© Greg Commins, 2008 1

TULLAMORE

Co. Offaly

Republic Of Ireland

© Greg Commins, 2008 2

LOCATION

© Greg Commins, 2008 3

Tullamore History• Tullamore (Tulach Mhór in Irish - Meaning “Big Hill”), was

anglicised under British Rule. Located in the midlands. • Moore Family handed land during First British Plantation (1570’s).• 1785 – Famous Balloon Fire. Third Ascent attempt in Ireland.

Damaged over 100 houses in Patrick St & most of Kilbride St.• 1798 – Grand Canal arrived linking to Dublin. 1804 - Shannon

Link made.• 1829 – Tullamore Distillery open by Michael Molloy, passed to

Daly family after his death. Ran by Daly’s colleague “Daniel E Williams”. Slogan “Give every man his DEW”.(Tullamore Whiskey)

• In December 1921, freedom from Britain, Anglo-Irish agreement signed. “Kings County” renamed as “County Offaly”.

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• Late 1930’s, Tullamore General Hospital was built, fronted with local limestone to encourage employment in construction of hospital.

• Main source of employment were malting, distilling, stone quarrying and distribution. Salts (Ireland) – Spinning mill in old jail, employed about 1000 people but closed in 1982.

• After recession in 1980’s, Tullamore began to thrive with industrial parks. Government grants attracted national & international companies over the years. New shopping centres opened, housing projects, and even national festivals and concerts.

Development

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Charleville Castle• Charleville Castle, surrounded

by a 700 year old Oak forest, is the oldest in Ireland. Known for generations as one of the world's most haunted Castles.

• The Oak was the Sacred Tree of the Druids and in the grounds the Druid’s Initiation Circle reminds us that this was a Sacred Ritual site.

• Built by Charles Bury, the 1st Earl of Charleville, between 1798 and 1812.Source:

• http://www.mosthauntedireland.com/hotel_ireland/short_holiday_breaks/irelandsmosthaunted_charleville.htm

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• Tullamore Dew is a traditional Irish Whiskey, smooth and buttery in flavour. It has a nose of lemon, spices with a slight woody undertone. It’s taste is warming with a smooth, spicy finish.

• Tullamore Dew is the 2nd best selling whiskey in the world.

Source: http://drinkoftheweek.com/blog/tullamore-dew-irish-whiskey/

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D.E.Williams“Give everyman his DEW”

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• Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.

• World Record for the Largest Irish Traditional Music was set in 2007 when 2,700 musicians performed together in Tullamore.

• County, Provincial and worldwide Fleadhanna have found their places in the traditional Irish music calendar and annual Comhaltas events include Fleadh Nua, Fleadh na Breataine (an All-Britain Fleadh Cheoil), regional Fleadhanna in Britain, Japan and the USA.

© Greg Commins, 2008 9

Links

• Tullamore

• Charleville Castle

• Tullamore Dew– Video Advert (YouTube)

• Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann