Festivals in Westmeath 2008:

Arts venues around County Westmeath include:
Mullingar Arts Centre, Belvedere House, Gardens
& Park, Tuar Ard, Moate, Dean Crowe Theatre
and Arts Centre, Athlone, Dun na Si Heritage
Centre, Moate, Midlands Arts, Old National School
Kinnegad and Ritz Gallery Castle St., Mullingar.

Throughout the Summer Season there will be
small festivals, fairs and field days taking
place around the county. Details of these along
with information on plays, concerts, exhibitions,
cinema listings, live bands and traditional music
and ceilis can be found in the local press. Check
locally for fixture times and venue of local GAA
football and hurling matches. Local newspapers
which service the county include Westmeath
Examiner, Westmeath Independent, The Topic,
Mullingar Advertiser, Athlone Topic, Athlone
Advertiser, Athlone Voice and Mullingar Life.

Select month to see what is on.

January February March April May June July August September October November December

YEAR ROUND EVENTS Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Belvedere House, Gardens & Park is open year round. As well as the events listed, many activities such as Nature Rambles and Bat Walks take place over the summer months as well as dog shows and dog agility displays Contact: Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Tullamore Rd., Mullingar Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie Farmers’ Markets and Country Markets selling local homemade and homegrown produce take place regularly in the towns and villages in Westmeath. Mullingar Farmers’ Market takes place every Sunday, trading from 10.30 am in Penney’s Car Park, Mullingar Fresh produce is sold on a seasonal basis and includes fish, meat, free range eggs, homemade bread and cakes, organic cheese, yogurt, fruit & veg. herbs, flowers, honey and more! Contact: Kevin Harmon Tel: 044 96661864 Athlone Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday 10 am – 2 pm, Market Square near Athlone Castle Organic fruit and veg. homemade bread and cakes, cheese and olives and fresh fish. Contact: Andrew McGuinness Tel: 086 8844938 Moate Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday 10 am- 2pm In the grounds of the Castle, Main St., Moate Home cooking, jams, cakes, breads, fruit and veg, cheese and honey on sale Contact: Ethel Mitchell Tel: 086 1717727 Angling & Shooting Events Ongoing competitions on Midland Lakes, Game & Coarse fishing For details of these and shooting events in the are, contact:Michael Flanagan Tel: 087 279 7270 Email: mick@midlandangling.com Also visit www.shannon-fishery-board.ie Mullingar Greyhound Racing Thrilling dog racing action every Thursday and Saturday night. Additional Friday nights in December. Contact Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, Ballinderry, Mullingar Tel: 044 9348348/087 2296517 Email: mgrtrack@indigo.ie Castle Barna Golf Club Open Senior every Tuesday all year round Tel: 057 9353384 Email:info@castlebarna.ie Boherquill Ramblers Guided walks take place all year round except the month of August. Walks are both in the local area and surrounding counties aswell as away trips. For more information contact: Brian Nerney 086 2596656 Patricia Bruton 087 9812801 Email bnerney@02.ie January top

February top

March Athlone Musical Society, Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone Present Sweeny Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street March 1st to 8th 2008 performances nightly at 8.00 pm Contact Dean Crowe Theatre on 090-6492129 Book online at www.deancrowetheatre.com St. Patrick’s Day Parades in Westmeath - Cead Mile Failte Celebrate the Irish national holiday with a feast of entertainment around the county - colourful parades, lively music and dancing! “Come and join the fun” ! Beidh ceoil agus craic ann! Athlone St. Patrick's Day Parade Come and enjoy a street festival in Athlone where the colourful floats, bands and clowns will entertain both young and old. Monday 17th Parade starting at 2.30pm For further information contact 090 64 94555 Castlepollard Monday 17th March 5.30 pm Contact: Declan Coffey 087 9973084 Moate Monday 17th March 4.00 pm Contact: Kelly 086 3429705 Mullingar Monday 17th March 4.00 pm Contact: info@mullingarparade.ie contact Frances Guckian (Chairperson) on 044 9340664 Fergus Hilliard (P.R.O) on 087 2541374. Visit www.mullingarparade.ie Delvin Parade Sunday 16th March at 3 pm Contact: John McCormack 044 9664124 St. Patrick’s Day Events at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Tullamore Rd., Mullingar Traditional Music and dancing- Ceili Mor Sunday 16th March 1 pm Comhltas Ceoltoiri Eireann ( traditional musicians) 2 pm Scoil Rince Breffni Irish Dancing Exhibition 3 pm Straw Boys & the Bun Brosna Set Dancers Half Price admission all day Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie Golf - Fourball Competition Fundraising Event for South Westmeath Hospice on St Patrick’s Day, Monday 17th March. Fourball Competition – 200 euro per Team, to include a Meal. Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 09064 85120 info@glassongolf.ie Glendeer Pet Farm, Drum Athlone Opens March 17th for the summer season! Opening times Monday to Saturday 11 am - 6 pm and Sunday 12 noon – 6 pm Tel 090 6437147 Email phil@glendeer.com Umbrella Studios Childrens’ Easter Workshops Wednesday 19th March and Thursday 20th March Information contact: Martina Cassidy 087 9924234 umbrellastudio@hotmail.com Venue: Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Tullamore Rd., Mullingar Equestrian - Hunter Trials Mullingar Equestrian Centre March 21st Friday . Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com Golf - Easter Open Competition Good Friday – 21st March. Open Fourball – Entry 40 euro. Golf, Dinner B & B packages from 135 euro pp sharing. Easter Saturday – 22nd March. Open Fourball – Entry 35 euro. Golf, Dinner B & B packages from 135 euro pp sharing. Reduced Green Fees on Easter Sunday & Easter Monday Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 09064 85120 info@glassongolf.ie Glendeer Pet Farm, Drum Athlone Easter Egg Hunts! Easter Saturday 22, Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March at 3 pm Opening times Monday to Saturday 11 am - 6 pm and Sunday 12 noon – 6 pm Tel 090 6437147 Email phil@glendeer.com Easter at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Easter Sunday 23rd and Easter Monday 24th March Monster Easter Egg Hunts on the Estate Thousands of eggs to be found Starts at 12 midday each day. It is advisable to be on site from 11.30 am Trails for different age groups. Meet the Belvedere Easter Bunny. Laser Tag (outdoor battlefield pursuit game) demonstrations each day Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie   top

April New Archaeological Exhibition at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Mullingar Hidden Landscape: Finding the Medieval Kingdom of Midhe A major new archaeological exhibition from NRA highlighting the materials discovered from completion of new road network in this area. Discover how people lived, worked and died in the past. Exhibition continues to September. Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie Co-Motion Youth Film Festival presented Thursday 17th & Friday 18th April in audio visual theatre Belvedere House and Gardens Mullingar Contact artmedia@iol.ie Jealous Wall Duathlon 2008 at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Mullingar Saturday 19th April Run 5km, Bike 20km, Run 2.5km Contact race@midlandtriclub.net Belvedere Bat Talks & Walks Saturday 19th April Bat Walk with Bat Conservation Ireland Come along for one of the most interesting and evenings you will ever spend. Bats…. Are they really flying mice? will they get caught in you hair? Are they more evolved than humans?... find out at one of Belvedere’s most popular events, in association with Bat Conservation Ireland, illustrated Talk followed by a Guided walk of Belvedere Parkland, using bat detectors to locate these amazing mammals, listen to their communication. This is a weather dependent event, for further details and confirmation of times (1 hour before dusk) contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Torch, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Equestrian - Guidam Grand Prix League for Grade 'A' Showjumpers Mullingar Equestrian Centre April 20th Saturday. Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com Mullingar Sailing Club Fireball training weekend – Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April approx 30 boats (60 crew) Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, 044 9342058 Email: milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie Castle Barna Golf Club Open Week Sunday 27th April – Sunday May 4th Open singles stableford, seniors, ladies, 3 person scramble, fourball and mixed Scotch foursomes Tel: 057 9353384 Email: info@castlebarna.ie top

May Kilbeggan Horse Races Saturday 3rd May First Race at 5.30 pm Saturday 17th May First Race at 6.00 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Tel:00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com All Ireland Drama Festival All Ireland Drama Festival Dean Crowe Theatre Athlone May 2nd – May 10th inclusive Contact: Harry Smith 93 Retreat Park, Athlone 090-6474596 Mullingar Road League at Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Run Walk…. have fun ! 5km run and fun run/walk Each Wednesday night in May at Belvedere at 8.00 pm. Commencing on Wed 7th Commencing at 8.00 pm each night Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie Mullingar Sailing Club Fireball Leinster Championship Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May approx 40 boats (80 crew) Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, Tel: 044 9342058 Email: milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie Boherquill Ramblers Walking Festival Friday 9th, Sat 10th, and Sun 11th May Short walk on Friday evening. There will be a choice of walks on Saturday and Sunday with one to suit all! Entertainment locally all weekend. Information on accommodation available on request Tel: 086 2596656 or 087 9937533 Email: bnerney@02.ie Rover Enthusiasts Club of Ireland, Killucan Branch Sunday 11th May See all makes of vintage and classic cars, trucks, tractors, vans & motorcycles. Thomastown, on the banks of the Royal Canal, Killucan (opposite Nanny Quinn's Pub) Contact: Maureen Cole Pat McLoughlin Vibrate Dance Festival Contemporary Dance Festival for Roscommon and Westmeath May 16th/17th & 18th - Various locations in and around Roscommon town. Contact: Arts Officer, Westmeath County Council Tel: 044-9340781 Email: arts@westmeathcoco.ie Belvedere Bat Talk and Walk Saturday 17th May Bat Walk with Bat Conservation Ireland Tel: 044 9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.com Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar National Dawn Chorus & Guided Bird Walks at Belvedere Sunday 18th May 2008 Join with Bird Watch Ireland's National Dawn Chorus events at Belvedere Sunday 18th May 2008 at 4am. A once in a life time experience to experience the dawn chorus with Alex Copland from Bird Watch Ireland to guide you through the dawn chorus,identifying the bird calls and interpretation of them. If 4-am seems a bit early, why not join in our guided bird walks of Belvedere estate at 2pm on the following dates: Sunday 8th June, Sunday 13th July & Sunday 17th August 2008. Please check dates and times before travelling, Tel: 044-9349060 Email:info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Nature Rambles at Belvedere Saturday 24th May 2008 Join with Education officer or Conservation Officer from National Parks and Wildlife Service, for a guided walk of Belvedere grounds, exploring the habitats and diverse wildlife, fauna & flora Belvedere has to offer. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. Tel: 044-9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Athlone Golf Club Open Week Sunday 25th May - Bank Holiday Monday 2nd June Tel: 09064 92073 Email: athlonegolfclub@eircom.net Mullingar Sailing Club Defence Forces Sailing course Saturday 24th - Friday 30th May Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, Tel:044 9342058 Email: milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie 24th Annual Goldsmith Summer School Friday 30th May – Sunday 1st June 2007 This is the longest running literary festival in the Midlands and the third oldest nationally. Theme for 2008 : Goldsmith and the Media Talks and panel discussions on Goldsmith the Journalist, his years in London and on Irish Media. A Literary Tour will also take place. Annual National Adults and Childrens' Poetry Competition. Contact: Anne Tully(Secretary) Tel: 043 71448 Mobile: 087 9236983 Belvedere Fire & Rescue Show Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st & Monday 2nd June 2008 Belvedere House in association with Fire Service Trust Present The Belvedere Fire and Rescue Show, over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Meet the Emergency Services Personnel as they carry out Demonstrations of their Skill and Bravery. Sixty Vintage Fire Units will be joined by Army,Water Rescue, Civil Defence, Ambulance, Gardai and Sub Aqua. Seminars and Guidance on all aspects of Safety including Road Safety and Driving Skills. For enthusiastic of all ages, a brilliant weekend of trucks, bells, water and whistles. This is not to be missed! Admission: Adults €10, Children Free Free Car Parking Tel: 044-9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Equestrian - International Horse Show. Mullingar Equestrian Centre Whit W/E Sat May 31st, Sun. June 1st & Mon 2nd Sat, Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com top

June Kilbeggan Horse Races Sunday 1st June First Race at 2.30 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Phone: 00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com Mullingar Sailing Club Defence Forces Sailing course Sunday 1st – Friday 6th June and Saturday 7th - Friday 13th June Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, Tel: 044 9342058 Email: milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie Midlands Home & Garden Show at Belvedere Friday 6th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June 2008 The second Midlands Garden Festival will take place in splendid Belvedere House Gardens & Park. A fantastic array of Garden and Home equipment with over 300 exhibitors, Continental Market, Organic Food Village,Dog Agility and Bee Keeping displays, Seminars and Victorian FunFAir for Children. Admission, Adults €10, Children Free, Free Car Parking Tel: 044-9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Guided Bird Walks with Bird Watch Ireland at Belvedere Sunday 8th June 2008 Join with Bird Watch Ireland's guided bird walk of Belvedere estate. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. Tel: 044-9349060 Email:info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Nature Rambles at Belvedere Saturday 14th June 2008 Join with Education officer or Conservation Officer from National Parks and Wildlife Service, for a guided walk of Belvedere grounds, exploring the habitats and diverse wildlife, fauna & flora Belvedere has too offer. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Belvedere Bat Talks & Walks Saturday 14th June 2008 Come along for one of the most interesting evenings you will ever spend. Bats…. Are they really flying mice? will they get caught in you hair? Are they more evolved than humans?….. Find out at one of Belvedere's most popular events, in association with Bat Conservation Ireland, illustrated Talk followed by a Guided walk of Belvedere Parkland, using bat detectors to locate these amazing mammals, listen to their communications… This is a weather dependent event. For further details and confirmation of times (1 hour before dusk) contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Torch, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Equestrian - Belfast Qualifier Saturday June 14th Mullingar Equestrian Centre Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com Kilbeggan Horse Races Monday 23rd June First Race at 6.00 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican, The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Phone:00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com Equestrian - Pony, Young Rider Show RDS Qualifier Ponies, Young Rider Sat 28th Fri 27th, Sat. 28th, Sun. 29th June Mullingar Equestrian Centre Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com Catch the Narnia Express for a Knight to Remember Saturday 28th June 2008 To celebrate the Launch of the second Narnia Movie: Prince Caspian, from Walden Media and Disney Pictures. Travel in the footsteps of the Pevensie children as they are called back to Narnia. Belvedere House is running a Steam Train from Connolly Station Dublin to Mullingar on the morning of Saturday 28th June, See the Movie and then visit Real Life Narnia on Belvedere estate following the Narnia Trail and then Attend King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table that evening. Tickets including Train, Transfers, Cinema, Garden Theatre and Overnight Accommodation available from Belvedere Box Office from April on (044) 9349060. Tickets for local Excursion on Steam Train from Mullingar to Enfield and back on Saturday 28th June available separately from Belvedere Box Office on (044) 9349060. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table Saturday 28th June 2008 A Knight to Remember…… Coinciding with the release of the second Narnia movie: Prince Caspian out June 27th, enjoy some medieval frolics with Chapter House Productions presentation of King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table on Belvedere House Lawn. Gates open at 6pm Bring your own picnic and low back seating, Show starts 7.30 pm. Tickets on Belvedere Box Office (044) 9349060. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Athlone Golf Club Senior Scratch Cup Sunday 29th June Tel: 09064 92073 Email: info@athlonegolfclub@eircom.net Castle Barna Golf Club Open Fourball Mens Sunday 29th June Tel: 057 9353384 Email:info@castlebarna.ie Golf - June Open Day Monday 30th June Open Fourball @ 35 euro Golf, Dinner B & B packages from 120 euro pp sharing. Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 09064 85120 info@glassongolf.ie top

July Nature Rambles at Belvedere Saturday 5th July 2008 Join with Education officer or Conservation Officer from National Parks and Wildlife Service, for a guided walk of Belvedere grounds, exploring the habitats and diverse wildlife, fauna & flora Belvedere has too offer. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Tri-To-Beat-Cancer Triathlon Saturday July 5th Belvedere House hosts the 2008 Tri-to-Beat-Cancer Triathlon. To enter log on to: www.tritobeatcancer.com Free entry to support all athletes 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Golf - July Lady's Open Day Monday 7th July. Open Fourball @ 35 euro Golf, Dinner B & B packages from 120 euro pp sharing. Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 090 6485120 info@glassongolf.ie Mullingar Show Sunday 13th July Contact David Couper on 044 9223114 Email: coupers@iol.ie Triathlone Sat 12th July Trifest 9th – 13th July Fun packed festival, from Wednesday 9th July through to July 13th inclusive in Athlone town. Waterways Ireland triAthlone Event Ireland's biggest triathlon! Saturday 12th July This is the 1st time Ireland will host the European Championships, in what will be the biggest sporting event ever held in the Midland's of Ireland The Waterways Ireland triAthlone Race takes place on Saturday, July 12th 2008 in Athlone. For more details visit www.triathlone.com We have lots of childrens, family and sporting events throughout the week. For more information please visit www.trifest.net Email: karen@triathlone.com or phone Dermot on 0863872348 Streete Parish Festival Weekend Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July 2007 Streete Parish Park, via Rathowen off N4 at Rathowen Church(midway between Mullingar & Longford) Vintage Day Sunday 13th July Vintage cars, tractors, motor bikes, stationary engines and much more. Outdoor bandstand and live music. Demonstrations, displays, crafts and competitions etc! Enquiries to: Brian Nerney 086 2596656 Gretta Duffy 087 9123231 John White 086 0604042 Email: bnerney@02.ie Dates: Mon 07.Jul.2008 to Sun 13.Jul.2008 Guided Bird Walks with Bird Watch Ireland at Belvedere Sunday 13th July 2008 Join with Bird Watch Ireland's guided bird walk of Belvedere estate. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Golf - July Open Day Monday 14th July. Open Fourball @ 35 euro . Golf, Dinner B & B packages from 120 euro pp sharing. Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 09064 85120 info@glassongolf.ie Kilbeggan Horse Races Friday 18th July First Race at 6.00 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Phone:00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com Light's Out - Children's Film Festival Tuar Ard, Moate Friday 18th and Saturday 19th of July 2008 Tel: 090-6482042 Equestrian - Dingoes Final Sat. 20th July Mullingar Equestrian Centre Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com Athlone Golf Club Lough Ree Festival of Golf 27th July - 4th August Tel: 09064 92073 Email: info@athlonegolfclub@eircom.net Golf - European Challenge tour Returns to Glasson Visitors and Pro-Am Teams welcome. Pro-Am on Monday 28th July Tournament to run from: Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August. Come and see Europe's next generation of superstars in action! Glasson Golf Hotel, Glasson, Athlone 09064 85120 info@glassongolf.ie Mullingar Sailing Club Mirror Regatta – dates to be decided Approx 40 boats – 80 crew + parents Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, 044 9342058 milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie top

August Athlone Golf Club Interprovincial Championships 6th, 7th & 8th August Tel: 09064 92073 Email: info@athlonegolfclub@eircom.net Kilbeggan Horse Races Saturday 9th Aug First Race at 5.30 pm Friday 22nd Aug First Race at 5.00 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Phone:00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com Ron Ranson Watercolour Workshops at Belvedere 11th until 24th August 2008 Belvedere House are delighted to have internationally renowned watercolour artist Ron Ranson return to give a series of four watercolour workshops in the beautiful settings of the house and gardens. Ron Ranson is one of the world's most travelled watercolour teachers, giving workshops and private tuition to students on every continent for many years. He has tutored watercolour enthusiasts, from absolute beginners to the more advanced, and has helped them turn blank pages into magical paintings with a few key colours and swift brushstrokes. His style is impressionistic yet traditionalist and his work is renowned for its purity of design and clear, transparent colours. Ron Ranson is author of over twenty-five art books, writes articles for art magazines in England, Holland, Norway and Australia, and has been the European editor of the prestigious publication, the International Artist. Four Big Brush Ron Ranson Watercolour Workshops will take placein Belvedere House during August 2008 · Course 1: Mon 11 – Wed 13 August · Course 2: Fri 15 – Sun 17 August · Course 3: Mon 18 – Wed 20 August · Course 4: Fri 22 – Sun 24 August. The course fee of €750 per person includes tuition, food, accommodation and a cultural evening. For bookings and further information contact Belvedere House on +353 (0)44 9349060 or info@belvedere-house.ie. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Mullingar Pre-booking advised particularly for weekend courses. Book early for preferred courses. Royal Canal Festival Friday 15th - Mon 18th August A great weekend of activities & entertainment for all the family. Coolnahay, Ballynacargy & Abbeyshrule Canal Gala. Contact: Watson Mills Tel: 044 9373108 Tom Shanley Tel: 044 9373132 Guided Bird Walks with Bird Watch Ireland at Belvedere Sunday 17th August 2008 Join with Bird Watch Ireland's guided bird walk of Belvedere estate. Walk starts at 2pm finishing approx 4pm. For further details and confirmation contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Please note that this event is weather dependent, please check dates and times before travelling, warm clothing and practical footwear advised 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar Moate Agricultural Show Saturday 23rd August 2008 Superb show hosting 4 All Ireland Finals : Fillie Foal, Brood Mare & Foal, Dog Championship and also Festive Cook of the Year. Showing classes for poultry, cattle, horse, sheep, home industries, flowers,photography,art. Dog shows & Showjumping. Contact: Reggie Mitchell Tel: 086 3041089 Angela Jordan: Tel: 090 6481318 Belvedere Bat Talks & Walks at Belvedere Saturday 23rd August 2008 Come along for one of the most interesting evenings you will ever spend. Bats…. Are they really flying mice? will they get caught in you hair? Are they more evolved than humans?….. Find out at one of Belvedere's most popular events, in association with Bat Conservation Ireland, illustrated Talk followed by a Guided walk of Belvedere Parkland, using bat detectors to locate these amazing mammals, listen to their communication. This is a weather dependent event, for further details and confirmation of times (1 hour before dusk) contact Belvedere on 044-9349060. Torch, warm clothing and practical footwear advised. 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar top

September Athlone Literary Festival 2008 Date to be confirmed Contact: Siobhan Bigley, Athlone Chamber of Commerce Tel: 090 6473173 or email: literaryathlone@gmail.com Kilbeggan Horse Races Friday 5th Sept First Race at 4.30 pm Mr. Paddy Dunican The Racecourse, Kilbeggan, Phone:00353 57 93-32176 E-mail: info@kilbegganraces.com Castle Barna Golf Club Open Fourball Mens Sunday 14th September Tel:     057 9353384 Email: info@castlebarna.ie Mullingar Sailing Club GP 14 Autumn Open Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September approx 40 boats – 80 crew Kieran Milner, Mullingar Sailing Club, Lough Owel, Tel: 044 9342058 Email: milnerk@gofree.indigo.ie Equestrian - Autumn Grand Prix Sat 27th & Sunday 28th September Mullingar Equestrian Centre Tel: 044 9348331 Email: info@mullingarequestrian.com top

October Castle Barna Golf Club Single Stableford – Open Sunday 12th October Open Fourball (Any combination) Sunday 19th October Open Mixed Hamper (Mixed Two Ball Scramble) Friday 31st October Tel: 057 9353384 Email: info@castlebarna.ie Children's Book Festival October 20th to Nov 7th 2008 Contact: Arts Officer, Westmeath County Council Tel: 044-9340781 Email: arts@westmeathcoco.ie Halloween at Belvedere For details of activities and events contact: 044-9349060 info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar   top

November Castle Barna Golf Club Open Mixed Hamper (Mixed Two Ball Scramble) Saturday 1st November Tel:     057 9353384 Email: info@castlebarna.ie Irelands Lapland at Glendeer Pet Farm, Drum Athlone Arrival of Santa Claus on Sat 29th November at 5 pm until Tuesday 23rd December Opening times: Monday - Friday 5pm - 8 pm . Saturday and Sunday 3 pm – 8 pm Tel: 090 6437147 Email: phil@glendeer.com Westmeath Craft Trail www.westmeathdesigners.com During November and December be sure to check out the local artists and craftspeople on the craft trail for beautiful Christmas gifts. All of the craftspeople create unique pieces which are ideal for that special Christmas gift! top

December Christmas at Belvedere For details of activities and events contact: Tel: 044-9349060 Email: info@belvedere-house.com. Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar top