September 2006 - Algarve - Portugal - Neils Travel WebSeptember 2006 - Algarve - Portugal - Neils Travel WebShannon Towns not covered By the Pub Guide

BALLINAMORE is a thriving rural centre situated at the foot of Sliabh an Iarann in county Leitrim. The Gaelic translation of Sliabh an Iarann is 'Iron Mountain' as Iron was once mined from the slope of the mountain. Irish folklore has a different account of how the mountain got its name. According to the legend, the use of iron was discovered on the iron mountain by Tuatha De Denann, a mythical race reputed to have invaded Ireland pre historic times. They used the iron from the mountain to create spears that they used to defeat the Foromorians at the battle of Magh Tuiredh.

Ballinamore has a population of over 800 people, and has an adequate supply of hostelries and entertainment, as well as churches, banks and all the facilities associated with a town of its size.

Ryans Main Street. Tel: 071 9644310

Lakeland Bar Main Street. Tel: 071 9644949

The Heritage Bar High Street. Tel: 071 9644167

The Black Horse Bar St. Bridgets Street. Tel: 071 9644866

Towns Pubs
BALLINASLOE is the main town in east Galway. Important as a crossing point of the River Suck since 1124 when Turlough O'Conor, King of Connacht, built a castle here - the remains that can be seen today date mainly from the fourteenth century. You're only really likely to be here if you've come for the famous horse fair , which starts on the first weekend in October and lasts for eight days. The largest of the ancient fairs left in the country, drawing horse dealers from all over Ireland and England, it gives a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that is slowly disappearing. The bartering is very much a game, though a serious one. Generally, both parties know the value of the horse in question but enjoy the bartering ritual anyway, with its possibilities of outdoing an opponent. The logic seems to be that if you're not up to the bartering, you don't deserve the right price for the animal.
Towns Pubs

BALLYCONNELL is located 11km west of Belturbet, close to the Fermanagh border and at the foot of Slieve Russell mountain. It has a wide range of amenities, and is a well known coarse fishing centre. This lovely town has won the national tidy towns competition twice, a remarkable achievement by any standards. The 17th century Church of Ireland is surrounded by earthen fortifications, and there are two diamond shaped redoubts dating from the war between James II and William of Orange in 1689.

Down river from the town is Lough Garadice, a jewel in the waterway dotted with wooded islands well known for fishing. There are also four smaller lakes, Derrycassan, Coologe, Ballymagauran and Woodford.

Towns Pubs

BELLEEK has undergone many changes in its history. It has earned worldwide recognition for the craftsmanship produced by Belleek pottery, and has many craft workshops where the fruits of local artisans may be viewed and purchased. The area is steeped in history, with sites dating from early pagan times to castles and forts from early Christian through to the present day. There are also many areas of breathtaking scenery to visit around Belleek, such as Knather wood and Breezy Mountain.

The countryside surrounding Belleek had been home to generations of family farmers, breeding cattle and sheep, and cutting turf. There is a multitude of native flora, changing colours with the seasons to create some breathtaking scenic views. There are also many protected bird species in the area, such as kingfishers, kestrel, sparrow-hawk and peregrine.

Belleek and the surrounding areas provide facilities for a wide range of pastimes and interests. The village of Garrison provides lake fishing, as well as sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, While 18 hole golf courses are available at nearby at Bundoran and Murvagh.

Towns Pubs

BELTURBET is a relaxed market town situated on the east bank of the river Erne midway between Lough Oughter and Upper Lough Erne and was originally the sole crossing point between the two lakes. This was once a thriving market town, second only to the county's' administrative capital, Cavan town. Market day was on Wednesday of each week, and local farmers and traders would bring their goods and produce to the town for trading. As a thriving market town, many skilled artisans plied their trade in Belturbet at the beginning of the twentieth century, such as jewellers, watchmakers, boat builders and furniture manufacturers. Some skills have been carried on through generations, and many craftspeople still work in and around Belturbet.

There was also a fair which took place on the first Thursday of every month at Fair Green, The Diamond, Holborn hill and Main Street. The fair was established by charter by Charles 1, and from that charter came the name 'Market Town'.

Towns Pubs
BOYLE is a town which is a blend of history and modern day activity, nestling under the Curlew Mountains. It is of significant historical interest as it is home to Frybrook House, a 12th Century Abbey and King House. Arriving in Boyle in 1603, the King family quickly became one of the largest land-owning families in Ireland. Recently the subject of a complete restoration by Roscommon County Council, King House now plays host to an exhibition which details the story of the 'Kings of Connacht'. With various areas focusing on the turbulent history of the House and the elaborate pageantry of the Kings, on whose land the house was built, it is a three dimensional display which appeals to adults and children alike. At the end of the 18th century, the Kings moved to Rockingham (now Lough Key Forest Park) and the house eventually fell to the Connaught Rangers to use as a military barracks. On the way North, if you call to the village of Keadue, you will find the burial place of O'Carolan, the last great Irish bard and to the west of Boyle is Drumanone Dolmen dating to 3000 BC.

Clarkes Bar St. Patricks Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 079 62064

King House Main Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 079 63242

Lavins Bar St. Patricks Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 079 62855

The Moylurg Inn Bridge Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 079 62274

 

Towns Pubs

DRUMSHANBO is situated in the heart of county Leitrim, this busy village is at the foot of Slieve Anierin (the iron mountain) and the Arigna Mountains. The population of over 700 people make this a friendly town on the banks of Lough Allen, and it is known as an angling resort. Nearby Acres lake provides pleasant surroundings and amenities.

The area is surrounded by scenic woodland, and is easily accessible by boat, road or rail. An annual festival known as 'An Tostal' is held annually in the village, with an emphasis on Irish traditional music.

Foxs Anglers Rest High St, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Tel. 078 41497

Sorohans Pub & Tackle Shop Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim. Tel. 078 41805

Towns Pubs

KESH is located on the shores of Lough Erne. Primarily a fishing village, Kesh still manages to retain an marine atmosphere. There are many holiday homes on the shores of the lough, and boating on the lake is a popular pastime.Although known as a fishing village, the village is close to the Janus figures on Boa island, thought to be pre-christian sculptures. Also nearby is white island, which has the ruins of a 12th century church containing six stone carved figures, believed to be St. Patrick, St. Columcille, King Leary and his son Enna. Of the remaining two figures, one is believed to be sheela-na-gig, a female fertility figure.

Lusty Beg Island, Boa Island Tel:: 028 6863 2032
Sarah Janes Diner and Bakery. 41 Main Street. Tel: 028 6863 1940

Towns Pubs

KESHCARRIGAN is a small, scenic village sitting at the foot of Sheebeg. Surrounded by lakes with good fishing, and with excellent mooring facilities, this village is always good for a night of Irish hospitality.

Gerties Bar  Main Street. Tel: 071 9642252

The Canal Bar Main Street. Tel: 071 9642252

Canal View Restaurant Tel: 071 9642404

Anthias Restaurant Tel: 071 9642555

Towns Pubs
LISNASKEA is the second town of the county of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland with a population of 2,500, and is known as the gateway to the upper lakes. The corn market in the centre of the town there is a Celtic Cross erected in 1841, and the town motto ‘Live and Let Live’ is carved into the central pediment. Tradition has it that the ‘Barter Stone’, also in this location, was a place where deals were made and oaths were sworn. There are many fine pubs and restaurants in Lisnaskea, as well as some interesting buildings, activity centres and a wildlife sanctuary.

Franks Bar Main Street. Tel: 028 6772 1381

The Corner House. Tel: 028 6772 1172
The Wyvern Inn Main Street. Tel: 028 67721248

Rooneys Public House 133 Main Street. Tel: 028 67721298

The Oak Bar Main Street. Tel: 028 67721827

Macs Bar 71 Lower Main Street. Tel: 028 67721341
Silver Dollar Take-Away 27 Lower Main Street. Tel: 028 67722218
Picassos Restaurant 225 Upper Main Street. Tel: 028 67723772

Marcos Restaurant 137 Main Street. Tel: 028 6772 3120

Chinese Palace 70 Main Street. Tel: 028 67722346

Towns Pubs

LONGFORD town is situated in the heart of Ireland, on the south bank of the river Camlin and on the main Dublin to Sligo road. It is a progressive town and the County administrative centre. It is also a convenient cross-roads for Belfast, Mayo, Galway or Limerick routes and is ideally placed as a tourist centre for the Lakeland District of Irelands Midlands and the beautiful Shannon River. There is much to attract the tourist to Longford. A Cathedral town, it is the seat of the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. Saint Mels Cathedral and Saint Johns Church, both dating from the 19th Century, stand at the East and West entrances to the town. The visitor is well catered for in Longford with activities to suit all tastes. The town is spaciously laid out with wide streets and pleasant buildings, and recent impressive urban development. It is a good shopping centre. The dome of the 19th Century St. Mels Cathedral, a renaissance style building of grey limestone with a lofty steeple, may be seen from quite a long way from outside the town. There is an ecclesiastical museum, situated at the rear of this Cathedral. The courthouse is the oldest building in the town and was erected in 1792.

The Mall is a beautifully landscaped park on the banks of the River Camlin. This park is ideal for picnics, walks or sporting activities.

Towns Pubs
STROKESTOWN in County Roscommon is situated in a beautiful part of the county. Surrounded by many lakes, Strokestown is noted for its wide streets. It is said that they were made this way because the second Lord Hartland wanted to make his village thoroughfare even wider than the Ringstrasse in Vienna. The town was built up around Strokestown Park House, which was built in the 1730s. In the 1970s the house was bought by an Irish firm, restored and is now open to the public to view. It is probably best known however as the home of the Famine Museum. Located in the stable yards of Strokestown Park House, the Famine Museum commemorates the Great Famine of the 1840s. Between 1845 and 1850, approximately one fifth of the population of Ireland either died or emigrated when blight devastated the potato crop. The Museum, using extensive estate papers, explains the historical and social significance of the famine nationally.
Towns Pubs


Last Updated 09th July 2007 - Neils Travel Web - Ireland - Other Shannon Pubs

 

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