and exhibit 

annually. 

Ballinahown Irish Designer Craft Village 

Ballinahown, County Westmeath 

+353 (0)90 643022 / 30405 

www.corecrafteddesign.com 

Visiting Core Crafted Design is a unique 

experience in itself. The aroma of freshly ground 

coffee, and the temptation of locally baked 

artisan food from the Core café is tempting 

as one browses the extensive range of locally 

produced crafts, including ceramics, jewellery, 

paintings, glasswork, paper, woodwork, 

textiles, and metalwork. The attention to detail 

is evident throughout the outlet, down to the 

beautifully presented gift wrapping, to ensure 

that as you leave you can be confident in your 

purchase of a beautifully hand crafted piece 

of designer work. 

31



Bog Buddies 

4 Bastion St. Athlone, County Westmeath 

+ 353 ( 0) 90 64 94 954 

bogbuddies@gmail.com 

www.bogbuddies.com 

Fun and unique framed gifts hand made form 

real Irish Bog. Personalised gifts for weddings, 

engagements and special occasions! 

Corporate inquiries welcome. 

Catherine Rock 

Hillquarter, Coosan, 


+353 (0) 906474890 

catherinemrock@gmail.com 

Catherine is an artist working in the medium of 

oils and mixed media. 

Babylons Inferno 

3 Cionn Torc, 

Castlepollard, County Westmeath. 

+353 (0) 871159339 

rivendellcoven@gmail.com 

Westmeath based fire dancing troop with a 

decade experience in fire dancing. 

32



Celtic Roots Bog Wood Studio 

The Old Schoolhouse, Ballinahown, Athlone, 


+353 (0)90 6430404 | info@celticroots.ie 

www.celticroots.ie 

The carvings created in the Celtic Roots studio 

draw on the attractive, credible and relevant 

aspects of Ireland, in particular the midlands of 

Ireland, its people and their culture to develop 

a distinctive personality for the work. 

Clonmacnoise Pottery 

Kilgargin, Fardrum, County Westmeath 

+353 (0)90 6430379 

Being based near the historic site of 

Clonmacnoise provides inspiration for Damian 

O’Brien. His deep connection with the history 

of Westmeath influences the earthly organic 

shapes of his mainly salt glazed and wood 

fired wares. 

Glasson Arts and Crafts Centre 

Main St, Glasson, County Westmeath 

+353 (0)90 6439815 

Glasson Arts & Crafts Centre offers pottery, arts 

and craft workshops. Courses are available 

for people with special needs and music 

lessons can be arranged. Please telephone in 

advance. 

Made in Westmeath 

www.madeinwestmeath.ie 

Made in Westmeath’ – an 

exciting new initiative which 

profiles innovative and quality 

craft in Westmeath. Presenting 

new collections of jewellery, 

textiles, handbags, wood 

products, soaps, fashion, felt 

works, millinery, bog oak, and 

much more. A selection of hand 

made craft is available in Mount 

St., Mullingar. 

33



Genesis Fine Arts Ltd., 

Mullingar Business Park, 

Mullingar, County Westmeath, 

+353 (0)44 9344948 

sales@genesisireland.com 

www.genesisireland.com 

Bringing the art of sculpture to life, the Genesis 

Fine Arts range of products brings gallery 

quality into the home. 

that exudes sophistication and cutting edge 

style. Sharleen’s designs are modern yet 

echo classic themes and are guaranteed 

to be a timeless, highly covetable addition 

to an eye-catching wardrobe. The carefully 

chosen fabrics are rich, luxurious and 

individually sourced from multiple suppliers. 

The craftsmanship, tailoring and attention to 

detail she brings to the manufacture of her 

garments are impeccable. 

Mullingar Pewter 


+353 (0)44 93 48791 | info@mullingarpewter. 

com | www.mullingarpewter.com 

The craft of pewter making was revived in 

Ireland by Mullingar Pewter. Each piece is 

still made in the traditional way by skilled 

craftspeople, specially trained in traditional 

casting methods and delicate hand finishing. 

Sharleen McCaffrey 

98A Sean Costello Street, 

Irishtown, Athlone, County Westmeath 

+353 (0)863911128 

www.sharleenmccaffrey.ie 

designsharleen@gmail.com 

Emma Noonan Designs 

+ 353 (0) 872061515 

emma-noonan@hotmail.com 

Emma Noonan is a Textile Artist and Designer. 

Her work and practice is based around Textile 

digital printing, freestyle embroidery and 

handmade paper with embellishments. She 

likes to create pieces of textile artwork using 

projected images and a collection of mixed 

medias i.e. paper, inks, fabric dye, minor 

foam (expandex for screen printing), silk 

rayon treads and wire. Emma creates artwork 

that can be developed into digitally printed 

fabrics, for ladies fashion accessories or interior 

decoration. 

Sharleen’s label caters for the style conscious 

lady who desires exceptional quality clothing 

but at a reasonable price. Every garment is 

specifically designed for the client and is a 

once-off piece. Women who are frustrated 

at not being able to find an item with a wow 

factor in any boutique can indulge their style 

fantasies by commissioning a unique design 

34



The Glasson Craft Gallery 

Glasson village, Athlone, County Westmeath. 

+ 353 (0) 906439760 | info@glassoncraft.ie 

www.glassoncraft.ie 

Situated in the centre of the picturesque 

Glasson village, ‘village of the roses’ and next 

to Grogans famous pub is the Glasson Craft 

Gallery. The Gallery plays host to an eclectic 

mix of genuine Irish homemade craft and 

original art. Behind the narrow shopfront you 

can browse the constantly varying collection 

of ceramics, glassware, textiles, jewelery, 

woodcraft, artisan foods and much more 

and learn about the local makers and their 

crafts. The shop houses a small art gallery 

with an excellent picture framing facility 

where paintings and photographic prints can 

be admired and indeed purchased. Guest 

artist exhibitions are a feature of the Gallery. 

Glasson village, close to the shores of Lough 

Ree has become a’ foodies’ hub where you 

will be spoilt for choice in the many award 

winning restaurants both in the village and in 

the close locality. 

Wood B Designs 

Seán Costello St, Athlone, 


+353 (0)90 6477468 

brendan_dunne@woodbdesigns.com 

www.woodbdesigns.com 

Brendan Dunne along with his partner Paula 

started the Wood B Designs business in January 

2002. They produce high quality unique designs 

from Irish hardwood. 








35

MidlandsIreland.ie 

MidlandsIreland.ie 

Bridge Centre, Bridge Street 


+ 353 (0) 57 93 52996/7 

E: info@midlandsireland.ie 

www.midlandsireland.ie 

Bridge Centre, Bridge Street 


T: + 353 (0) 57 93 52996/7 

E: info@midlandsireland.ie 

www.midlandsireland.ie

5. Creative Community Midland Region.pdf - MidlandsIreland.ie

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5. Creative Community Midland Region.pdf - MidlandsIreland.ie

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

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