With the school year winding down and the days getting a little warmer, it’s time to get out and explore the host of activities on offer here in the midlands. From outdoor adventures and family activities to serene sauna and distillery tours, the choice is yours.
Klaaskickz Summer Camps are the place to be!
Klaaskickz was founded and created by Mark Connaughton, an Irish football coach with over 10 years’ experience. Mark has lived the football life. He was born in Dublin, Ireland and started his football journey aged 4. Since then, he has gone on to represent Ireland in football in 2015, captain his college football team (Sligo I.T), and has coached football in both Ireland and the USA. Mark is passionate about the full development of young children and believes that by developing good habits at a young age you can learn more than football skills, you can learn life skills.
This summer, Klaaskickz is bringing you incredible camps for kids aged 4.5 to 15! Whether your child is a budding footballer, loves a mix of sports, or wants to join our special all-girl camps, we’ve got the perfect option for them.
Bonus Perks: Every participant gets a FREE Klaaskickz jersey and football boots! How cool is that?
The first camp kicks off from 30 June to 4 July at Mullingar Town Grounds. Don’t wait—spaces are limited! Let’s make this summer one your kids will never forget.
Camps will also be held in Mullingar Shamrocks, Cullion GAA Club, Raharney United and Bealnamulla, Athlone.
Have tea at Tullynally Castle this Summer – and pick up some rare plants!
This Saturday, 21 June sees the return of the popular Plant Fair at the wonderful Tullynally Castle in Castlepollard (N91 HV58).
The plant fair starts at 10am and runs until 4pm, showcasing nursery garden specialists from all over the country. This is your chance to spend the day at this oasis of tranquility in County Westmeath. Explore the 25 acres of fabulous flower gardens and woodland glades with their unique trees and shrubs, many planted by tree expert Thomas Pakenham himself. Thomas inherited Tullynally estate in 1961 and is a passionate gardener. In recent years, Thomas has brought back seeds from plant hunting trips to China, Tibet and India. Most of his planting has been in the Forest Walk.
Tea at Tullynally
Meander through the beautiful gardens with the family, following the Children’s Discovery trail, or the Tree Trail for adults. You can also experience Guided Tours of the historic Castle. We highly recommend the delightful new Stable Tearooms, where you can enjoy delicious coffee and homemade treats, in the stunning surroundings at Tullynally.
A fun day out at Andean Alpacas
For a fun day out with a difference and plenty of photo opportunities, a visit to Andean Alpacas will put a smile on everyone’s face. Based in Cullionbeg just outside Mullingar, the award-winning alpaca farm boasts some of the most prestigious alpacas in Ireland like Alpaca Gideon, Alpaca Steely Dan and Alpaca Elmer who absolutely adore human interaction.
With 100% non-allergenic wool, these therapeutic animals are part of the camel family and regularly visit nursing homes, children and adults with additional needs.
Join Stephen or Paul on the two-hour trek where you will be paired with one of the 140 alpacas and given a quick talk on the zen animals, including some tips on how to get the most out of your trekking experience and find out facts like alpacas rarely spit!
The trek is suitable for all ages from 10 years of age and above but if you are younger, don’t worry! The meet and greet experience at Andean Alpacas is for younger children who are unable to participate in their full trekking experience. During the meet and greet you will be introduced to many curious and friendly alpacas, including baby alpacas which are known as Cria. You will have the opportunity to feed them and learn a little bit about them.
Depending on the ages of children, it might be possible to bring some of the smaller alpacas on a walk which is considerably shorter than their full trekking route so why not get some non-strenuous exercise in the company of these wooly buddies?
Relax at The Sauna Society at Tudenham
Picture it; you’re in a steaming hot sauna in the middle of a forest. Then you are plunging in an icy pool or dipping in a serene lake, allowing the crisp cold water to invigorate you before repeating the process again. This is not a dream, it is The Sauna Society at Tudenham, and it is just outside Mullingar.
This traditional wood fired Finnish sauna is a place you will want to return to again and again, especially as you feel the immediate health benefits the sauna offers and the majestic views of the lough through the floor to roof window.
Available for private or communal bookings, the sauna holds up to 10 people comfortably and each session is 45 minutes long.
The first of its kind in Westmeath, owner Ian knew he found the right place for his passion project when he discovered Tudenham and it wasn’t long before the custom built sauna, office, ice baths and changing rooms were up and running.
With a range of health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stress reduction, and potential benefits for sleep and skin conditions, all you will need to enjoy the experience is a towel, swimwear, flip flops, and a large bottle of water which you are encouraged to drink to keep hydrated.
“Tudenham is a very easy place to access,” Ian said, adding, “it’s not far from Dublin … it’s not far from anywhere really and we hope this will encourage more tourism to the area.”
With ample parking and an onsite coffee shop, there is no need to wait for sunshine this summer to feel the heat.
To celebrate 2 years in business the sauna has just received a stunning revamp this week, complete with exciting new upgrades designed to enhance your relaxation and wellness experience. Come down and see the transformation for yourself!
The Sauna Society Timings
The Sauna Society is open every day. Weekdays from 5.45pm to 10.15pm and weekends from 10am to 10pm.
The cost for this luxury is €15 per session and advanced booking is advised.
Visit thesaunasociety.ie, email thesaunasociety.ie@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Experience methods, myths and history at Fore Distillery
Meath man Oliver Guirke returned to Irish shores following a trip to the US in the 1990s with dreams of creating his own distillery. His wish was to merge the very best methods he had observed in Kentucky and other states with the stories and richness of his homeland. The result is Fore Distillery, set up in 2021, where Head Distiller and Founder Oliver now leads a unique and fascinating tour.
Follow the story of the distillery’s Golden and White Irish Rum as well as their Irish Poitín before sample tasting the product of this perfect marriage. Walk in the shadow of Fore Abbey and discover how the seventh century Benedictine monks and natural springs have informed and created original recipes that come alive.
Scheduled tours run for 45 minutes twice daily: at 11:45am and 3pm but specific tour time requests outside of regular hours are also available.
The distillery’s Irish-American influence doesn’t stop there. While across the pond, Oliver met his wife to be Sheena from Armagh who now runs the Barrel and Bean Café onsite with the help of their three children. Breakfast, lunch, sweet treats and coffees are served but why not make a day of it and upgrade to the lunch package or afternoon tea package – with or without a tipple – and enjoy the stunning views of Lough Glore?
With Fore Valley alcohols and other souvenirs available at the distillery, whether you are a visitor to North Westmeath or a local who hasn’t yet gotten around to taking the tour yet, this is for you.
Children go free and tickets start from €20. You can book your tour or browse packages online at shop.foredistillery.ie or email tours@foredistillery.ie or you can phone 044 966 1775.
Love Lough Ennell with Lilliput Boat Hire
Whether it’s for family fun days out, a few hours fishing, or just a relaxing boat trip to take life easy and enjoy local scenery, Lilliput Boat Hire provides everything you need to have a memorable day out on the lovely Lough Ennell.
Located at Jonathan Swift Park, Lilliput Boat Hire’s easy-to-use boats allow you to explore the sights, sounds, and wildlife that Lough Ennell has to offer. Lake boats are available as rowing boats or with outboard engines, and the affordable hire rate includes life jackets and fuel. You just need to pack your fishing rod and a snack and let Lilliput Boat Hire take care of the rest.
The Lilliput townland was named in honour of Jonathan Swift, who was said to have visited the area in 1726 and came up with the idea for his well known book ‘Gulliver’s Travels’. You and your family can also follow the path of Jonathan Swift and explore the lovely lake of Lough Ennell, by renting a boat from Lilliput Boat Hire this Summer.
Renowned for its brown trout, perch, and pike fishing, Lough Ennell boasts to be one of the few lakes in Ireland which has 100% wild fish, presenting an appealing challenge for the avid fishing enthusiast.
Fishing permits are compulsory on Lough Ennell and licenses can easily be bought online at permits. fishinginireland.info/product-category/shannon
Why wait? Call Lilliput Boat Hire today on 044 922 6329 or 087 649 2866 and book your sailing slot with them. You can also email: info@LilliputBoatHire.com, or visit their website at www.lilliputboathire.com
