Mullingar An Muileann gCearr, meaning “the left-handed mill” is the county town of County Westmeath in Ireland. It is the 3rd most populous town in the midlands region with a population of 20,928 in the 2016 census.
The Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act (Henry VIII 34) of 1543, proclaimed Westmeath (which then included Longford which separated in 1586) a county, separating it from Meath. Mullingar became the administrative centre for County Westmeath. The town was originally named Maelblatha, and takes its modern name from a mill noted in the legend of Colman of Mullingar.
Traditionally a market town serving the large agricultural hinterland, Mullingar remains a significant commercial location. It had a tradition of cattle-trading until 2003, when its cattle market was closed for development of a mixed commercial and residential scheme called Market Point. However in 2014 the local County Council have allowed an annual Christmas Market to take place on Mount Street.
Mullingar is famous for the neighbouring lakes, Lough Owel, Lough Ennell and Lough Derravaragh, which attract many anglers. Lough Derravaragh is also known for its connection with the Irish legend of the Children of Lir. The town of Mullingar is linked to Lough Ennell via Lacy’s Canal and the River Brosna. Another waterway of significance is the Royal Canal, which loops around Mullingar.
Among Mullingar’s major exports are items of pewterware produced by Mullingar Pewter. Also associated with Mullingar is Genesis Fine Art, which produces gift items. The “Pilgrims” sculpture on Mullingar’s Austin Friars Street, at which location there once stood an Augustinian Friary, was crafted by Genesis on foot of a commission by the Mullingar chapter of Soroptimists International.
Two print newspapers serve the community: the Westmeath Examiner and the Westmeath Topic together with a blog, Mullingar News and Views.
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Latest News
Livestream will show Sunday’s ordination of Castletown Geoghegan man as bishop
Starting at 3pm, the Ordination Mass will be livestreamed on www.stmaryscathedral.ie
Dermot Farrell as Bishop of Ossory on 3 January 2018. The Diocese of Ossory includes most of Co Kilkenny and portions of Laois and Offaly.
The Chief Ordaining Prelate will be Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, who will be assisted by His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, and Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath.
Father Dan Cavanagh PP Rosbercon, will read the Gospel.
The Apostolic Mandate from His Holiness Pope Francis will be read by Monsignor Michael Ryan, Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.
Father Roderick Whearty PP of Saint Patrick’s Parish, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Ordination Mass.
Cardinal Séan Brady, Archbishop Emeritus of Armagh will preside at the Mass.
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Upcoming Events in Mullingar
Above is a list of upcoming events in and around Mullingar. Simply click on the event to find out more information.Do you have an event that you’d like to add here? Concerts, plays & musicals, charity events, sports events, festivals, markets…we’d love to have your event here on Mullingar.ie.
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Locations in Mullingar
Old Rail Trail
Mullingar – Athlone
Royal Canal
Dublin – Mullingar
Market House
Centre of the town
The Mullingar Mosque
Lough Sheevers Industrial Park
Famous people from Mullingar
Niall Horan
Niall James Horan born 13 September 1993) is an Irish singer and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the boy band One Direction. In 2010, Horan auditioned as a solo artist for British televised singing competition The X Factor. After being eliminated as a solo performer, Horan joined four other contestants to form One Direction. The band has released five commercially successful albums, performed on four worldwide tours, and won a number of awards.
The Academic
Formed in 2013, Mullingar band ‘The Academic’ are the next big thing in Indie Rock. Consisting of Craig Fitzgerald, Dean Gavin, Matt Murtagh and Stephen Murtagh, the band have been garnering a lot of attention with singles such as ‘Different’, ‘Bear Claws’ and ‘Mixtape 2003’. They have toured the world and played sold out shows in big venues such as Vicar Street. They are set to have a big year in 2018, playing a concert in Iveagh Gardens and releasing their debut studio album ‘Tales From The Backseat’. Needless to say, the future is bright for the young Mullingar rockers.
Niall Breslin
Niall Breslin (born 22 October 1980), known as Bressie, is an Irish musician and former Westmeath Gaelic footballer and Leinster Rugby player. Breslin found success as the lead singer, guitarist and songwriter with pop band The Blizzards, as a co-writer and producer with XIX Entertainment and as a solo artist. He was the winning coach on the first and third seasons of The Voice of Ireland.
Joe Dolan
Joseph Francis Robert “Joe” Dolan (16 October 1939 – 26 December 2007), otherwise known as Boots, was an Irish entertainer, recording artist, and pop singer. Chiefly known in Ireland for his association with showbands and for his innovative style and high pitched singing voice, he had a wide appeal with many international fans. His energetic and charismatic stage performances were well known as was his long standing advertising slogan: “There’s no show like a Joe show”.
Where to stay in Mullingar
Park Hotel
The 4 Star Mullingar Park Hotel has earned a strong reputation as one of the leading hotels in Westmeath. Situated on the outskirts of Mullingar town in County Westmeath. Located just off exit 15 on the N4, Dublin to Sligo road, less than an hour from Dublin. It is easily accessible with free Wi-Fi and car parking. This contemporary designed 4 star hotel is elegantly decorated, tastefully furnished and fully equipped to international standards. It boasts 95 guest bedrooms, award winning terrace restaurant, horseshoe bar & courtyard lounge overlooking private landscaped gardens.
Annebrook House Hotel
Situated in the heart of Mullingar overlooking 10 acres of parkland, the Award Winning 4 star Annebrook House Hotel presents a modern day styling coupled with 17th century heritage. As a family run hotel the Annebrook prides itself on quality and high standards of customer service, working as part of one team to ensure all guests of their best and personal attention at all times. Annebrook House Hotel is steeped in history and enjoys the enviable advantage of being one of the most centrally located hotels in Mullingar town.
The Greville Arms Hotel
The Greville Arms Hotel is a hotel located in the centre of Mullingar, Ireland. In 1868, Lord Greville leased a right of way to the War Minister for 10,000,000 years – the longest lease in the world. In 1858, Lord Greville had purchased the town, and his family remained landlords until the 1920s. The hotel, which was Lord Greville’s home, was built circa 1869.The Greville Arms Hotel in Mullingar is one of the few surviving Irish hotels known to James Joyce a nd mentioned by him in his writings.
Bloomfield Hotel
Located less than an hours drive from Dublin city, Bloomfield Four Star Hotel is one of the crown jewel hotels of Mullingar. With a lengthy experience in hosting weddings, Bloomfield hotel is a very renowned building and is a very well received getaway for anyone hoping for a break. Bloomfield also hosts a spa and a leisure club consisting of a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a gym. Neighbouring both Belvedere House & Gardens and Mullingar Golf Club, you will never get bored during your stay.
How to get to Mullingar
Coming from Dublin direction or from Sligo, Mullingar couldn’t be easier to get to! The town is served by 3 motorway exits number 15, 16 and 17. Located at exit 15 is Lakepoint retail park, Located at exit 16 is Mullingar Park Hotel, this is an ideal exit to take if you are heading into the centre of Mullingar. Exit 17 will lead you onto the C-link road which is a ring road around Mullingar.
Click here for Directions to Mullingar, This link uses google maps
Mullingar is also served by the hourly trains in each direction coming from Sligo to Dublin or Dublin to Sligo this is a fantastic and quick way to get into the centre of Mullingar.