issued 14.09.09

Discover Mullingar Launched

Mullingar has been chosen as the fourth location in the Lakelands and Inland Waterways region to host an open day, showcasing what is on offer in the area and is organised by Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Westmeath County Council, with a committee made up of local businesses, supported by Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, County Westmeath Tourism Limited and Westmeath Sports Partnership and chaired by Dara O'Reilly-Daly, Managing Director of Dara Marketing.

The open day will take place on Sunday September 27th from 12-6pm, and will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the tourism assets of the Mullingar region. Local's will be able to enjoy a historical walking tour of Mullingar, boat trips, angling demonstrations, food demonstrations, farmers market, arts & crafts, sports demonstrations and lots more...

Damien Brennan, Business Development Manager, Failte Ireland - East & Midlands said:
'Ireland's Lakelands and Inland Waterways can provide unique experiences for everyone. The natural environment provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural and outdoor activities. We hope the "Discover Mullingar Day" will highlight the role that Mullingar plays as a key attraction within the Lakelands. It will also give local people a greater awareness of what to see and do in their community and therefore, allow them to act as ambassadors for their region with both domestic and overseas visitors.'

Speaking at the launch in the new County Buildings last evening, the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council Cllr Fintan Cooney agreed.

'The people of Mullingar are indeed our best ambassadors and the County Council is pleased to lead in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland in highlighting awareness of our visitor facilities among the local population through this showcase event and enhancing their capacity to promote tourism in Mullingar.

The Discover Mullingar initiative is part of a broader campaign to develop and promote Ireland's Lakeland's and Inland's Waterways and which aims to significantly boost visitor numbers to the Lakeland regions over the next three years.

According to Éanna Rowe, Head of Marketing & Communications for Waterways Ireland 'Waterways Ireland is delighted to support and be centrally involved with the Discover Mullingar initiative. Having delivered similar initiatives in Enniskillen, Carrick on Shannon and Athlone already this year I am confident that once again the day will be a great success, showcasing all the attractions and facilities on Mullingar's doorstep and providing a platform for future development of the recreational and tourism potential of this Lakelands town.

Certain areas around the centre of Mullingar will have no through vehicular traffic on Sunday 27th September from early morning until after the event and diversions will be in place. For map and details see www.westmeathcoco.ie