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Coordinates: 53°16′00″N 7°30′00″W / 53.2667°N 7.5000°W / 53.2667; -7.5000
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{{short description|Town in County Offaly, Ireland}}
{{other uses}}
{{Other uses}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| settlement_type = Town
| settlement_type = Town
| name = Tullamore
| name = Tullamore
| native_name = {{Pad top italic|Tulach Mhór}}
| native_name = {{lang|ga|Tulach Mhór}}
| image_flag = Tullamoreflag.jpg
| native_name_lang = ga
| image_shield = Tullamore-Crest.gif
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
|border = infobox
| pushpin_map = Ireland
|total_width = 280px
| pushpin_label_position = right
|image_style = border:1;
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Ireland
|perrow = 2/2
| coordinates = {{coord|53.2667|-7.5000|dim:100000_region:IE|display=inline,title}}
|image1 = O' Connor Square, Tullamore, 2021-07-21.jpg
| blank_name_sec1 = Irish Grid Reference
|caption1 = O'Connor Square
| blank_info_sec1 = {{iem4ibx|N335248}}
|image2 = Church of the Assumption, Tullamore, 2021-07-21, 01.jpg
| unit_pref = Metric
|caption2 = Church of the Assumption
| elevation_m = 73
|image3 = Offaly County Council Municipal District of Tullamore, 01.jpg
| subdivision_type = Country
|caption3 = [[Tullamore Town Hall]]
| subdivision_name = Ireland
|image4 = Tullamore Town Park, 2021-07-21, 01.jpg
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
|caption4 = Town park
| subdivision_name1 = [[Leinster]]
}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| image_flag = Tullamoreflag.svg
| subdivision_name2 = [[County Offaly|Offaly]]
| image_shield = Tullamore Coat of Arms.svg
| population_total = 14,607
| shield_size =
| population_urban =
| pushpin_map = Ireland
| population_rural =
| pushpin_label_position = right
| population_as_of = 2016
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Ireland
|population_footnotes =<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://census.cso.ie/areaprofiles/PDF/ST/tullamorelegaltownanditsenvirons.pdf
| coordinates = {{coord|53.2667|-7.5000|dim:100000_region:IE|display=inline,title}}
|title= Tullamore Legal Town & It’s Environs Co.Offaly|last=|first=|date=2011|work=|access-date=23 January 2017|via=}}</ref>
| blank_name_sec1 = Irish Grid Reference
| image_skyline = Grand Canal, Tullamore - geograph.org.uk - 753743.jpg
| blank_info_sec1 = {{iem4ibx|N335248}}
| image_caption = The [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]], Tullamore
| unit_pref = Metric
| website = {{URL|http://www.offaly.ie/|Tullamore Town Council }}
| elevation_m = 73
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Ireland
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Leinster]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Ireland|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[County Offaly|Offaly]]
| population = 15,598
| population_as_of = [[2022 census of Ireland|2022]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2022census">{{cite web|url = https://data.cso.ie/table/F1015 | title = Census 2022 {{!}} Profile 1 - Population Distribution and Movement {{!}} F1015 - Population| website = data.cso.ie | accessdate = 29 July 2023 }}</ref>
| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Telephone area code]]
| area_code = +353(0)57
| postal_code_type = [[Eircode]] routing key
| postal_code = R35
| timezone = [[Western European Time|WET]]
| utc_offset = ±0
| timezone_DST = [[Irish Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset_DST = +1
}}
}}
'''Tullamore''' ({{Irish place name|Tulach Mhór|great mound}}) is a town in [[County Offaly]], in the [[Midlands of Ireland|midlands]] of Ireland. It is Offaly's [[county town]] and is located in the centre of the county. It is the 4th largest town in the midlands region with a population of 14,607 in the 2016 census.<ref>http://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/saveselections.asp</ref>


'''Tullamore''' ({{IPAc-en|'|t|U|l|@|,|m|o:r}}; {{Irish place name|Tulach Mhór|great mound}}) is the [[county town]] of [[County Offaly]] in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. It is on the [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]], in the middle of the county, and is the fourth most populous town in the [[Midland Region, Ireland|Midlands Region]], with 15,598 inhabitants at the [[2022 census of Ireland|2022 census]].<ref name="2022census"/>
Tullamore was designated a 'gateway' town, along with '''[[Mullingar]]''' and '''[[Athlone]]''', in late 2003 by the [[Irish Government]], making it eligible for increased infrastructural investment. The town retained Gold Medal status in the National Tidy Town Awards in 2015 and also played host to the 'World [[Sheep Dog Trials]]' in 2005 which attracted international interest in the region. The [[Tullamore Show]] is held near the town every year.


The town's most famous export is [[Tullamore Dew]]&nbsp;– an [[Irish whiskey]] distilled by [[Tullamore Distillery]]&nbsp;– that can be traced back to 1829. The [[Old Tullamore Distillery|original distillery]] shut down in the 1954, with the brand later being resurrected and produced at the [[New Midleton Distillery|Midleton Distillery]], in Cork. However, the brand's new owners, [[William Grant & Sons]], invested in a new distillery near Tullamore, bringing whiskey production back to the town in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.drinksindustryireland.ie/tullamore-dew-opens-irish-distillery/|title=Tullamore Dew opens Irish distillery|last=|first=|date=17 September 2014|work=Drinks Industry Ireland|access-date=17 January 2017|via=}}</ref>
The town retained Gold Medal status in the National Tidy Town Awards in 2015 and also played host to the World [[Sheep Dog Trials]] in 2005, which attracted international interest in the region. The [[Tullamore Show]] is held near the town every year. The town's most famous export is [[Tullamore Dew]]&nbsp;– an [[Irish whiskey]] distilled by [[Tullamore Distillery]]&nbsp;– that can be traced back to 1829. The [[Old Tullamore Distillery|original distillery]] was shut down in 1954. The brand was later resurrected, but at first was produced at the [[New Midleton Distillery|Midleton Distillery]] in [[County Cork|Cork]]. However, in 2014, the brand's new owners, [[William Grant & Sons]], invested in a new distillery near Tullamore, bringing whiskey production back to the town.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.drinksindustryireland.ie/tullamore-dew-opens-irish-distillery/|title=Tullamore Dew opens Irish distillery|date=17 September 2014|work=Drinks Industry Ireland|access-date=17 January 2017|archive-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118222135/http://www.drinksindustryireland.ie/tullamore-dew-opens-irish-distillery/|url-status=live}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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|2006|12927
|2006|12927
|2011|14361
|2011|14361
|2016|14607
| footnote=<ref>[http://www.cso.ie/census Census for post 1821 figures.]</ref><ref>http://www.histpop.org</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-08-24 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217095720/http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census |archivedate=17 February 2012 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite book
|2022|15598
| footnote=<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cso.ie/census |title=Census for post 1821 figures. |access-date=25 July 2009 |archive-date=9 March 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309005718/http://www.cso.ie/census/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.histpop.org/ohpr/servlet/|title=HISTPOP.ORG - Home|website=www.histpop.org|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=28 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828234704/http://www.histpop.org/ohpr/servlet/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census |title=Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency - Census Home Page |access-date=2013-08-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217095720/http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/census |archive-date=17 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book
| last=Lee
| last=Lee
| first=JJ
| first=J. J.
| author-link=J. J. Lee (historian)
| authorlink =John Joseph Lee
| editor-last=Goldstrom
| editor-last=Goldstrom
| editor-first=J. M.
| editor-first=J. M.
Line 76: Line 96:
| title=Irish Population, Economy, and Society: Essays in Honour of the Late K. H. Connell
| title=Irish Population, Economy, and Society: Essays in Honour of the Late K. H. Connell
| year=1981
| year=1981
| publisher=
| publisher=[[Clarendon Press]]| location=Oxford, England
[[Clarendon Press]]| location=Oxford, England
| chapter=On the accuracy of the [[Great Famine (Ireland)|Pre-famine]] Irish censuses
| chapter=On the accuracy of the [[Great Famine (Ireland)|Pre-famine]] Irish censuses
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal
| last = Mokyr
| last1 = Mokyr
| first = Joel
| first1 = Joel
| author-link = Joel Mokyr
| author-link = Joel Mokyr
| last2 = O Grada
| last2 = O Grada
| first2 = Cormac
| first2 = Cormac
| author2-link =
| title = New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850
| title = New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850
| journal =[[The Economic History Review]]| volume = 37
| journal =
[[The Economic History Review]]| volume = 37
| issue = 4
| issue = 4
| pages = 473–488
| pages = 473–488
|date=November 1984
|date=November 1984
| url = http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120035880/abstract
| url = http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120035880/abstract
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121204160709/http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120035880/abstract
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 4 December 2012
| doi = 10.1111/j.1468-0289.1984.tb00344.x
| doi = 10.1111/j.1468-0289.1984.tb00344.x
| hdl = 10197/1406
}}</ref>
| hdl-access = free
}}</ref><ref name="sapmap2016">{{cite web | url = http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2016/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST2016&Geog_Code=28F89BE4-314D-44FC-B447-F28C0FF6A127#SAPMAP_T1_100 | publisher = [[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|CSO]] | work = Census 2016 | title = Sapmap Area - Settlements - Tullamore | date = 2016 | access-date = 12 January 2018 | archive-date = 13 January 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180113150203/http://census.cso.ie/sapmap2016/Results.aspx?Geog_Type=ST2016&Geog_Code=28F89BE4-314D-44FC-B447-F28C0FF6A127#SAPMAP_T1_100 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="2022census"/>
}}
}}


In ancient [[Gaelic Ireland]], Tullamore was located in what was then known as the landfill territory of [[Firceall]] ruled by the O'Molloy clan. Firceall was then part of the ancient [[Kingdom of Meath]]. Following the [[Plantations of Ireland|plantation of Offaly]] in the 16th and 17th centuries, Firceall was divided into the baronies of [[Ballycowan (barony)|Ballycowan]], [[Ballyboy (barony)|Ballyboy]] and [[Eglish (barony)|Eglish]], with Tullamore located in Ballycowan.<ref>http://www.omolloy.com/</ref>
In the [[Middle Ages]], Tullamore was within the [[Gaelic Ireland|Gaelic]] territory of [[Firceall]] ruled by the O'Molloy clan. Firceall was part of the [[Kingdom of Meath]]. The Tullamore area was part of the first English [[Plantations of Ireland|plantations in Ireland]] during the 1550s when land was confiscated from the native Irish and colonized with English settlers. Firceall was divided into the baronies of [[Ballycowan (barony)|Ballycowan]], [[Ballyboy (barony)|Ballyboy]] and [[Eglish (barony)|Eglish]], with Tullamore located in Ballycowan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.omolloy.com/ |title=Molloy Omolloy Clan Rally Firceall Molloy Family Geneaology Family Tree Ancestors Offaly Ireland - Omolloy Molloy Ireland Molloys |publisher=Omolloy.com |access-date=2019-11-12 |archive-date=21 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221030209/http://www.omolloy.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Tullamore was part of the first English [[Plantation (settlement or colony)|plantation]] of Offaly in the 1570s<!-- , owned by the Moore family - did they own it before or after the plantation? -->. By the mid-1500s the lands that were originally ruled by the O'Molloy clan were securely "planted" and in the hands of the Moore family. From this point on a dynasty was established which endured into the late nineteenth century, commencing with the grant of the Tullamore area, comprising some 5000 acres, to Sir John Moore in 1622. At that time the Tullamore estate included a ruined castle, ten cottages and two water mills. Sir Robert Forth, who leased the lands from Thomas Moore (son and heir of Sir John), built a mansion house c.1641 in what is now the Charleville [[demesne]]. Charles Moore, Lord Tullamore, grandson of Thomas, eventually regained possession of the estate and when he died in 1674 it went via his sister to Charles William Bury. Charles William was later (1806) created the 1st [[Earl of Charleville]] in a second creation of the title.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.irishmidlandsancestry.com/content/offaly/community/charleville_demense.htm|title= Charleville Demesne & The Burys, 1600–1900|accessdate = 15 December 2012}}</ref>
The Tullamore area, comprising some 5,000 acres, was granted by the English to Sir John Moore in 1622. At that time the Tullamore estate included a ruined castle, ten cottages and two water mills. Sir Robert Forth, who leased the lands from Thomas Moore (son and heir of Sir John), built a mansion house c.1641 in what is now the Charleville [[demesne]]. Charles Moore, Lord Tullamore, grandson of Thomas, eventually regained possession of the estate and when he died in 1674 it went via his sister to Charles William Bury. Charles William was later (1806) created the 1st [[Earl of Charleville]] in a second creation of the title.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.irishmidlandsancestry.com/content/offaly/community/charleville_demense.htm|title = Charleville Demesne & The Burys, 1600–1900|access-date = 15 December 2012|url-status = usurped|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131019170222/http://www.irishmidlandsancestry.com/content/offaly/community/charleville_demense.htm|archive-date = 19 October 2013|df = dmy-all}}</ref>


On 10 May 1785, the town was seriously damaged when the crash of a [[hot air balloon]] resulted in a fire that burned down as many as 130 homes, giving the town the distinction of being the location of the world's first known [[aviation disaster]].<ref>Byrne, Michael. [https://www.offalyhistory.com/reading-resources/history/tullamore-history/the-tullamore-balloon-fire-first-air-disaster-in-history The Tullamore Balloon Fire – First Air Disaster in History], Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society website, 9 January 2007 (retrieved 7 July 2011), which in turn cites:
On 10 May 1785, the town was seriously damaged when the crash of a [[hot air balloon]] resulted in a fire that burned down as many as 130 homes, giving the town the distinction of being the location of the world's first known [[aviation disaster]].<ref>Byrne, Michael. [https://www.offalyhistory.com/reading-resources/history/tullamore-history/the-tullamore-balloon-fire-first-air-disaster-in-history The Tullamore Balloon Fire – First Air Disaster in History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216152553/https://www.offalyhistory.com/reading-resources/history/tullamore-history/the-tullamore-balloon-fire-first-air-disaster-in-history |date=16 December 2014 }}, Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society website, 9 January 2007 (retrieved 7 July 2011), which in turn cites:
* ''[[Faulkner's Dublin Journal]]'', 14 May 1785, and
* ''[[Faulkner's Dublin Journal]]'', 14 May 1785, and
* ''[[Finn's Leinster Journal]]''.</ref> To this day, the town shield depicts a [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]] rising from the ashes. The event is yearly commemorated by the Phoenix festival which celebrates Tullamore's resurrection from the ashes following the accident.
* ''[[Finn's Leinster Journal]]''.</ref> To this day, the town shield depicts a [[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]] rising from the ashes. The event is yearly commemorated by the Phoenix festival which celebrates Tullamore's resurrection from the ashes following the accident.
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The [[Grand Canal of Ireland|Grand Canal]] linked Tullamore to [[Dublin]] in 1798. During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], a clash between troops of the [[King's German Legion]] and a regiment of British Light Infantry who were both stationed in the town, became known as the Battle of Tullamore. Tullamore became [[county town]] of [[County Offaly]] in 1835, replacing [[Daingean]].
The [[Grand Canal of Ireland|Grand Canal]] linked Tullamore to [[Dublin]] in 1798. During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], a clash between troops of the [[King's German Legion]] and a regiment of British Light Infantry who were both stationed in the town, became known as the Battle of Tullamore. Tullamore became [[county town]] of [[County Offaly]] in 1835, replacing [[Daingean]].


Tullamore has a long history of whiskey distilling, with two distilleries known to have operated in the two in the 1780s, though closed some years later.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Irish Midland Studies: Essays in honour of N. W. English, Athlone|last=Harman|first=Murtagh|publisher=|year=1980|isbn=|location=|pages=213–228|quote=|via=}}</ref> Subsequently, a [[Old Tullamore Distillery|new distillery]], was established by Michael Molloy, one the site of one of the old distilleries in 1829.<ref name=":1" /> When Molloy died, the distillery first passed to his brother Anthony, before eventually making its way into the hands of his nephew, Bernard Daly.<ref name=":1" /> When Daly died, his son, Captain Bernard Daly took ownership of the business. With an estate in Terenure, Captain Daly left the day-to-day running of the business to Daniel E. Williams, the distillery's [[general manager]], under whose careful watch the distillery grew and prospered, and launched [[Tullamore Dew]], the whiskey which bears his initials. Williams brought electricity to Tullamore in 1893. The distillery installed the town's first telephones and introduced motorised transport. Williams ran various commercial businesses throughout the [[Irish midlands]]&nbsp;– drinks businesses, tea importing, seed and grain retail, and a network of 26 general stores.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
Tullamore has a long history of [[Whisky|whiskey distilling]], with two distilleries known to have operated in the town in the 1780s, though closed some years later.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=Irish Midland Studies: Essays in honour of N. W. English, Athlone|last=Harman|first=Murtagh|year=1980|pages=213–228}}</ref> Subsequently, a [[Old Tullamore Distillery|new distillery]] was established by Michael Molloy, on the site of one of the old distilleries in 1829.<ref name=":1" /> When Molloy died, the distillery first passed to his brother Anthony, before eventually making its way into the hands of his nephew, Bernard Daly.<ref name=":1" /> When Daly died, his son, Captain Bernard Daly took ownership of the business. With an estate in Terenure, Captain Daly left the day-to-day running of the business to Daniel E. Williams, the distillery's [[general manager]], under whose careful watch the distillery grew and prospered, and launched [[Tullamore Dew]], the whiskey which bears his initials. Williams brought electricity to Tullamore in 1893. The distillery installed the town's first telephones and introduced motorised transport. Williams ran various commercial businesses throughout the [[Irish midlands]]&nbsp;– drinks businesses, tea importing, seed and grain retail, and a network of 26 general stores.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}


Following this period, [[Prohibition in the United States]], an [[Anglo-Irish Trade War|economic war]] with Britain in the 1930s, and [[World War II]] all harmed the industry. Tullamore was one of many Irish distilleries affected by a general decline in Irish whiskey sales worldwide. After World War II, Desmond Williams, grandson of Daniel E. Williams, used modern marketing techniques to re-establish Irish whiskey in world markets. In 1947, Desmond Williams also developed [[Irish Mist]], an Irish [[liqueur]] made from a blend of whiskey, herbs and honey, using a recipe alleged to have disappeared in the late 17th century and to have been rediscovered in a manuscript 250 years later. Williams also capitalised on the [[Irish coffee]] concept, and promoted blended whiskies.
Following this period, [[Prohibition in the United States]], an [[Anglo-Irish Trade War|economic war]] with Britain in the 1930s, and [[World War II]] all harmed the industry. Tullamore was one of many Irish distilleries affected by a general decline in Irish whiskey sales worldwide. After World War II, Desmond Williams, grandson of Daniel E. Williams, used modern marketing techniques to re-establish Irish whiskey in world markets. In 1947, Desmond Williams also developed [[Irish Mist]], an Irish [[liqueur]] made from a blend of whiskey, herbs and honey, using a recipe alleged to have disappeared in the late 17th century and to have been rediscovered in a manuscript 250 years later. Williams also capitalised on the [[Irish coffee]] concept, and promoted blended whiskeys along with Tullamore Dew.


== Culture ==
== Culture ==
[[File:Patrick Street Tullamore cropped.jpg|240px|thumbnail|Patrick Street, Tullamore]]
[[File:Patrick Street Tullamore cropped.jpg|240px|thumbnail|Patrick Street, Tullamore]]
The Tullamore Phoenix Festival is an annual celebration of extreme, art, culture and heritage first held in August 2000. Thursday 17th to Sunday 20 July 2008. The festival holds many events including Hot Air Balloons, Sky Diving, Live Outdoor Concerts, Street Entertainment, Fire Parade, Fireworks and much more.
The Tullamore Phoenix Festival was an annual celebration of art, culture and heritage first held in August between 2000 and 2007.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}} Festival events included hot air balloons, concerts, street entertainment, a parade, and fireworks.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


The ''[[Queen of the Land Festival]]'' takes place in Tullamore each year on the third weekend in November. Primarily a personality contest it seeks to find the best examples of a modern Irish woman. It is organised by Offaly Macra Na Feirme. Each year about 25 girls between the age of 17 and 35 compete to be crowned Queen of the Land. The festival provides a host of entertainment throughout the town over the weekend, primarily at night.
The ''[[Queen of the Land Festival]]'' takes place in Tullamore each year on the second weekend in November. Primarily a personality contest, it seeks to find the best examples of a modern Irish woman. It is organised by Offaly Macra Na Feirme. Each year about 25 girls between the age of 17 and 35 compete to be crowned Queen of the Land. The festival provides a host of entertainment throughout the town over the weekend, primarily at night.


An annual [[Tullamore Show]] takes place in August every year. It has grown considerably over the past number of years and is now the largest one day show in the country. It was cancelled in 07 and 08 due to heavy rain, though it did run again in 2009 .<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/tullamore-show-cancelled-for-second-year-after-downpours-1451558.html | work=[[Irish Independent]] | title=Tullamore Show cancelled for second year after downpours | date=11 August 2008}}</ref>
An annual [[Tullamore Show]] takes place on the second Sunday of August every year. It was cancelled in 2007 and 2008 due to heavy rain, though it ran again in 2009.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.independent.ie/national-news/tullamore-show-cancelled-for-second-year-after-downpours-1451558.html | work=[[Irish Independent]] | title=Tullamore Show cancelled for second year after downpours | date=11 August 2008 | access-date=7 March 2009 | archive-date=18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125249/http://www.independent.ie/national-news/tullamore-show-cancelled-for-second-year-after-downpours-1451558.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Agriculture was originally the show's main focus, but this has broadened to include entertainment, food, crafts, lifestyle, trade stands, food and refreshments, fashion and entertainment.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


[http://www.hughlynchs.com Hugh Lynch's Pub] on Kilbride Street has been operating as a public house since the early 1800s. In the early 1900s it was bought by the Williams Group, founders of the D.E. Williams Distillery, and run as a public bar and grocery, along with many other outlets in the [[Irish Midlands]], from which they sold their growing whiskey brand "Tullamore Dew". It has been in the Lynch Family since 1971 and attracts a mix of older and younger clients. One of the highlights every year is their outdoor festival where they put a roof over the street and provide 3 days of live free music.
Hugh Lynch's Pub on Kilbride Street has been operating as a public house since the early 1800s. In the early 1900s it was bought by the Williams Group, founders of the D.E. Williams Distillery, and run as a public bar and grocery, along with many other outlets in the [[Irish Midlands]], from which they sold their growing whiskey brand "Tullamore Dew". It has been in the Lynch Family since 1971.


The national [[Fleadh Ceoil]] was held in Tullamore for the very first time in August 2007. It returned in 2008, and returned for a third time from 21–23 Aug 2009.<ref>[http://comhaltas.ie/events/detail/fleadh_cheoil_na_heireann_2009/ The 2009 Fleadh Ceoil]</ref>
The national [[Fleadh Cheoil]] was held in Tullamore for the very first time in August 2007. It returned in 2008 and returned for the third time from 21 to 23 August 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://comhaltas.ie/events/detail/fleadh_cheoil_na_heireann_2009/ |title=The 2009 Fleadh Ceoil |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=11 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211081708/http://comhaltas.ie/events/detail/fleadh_cheoil_na_heireann_2009/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The [[National Ploughing Championships]], Europe's largest Outdoor Exhibition and Agriculture Trade Show, was held in Screggan, Tullamore in 2016. The total attendance figures for the 2016 Championship came to a record breaking 283,000. The show is set to return to Screggan on September 19, 20 & 21, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.npa.ie/2016/10/2017-return-to-screggan/|title=2017 Return to Screggan|date=2016-10-11|website=National Ploughing Association|access-date=2016-11-16}}</ref>
The [[National Ploughing Championships]], Europe's largest Outdoor Exhibition and Agriculture Trade Show, was held in Screggan, Tullamore in 2016. The total attendance figures for the 2016 Championship came to a record-breaking 283,000. The show returned to Screggan in September 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Shea |first=Cormac |date=2017-09-19 |title=Ploughing championship 2017 LIVE: Good weather in Tullamore as it kicks off |url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/national-ploughing-championship-2017-live-11198439 |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en}}</ref>


== Places of interest ==
== Places of interest ==
[[File:Charleville Castle.png|thumb|left|[[Charleville Castle]]]]
[[File:Charleville Castle (cropped).png|thumb|upright|[[Charleville Castle]]]]
[[File:Tullamore Dew Whiskey.jpg|thumb|[[Tullamore Dew]]]]
[[File:Tullamore Dew Whiskey.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A bottle of Tullamore Dew whiskey|[[Tullamore Dew]]]]


The [https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-us/ Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre] on the banks of the [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]] focuses on the distilling, canal and urban history of the town. Audio visual and self-guided tours are available daily.
The Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre on the banks of the [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]] focuses on the distilling, canal and urban history of the town.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-us/ |title=Irish Whiskey Distillery Tours & Tastings |publisher=Tullamore DEW |access-date=2019-11-12 |archive-date=25 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625071357/https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-us/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Audio visual and self-guided tours are available.


Charleville Estate is located on the edge of the town. One of Ireland's most splendid Gothic buildings, [[Charleville Castle]], stands in this parkland setting which contains the King Oak, one of the biggest and oldest oak trees in the country. The castle is said to be haunted and was featured on series 1 of [[Living TV]]'s ''[[Most Haunted]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/most-haunted/charleville-forest-castle/episode/282481/summary.html |title=Season 1 Episode 16 |date=10 September 2002 |work= |publisher=[[tv.com]] }}</ref> The oak woodland is botanically an important survivor of primeval stock. The park was the location of the annual Tullamore Agricultural Show. However following the cancellation of the show for two consecutive years due to heavy rainfall the event was moved to a new location with improved drainage in the [[Blue Ball, County Offaly|Blue Ball]] area, south of the town.
Charleville Estate is located on the edge of the town. The Gothic [[Charleville Castle]] stands in this parkland setting which contains the [[King Oak]], one of the biggest and oldest oak trees in the country. The castle is said to be haunted and was featured on series 1 of [[Living TV]]'s ''[[Most Haunted]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tv.com/most-haunted/charleville-forest-castle/episode/282481/summary.html |title=Season 1 Episode 16 |date=10 September 2002 |publisher=[[tv.com]] }}</ref> The oak woodland is botanically an important survivor of primeval stock. The park was the location of the annual Tullamore Agricultural Show. However following the cancellation of the show for two consecutive years due to heavy rainfall the event was moved to a new location with improved drainage in the [[Blue Ball, County Offaly|Blue Ball]] area, south of the town.


Tullamore is an ideal base for discovering the [[Slieve Bloom Mountains]] to the south of the county. The 'Slieve Bloom' mountains have many beautiful walking and cycling trails as well as excellent picnic areas with some panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands.
Tullamore is used as a base for the [[Slieve Bloom Mountains]] to the south of the county.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


Just south of Tullamore are the unique '[[Lough Boora]]' parklands. The [[boglands]] are a landscape for a wide range of flora and fauna. The magnificent wetlands and wildlife wilderness of Lough Boora now host some of the most innovative land and [[environmental sculpture]]s in Ireland. The artists, inspired by the rich natural and industrial legacy of the boglands, have created a series of large-scale sculptures that are now part of the [[environmental sculpture]] park [[Sculpture in the Parklands]].
Also south of Tullamore are the [[Lough Boora]] parklands. These [[boglands]] contain a range of flora and fauna. The wetlands also contain a number of large-scale [[environmental sculpture]]s that form part of the '[[Sculpture in the Parklands]]' sculpture park. {{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


10&nbsp;km west of Tullamore is the village of [[Rahan, County Offaly|Rahan]]. The remains of a what was once a large monastery settlement founded by St.Carthage or [[Mochuda]] in the 6th century, can be seen in the village.
10&nbsp; km west of Tullamore is the village of [[Rahan, County Offaly|Rahan]]. The remains of what was once a large monastery settlement founded by St.Carthage or [[Mochuda]] in the 6th century, can be seen in the village.


Within 5 minutes' drive is the [[Celtic cross]] of [[Durrow, County Offaly|Durrow]]. In the middle of the 6th century a monastery was founded here by [[Saint Columba]]. The monastery is famous for an illuminated manuscript, written here in the 7th century, known as the [[Book of Durrow]].<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:tullamoresquare.jpg|thumb|250px]] -->
Within 5 minutes drive is the [[Celtic cross]] of [[Durrow, County Offaly|Durrow]]. In the middle of the 6th century, a monastery was founded here by [[Saint Columba]]. The monastery is known for the [[Book of Durrow]], an illuminated manuscript written here in the 7th century.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


There are four metal sculptures located on the [[N52 road|N52]] Tullamore bypass funded under the percentage for arts scheme where 1% of the budget is allocated to roadside art.<ref>http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pdfs/English-text5.htm</ref> Sculptor [[Maurice Harron]] created the figures presenting symbols of learning and sanctity. From the north the 1st figure holds up a [[chalice]], the 2nd a book, the 3rd a [[crosier]] and the 4th shows the release of a flock of birds representing souls. The figures are located on [[esker]] ridges that the new roadway cuts through.<ref>http://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts_and_Culture/Gallery/Public_Art_/</ref>
There are four metal sculptures located on the [[N52 road|N52]] Tullamore bypass funded under the [[Percent for Art|percentage for arts scheme]] where 1% of the budget is allocated to roadside art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pdfs/English-text5.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-03-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604142819/http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pdfs/English-text5.htm |archive-date=4 June 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Sculptor [[Maurice Harron]] created the figures presenting symbols of learning and sanctity. The figures are located on [[esker]] ridges that the new roadway cuts through.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts_and_Culture/Gallery/Public_Art_/|title=Error - Offaly County Council|website=www.offaly.ie|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112165147/https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts_and_Culture/Gallery/Public_Art_/|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are also a number of churches in the town, including Tullamore Catholic Church, Tullamore Presbyterian Church and St. Catherine's Church of Ireland church.

[[Tullamore Town Hall]], which dates from 1786, used to be a private house known as Acres Hall.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/14807035/tullamore-town-hall-cormac-street-kilcruttin-tullamore-offaly|title=Tullamore Town Hall, Cormac Street, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, County Offaly|publisher=National Inventory of Architectural Heritage|access-date=16 November 2023}}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
[[File:Shopping Centre Tullamore Co.Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365246.jpg|thumb|374x374px|Bridge Centre Shopping Centre, Tullamore]]
[[File:Shopping Centre Tullamore Co.Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365246.jpg|thumb|Bridge Centre Shopping Centre, Tullamore]]
As the county town of Offaly many government services are located here such as the headquarters of [[Offaly County Council]], the Midlands Regional Hospital and HSE services. Government departments located in the town include the [[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine]] and the [[Department of Education and Skills (Ireland)|Department of Education and Skills]].
As the county town of Offaly, many government services are located here such as the headquarters of [[Offaly County Council]], the Midlands Regional Hospital and HSE services. Government departments located in the town include the [[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine]] and the [[Department of Education (Ireland)|Department of Education]].


Tullamore has traditionally been an important industrial, retail and services centre for County Offaly. When the [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]] opened in the late 18th century, it offered increased connectivity to the town and offered an increased market for goods produced in the area. [[Tullamore Dew]], a brand of [[Irish Whiskey]] was first distilled in the town in 1829. Tullamore was connected to the national railway network in 1854 by the [[Great Southern and Western Railway]] company, now [[Iarnród Éireann]]. Tullamore is also located near the boglands of the [[Bog of Allen]]. This provided employment through the work of [[Bord na Mona]]. Agriculture is also important to the local economy.
Tullamore has traditionally been an important industrial, retail and services centre for County Offaly. When the [[Grand Canal (Ireland)|Grand Canal]] opened in the late 18th century, it offered increased connectivity to the town and offered an increased market for goods produced in the area. [[Tullamore Dew]], a brand of [[Irish Whiskey]] was first distilled in the town in 1829. Tullamore was connected to the national railway network in 1854 by the [[Great Southern and Western Railway]] company, now [[Iarnród Éireann]]. Tullamore is also located near the boglands of the [[Bog of Allen]]. This provided employment through the work of [[Bord na Mona]]. Agriculture is also important to the local economy.


In recent years, more high end employment has been brought to the town with the opening of industrial estates in the town such as at Srah Industrial Estate. Employers here include the following multinationals, [[Sennheiser]], GeneMedix, [[Covidien]], Isotron and Zannini.
A number of industrial estates are located in the town. For example, in Srah Industrial Estate, employers include multinationals like [[Sennheiser]], GeneMedix, [[Covidien]], Isotron and Zannini.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


=== Retail ===
=== Retail ===
The Bridge Centre, is the main shopping area in the town with a variety of shops including [[Dunnes Stores]],Vera Moda and more. The Tullamore retail park on the Portarlington road also has a mix of shops including [[Tesco]], [[Heatons]], Petmania, Harry Corry and Woodie's DIY. In September 2016, [[Boots UK|Boots]] opened in the town centre. This is the largest outlet outside of Dublin city centre and Cork.
The Bridge Centre, one of the main shopping areas in the town centre, has outlets of [[Dunnes Stores]], Vero Moda, and Holland and Barrett.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stores – Bridge Centre Tullamore |url=https://www.bridgecentre.ie/stores/ |access-date=2022-08-03 |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Tullamore Retail Park on the Portarlington Road also has a mix of shops including [[Tesco]], [[Heatons]], Petmania, Harry Corry and Woodie's DIY. In September 2016, [[Boots UK|Boots]] opened in the town centre.{{fact|date=November 2024}}


== Media ==
== Media ==


From 1975 until 24 March 2008 Tullamore was the home of [[RTÉ Radio 1]]'s principal medium-wave [[Tullamore transmitter|transmitter]], broadcasting the AM version of Radio 1 on 567&nbsp;kHz, at a power of 500&nbsp;kW. Before this, the main transmission centre had been sited near [[Athlone]]. Tullamore is also home to the headquarters of [[Midlands 103]]. It hosts a number of local newspapers including The Tullamore Tribune and The Offaly Topic.
From 1975 until 24 March 2008, Tullamore was the home of [[RTÉ Radio 1]]'s principal medium-wave [[Tullamore transmitter|transmitter]], broadcasting the AM version of Radio 1 on 567&nbsp;kHz, at a power of 500&nbsp;kW. Before this, the main transmission centre had been sited near [[Athlone]]. In addition to being the headquarters of [[Midlands 103]], Tullamore is home to a number of local newspapers including ''The Tullamore'' Tribune and ''The Offaly Independent''.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


Tullamore features in several books by best-selling author [[Lyn Andrews]].
Tullamore features in several books by the author [[Lyn Andrews]].{{fact|date=November 2024}}


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==


The population of Tullamore (and its environs) rose by 28.8% from 1996 to 2006<ref>{{cite web|title=Demographic context |work=Offaly County Council Development Plan 2009 – 2015 |url=http://www.offaly.ie/NR/rdonlyres/A4AD027E-87E4-4353-917B-47C75D92768F/1095/Chapter2ContextandChallenges_FEB08.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=28 June 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030030920/http://www.offaly.ie/NR/rdonlyres/A4AD027E-87E4-4353-917B-47C75D92768F/1095/Chapter2ContextandChallenges_FEB08.pdf |archivedate=30 October 2008 |df= }}</ref> from 10,029 to 12,927. The current population as of the census in 2011 is 14,361.
The population of Tullamore (and its environs) rose from 10,029 in 1996<ref>{{cite web|title=Demographic context |work=Offaly County Council Development Plan 2009 – 2015 |url=http://www.offaly.ie/NR/rdonlyres/A4AD027E-87E4-4353-917B-47C75D92768F/1095/Chapter2ContextandChallenges_FEB08.pdf |access-date=28 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030030920/http://www.offaly.ie/NR/rdonlyres/A4AD027E-87E4-4353-917B-47C75D92768F/1095/Chapter2ContextandChallenges_FEB08.pdf |archive-date=30 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://citypopulation.de/en/ireland/towns/offaly/12211__tullamore/ | website = citypopulation.de | title = Tullamore (Ireland) Agglomeration| accessdate = 17 September 2023 }}</ref> to 15,598 in 2022, an increase of over 55%.<ref name="2022census"/>


== Transport & access ==
== Transport and access ==
[[File:Tullamore station (1982) - geograph.ie - 3103243.jpg|thumb|Tullamore railway station 1982]]
[[File:Tullamore station (1982) - geograph.ie - 3103243.jpg|thumb|Tullamore railway station 1982]]
[[Tullamore railway station]], first opened on 2 October 1854,<ref>{{cite web | title=Tullamore station | work=Railscot – Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf |format=PDF| accessdate=7 September 2007}}</ref> is served by trains on the Dublin-Galway and Dublin-Westport/Ballina inter-city routes.
[[Tullamore railway station]], first opened on 2 October 1854,<ref>{{cite web | title=Tullamore station | work=Railscot – Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | access-date=7 September 2007 | archive-date=26 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926042407/http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> is served by trains on the Dublin-Galway and Dublin-Westport/Ballina inter-city routes.

* [[Transport 21]]
* [[Rail Users Ireland]]
* [[National Development Plan]]
In association with the [[County Westmeath]] urban centres, [[Athlone]] and [[Mullingar]], Tullamore forms part of what is known as the [[Midlands Gateway]].
In association with the [[County Westmeath]] urban centres, [[Athlone]] and [[Mullingar]], Tullamore forms part of what is known as the [[Midlands Gateway]].


Tullamore lies on the [[N52 road (Ireland)|N52]] [[national secondary road]]. This connects to [[Birr, County Offaly|Birr]] in the southwest of the county and continues towards [[Mullingar]] which is located to the northeast. At [[Kilbeggan]] (about 12&nbsp;km north of Tullamore) the N52 forms an interchange with the [[M6 motorway (Ireland)|M6 motorway]] which connects [[Dublin]] and [[Galway]]. The [[N80 road (Ireland)|N80]] [[national secondary road]] connects Tullamore with [[Killeigh]], [[Mountmellick]] and [[Portlaoise]], travelling in a southwards direction. A number of [[Regional road]]s run through the town such as the [[R420 road (Ireland)|R420]] connecting Tullamore to [[Moate]], [[Clara, County Offaly|Clara]] and [[Portarlington, County Laois|Portarlington]], and the [[R421 road (Ireland)|R421]] which connects to [[Kinnitty]].
Tullamore lies on the [[N52 road (Ireland)|N52]] [[national secondary road]]. This connects to [[Birr, County Offaly|Birr]] in the southwest of the county and continues towards [[Mullingar]] which is located to the northeast. At [[Kilbeggan]] (about 12&nbsp;km north of Tullamore) the N52 forms an interchange with the [[M6 motorway (Ireland)|M6 motorway]] which connects [[Dublin]] and [[Galway]]. The [[N80 road (Ireland)|N80]] [[national secondary road]] connects Tullamore with [[Killeigh]], [[Mountmellick]] and [[Portlaoise]], travelling in a southwards direction. A number of [[Regional road (Ireland)|regional roads]] run through the town such as the [[R420 road (Ireland)|R420]] connecting Tullamore to [[Moate]], [[Clara, County Offaly|Clara]] and [[Portarlington, County Laois|Portarlington]], and the [[R421 road (Ireland)|R421]] which connects to [[Kinnitty]].


=== N52 Tullamore Bypass ===
=== N52 Tullamore Bypass ===
In 2009, Tullamore was bypassed. This involved re-routing the N52 road away from the centre of town forming an eastern bypass of the town. The [[Bypass (road)|bypass]]<ref name="NRA">[http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/OffalyCountyCouncil/N52TullamoreBypass/SchemeName,14490,en.html N52 Tullamore Bypass Scheme] – [http://www.nra.ie www.nra.ie]</ref> is {{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=on}} single carriageway standard and leaves the previous N52 approximately {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Tullamore town, intersecting with the [[N80 road]], crossing over the [[Grand Canal of Ireland|Grand Canal]], before rejoining the original N52 again {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of the town. A spur has been constructed from the northern section of the route to the Tullamore Western Relief Road [[R443 road|R443]] resulting in the creation of an almost-full orbital route around Tullamore. The N80 now terminates at its junction with the N52. The scheme began construction in April 2008, and it was officially opened in late 2009 by an Taoiseach, Brian Cowen.
In 2009, Tullamore was [[Bypass (road)|bypassed]] by re-routing the N52 away from the town centre. The bypass is to the east of the town,<ref name="NRA">[http://www.nra.ie/RoadSchemeActivity/OffalyCountyCouncil/N52TullamoreBypass/SchemeName,14490,en.html N52 Tullamore Bypass Scheme]{{dead link|date=August 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} – [http://www.nra.ie www.nra.ie] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424172538/http://www.nra.ie/ |date=24 April 2012 }}</ref> and is a {{convert|14|km|mi|abbr=on}} single carriageway which leaves the previous N52 approximately {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} southwest of Tullamore, intersecting with the [[N80 road (Ireland)|N80 road]], crossing over the [[Grand Canal of Ireland|Grand Canal]], before rejoining the original N52 {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} north of the town. A spur was constructed from the northern section of the route to the Tullamore Western Relief Road [[R443 road (Ireland)|R443]] creating in an almost-full orbital route around Tullamore. The N80 now terminates at its junction with the N52. The scheme began construction in April 2008, and was officially opened in late 2009 by then [[Taoiseach]] [[Brian Cowen]].<ref name="bypass">{{cite web|title=Saints and Scholars Tullamore By Pass|publisher=Offaly County Council|date=2009 |url=https://www.offaly.ie/saints-and-scholars-tullamore-by-pass/|access-date=16 September 2023 }}</ref>


== Sport ==
== Sport ==
Tullamore has a variety of sporting organisations and clubs in the town. [[Gaelic Games]], Association Football, [[Rugby Union]] and Athletics are all popular in the town with a number of high quality facilities.
Tullamore has a number of sporting organisations, including [[Gaelic games]], association football, [[rugby union]] and athletics clubs.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


[[Gaelic Games]] are represented by [[Tullamore GAA]], Ballinamere Gaa and Durrow Gaa. Tullamore have been successful in winning three senior football championships and one senior hurling championship in recent times. Between football and hurling championships, Tullamore is the most successful club in the history of [[Offaly GAA]]. While Ballinamere recently won the intermediate hurling championship in 2013 which now means they are also playing senior along with Tullamore. While Durrow partake in the senior 'b' football championship. [[O'Connor Park]] is the Offaly GAA home stadium for both the Offaly [[Gaelic Football]] and [[Hurling]] teams. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 following a major upgrade in 2006. The ground currently consists of a covered stand on one side of the pitch, with terracing on the other three. A stand was built in 1991, but replaced by the current structure in 2006. It seats 7,000 people and also includes a press box and a special section for wheelchair users.
[[Gaelic games]] are represented by [[Tullamore GAA]], Ballinamere GAA and Durrow GAA. Tullamore GAA won four senior football championships and one senior hurling championship in the early 21st century. Between football and hurling championships, Tullamore is one of the most successful clubs in the history of [[Offaly GAA]].{{fact|date=November 2024}} Ballinamere won the intermediate hurling championship in 2013, and therefore play senior hurling along with Tullamore. Durrow partakes in the senior 'B' football championship. [[O'Connor Park]] is the Offaly GAA home stadium for both the Offaly [[Gaelic football]] and [[hurling]] teams. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 following an upgrade in 2006. The ground consists of a covered stand on one side of the pitch, with terracing on the other three. A stand was built in 1991 but replaced by the current structure in 2006. It seats 7,000 people and also includes a press box and a special section for wheelchair users.


Soccer is the most popular sport in the town, which is represented by [[Tullamore Town F.C.]]. It was founded in 1941 and currently have teams in the [[Leinster Senior League (association football)|Leinster Senior League]], Combined Counties League (2nd team Women's and Youths) and the Midland Schoolboys League.<ref>http://www.tullamoretownfc.com/</ref>
[[Association football]] (soccer) is represented by [[Tullamore Town F.C.]] This club was founded in 1941 and have teams in the [[Leinster Senior League (association football)|Leinster Senior League]], Combined Counties League (2nd team Women's and Youths) and the Midland Schoolboys League.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tullamoretownfc.com/ |title=Home |website=www.tullamoretownfc.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928112518/http://www.tullamoretownfc.com/ |archive-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


[[Tullamore Rugby Club]] was founded in 1937 and is based in [[Spollenstown]]. The Tullamore 1sts team was successful in 2012 as [[All-Ireland League (rugby union)|Ulster Bank All Ireland]] Jnr Cup Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tullamorerugby.com/default.aspx |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2012-12-24 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504072615/http://www.tullamorerugby.com/default.aspx |archivedate= 4 May 2013 |df= }}</ref>
Tullamore Rugby Club was founded in 1937 and is based in [[Spollenstown]]. The Tullamore 1sts team was successful in 2012 as [[All-Ireland League (rugby union)|Ulster Bank All Ireland]] Jnr Cup Champions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tullamorerugby.com/default.aspx |title=Tullamore Rugby Club, Offaly, Ireland |access-date=2012-12-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504072615/http://www.tullamorerugby.com/default.aspx |archive-date= 4 May 2013 }}</ref>


[[Tullamore Harriers]] caters for athletics in the town, and was founded in 1953.<ref>http://www.tullamoreharriers.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=54</ref>
Tullamore Harriers caters for athletics in the town, and was founded in 1953.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tullamoreharriers.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=54 |title=Tullamore Harriers |publisher=Tullamore Harriers |access-date=2019-11-12 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924174007/http://tullamoreharriers.com/?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=54 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Other leisure facilities include the Aura Leisure Centre Tullamore, located on Hophill Road, which has a full gym suite and a 25-metre swimming pool.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}} Tullamore Golf Club has been situated at Brookfield since 1926 and has an 18-hole championship parkland golf course. It was rated among the top 25 parkland courses in Ireland in ''Backspin''<nowiki/>'s 2014 Irish [[Golf]] Course Rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/?q=node/137|title=About Us {{!}} Tullamore Golf Club|website=www.tullamoregolfclub.ie|access-date=2016-12-01|archive-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619174541/http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/?q=node%2F137|url-status=live}}</ref>
Aura Leisure Centre Tullamore, located on Hophill Road, has a full gym suite and a 25-metre swimming pool. The centre offers a range of sport and fitness programmes, swimming lessons and various other courses and classes.


== Education ==
[http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/?q=node/137 Tullamore Golf Club] is situated at Brookfield, ever since 1926, located south of Tullamore town, on the Kinnity Road (R 421) just off the N 52. The 18-hole championship parkland golf course is enjoyed by members and visitors alike. It is rated among the top 25 parkland courses in Ireland in ''Backspin''<nowiki/>'s 2014 Irish [[Golf]] Course Rankings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/?q=node/137|title=About Us {{!}} Tullamore Golf Club|website=www.tullamoregolfclub.ie|access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2022}}
Tullamore has several primary schools. There are several Catholic schools, a Church of Ireland school, a Gaelscoil and an Educate Together school. There are three secondary schools in the town; Tullamore College, a coeducational, multidenominational vocational school, the Sacred Heart School, a Catholic all-girls school and Coláiste Choilm, a Catholic all-boys school.


== People ==
== People ==
{{See also|Category:People from Tullamore, County Offaly}}

Notable current and former residents of Tullamore include:
Notable current and former residents of Tullamore include:
* [[Conor Brady]], former editor of ''The Irish Times''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rte.ie/radio1/sunday-with-miriam/programmes/2016/0117/760718-sunday-with-miriam-sunday-17-january-2016/ | publisher = RTÉ | website = rte.ie | title = Sunday with Miriam - Conor Brady | date = 17 January 2016 | access-date = 7 June 2020 | archive-date = 7 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200607172730/https://www.rte.ie/radio1/sunday-with-miriam/programmes/2016/0117/760718-sunday-with-miriam-sunday-17-january-2016/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[Donal Lunny]], Traditional Irish musician and performer, born in Church Street Tullamore.
* [[Yvonne Farrell]] (born 1951), architect<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2020/03/12/tullamore-native-awarded-highest-honour-in-world-of-architecture/ | publisher = Offaly Independent | website = offalyindependent.ie | title = Tullamore native awarded highest honour in world of architecture | date = 12 March 2020 | access-date = 7 June 2020 | archive-date = 7 June 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200607172719/https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2020/03/12/tullamore-native-awarded-highest-honour-in-world-of-architecture/ | url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[Gerald Gardner (mathematician)|Gerald Gardner]] (1922–2009), [[geophysics|geophysicist]] and social activist whose statistical analysis led to the banning of [[classified advertising]] segregated by gender in a 1973 ruling by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|US Supreme Court]].<ref>Weber, Bruce. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/us/29gardner.html "Gerald Gardner, 83, Dies; Bolstered Sex Bias Suit"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', 28 July 2009. Accessed 29 July 2009.</ref>
* [[Gerald Gardner (mathematician)|Gerald Gardner]] (1922–2009), [[geophysics|geophysicist]] and social activist whose statistical analysis led to the banning of [[classified advertising]] segregated by gender in a 1973 ruling by the [[Supreme Court of the United States|US Supreme Court]]<ref>Weber, Bruce. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/us/29gardner.html "Gerald Gardner, 83, Dies; Bolstered Sex Bias Suit"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328141853/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/us/29gardner.html |date=28 March 2019 }}, ''[[The New York Times]]'', 28 July 2009. Accessed 29 July 2009</ref>
* [[Alfie Lambe]] (1932–1959), Missionary and founder of [[Legion of Mary]] in [[South America]]
*[[Michael Kelly (missionary)|Michael Kelly]] (1929-2021), Jesuit missionary active in the fight against AIDS in [[Zambia]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jcfj.ie/2020/04/24/the-covid-19-poverty-tsunami/|title=The Covid-19 Poverty Tsunami|date=April 24, 2020|website=Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice in Ireland|access-date=18 July 2020|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718230329/https://www.jcfj.ie/2020/04/24/the-covid-19-poverty-tsunami/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jesuitmissions.ie/news/160-tribute|title=Tribute to Michael J. Kelly SJ|website=www.jesuitmissions.ie|access-date=18 July 2020|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719024520/https://www.jesuitmissions.ie/news/160-tribute|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fa5kaJcu2IAC&q=%22michael+j+kelly%22|title=Education and HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean|first1=Michael J.|last1=Kelly|first2=Brendan|last2=Bain|date=July 18, 2005|publisher=Ian Randle Publishers|isbn=9789766371807|via=Google Books|access-date=3 October 2020|archive-date=24 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924174002/https://books.google.com/books?id=fa5kaJcu2IAC&q=%22michael+j+kelly%22|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Brian Cowen]], former local TD and Irish [[Taoiseach]] (2008–2011), originally from the nearby [[Clara, County Offaly|Clara]].
* [[Alfie Lambe]] (1932–1959), missionary and founder of [[Legion of Mary]] in [[South America]]<ref name = LoM>{{cite web | url = http://www.legionofmary.ie/causes/profile/alfie-lambe | title = Servant of God Alfie Lambe | accessdate = 29 March 2020 | publisher = Legion of Mary}}</ref>
* [[Dónal Lunny]] (born 1947), traditional Irish musician and performer<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/moving-on-1.87578 | publisher = Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com | title = Moving On | date = 19 September 1996 | access-date = 7 June 2020 | archive-date = 24 September 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210924174004/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/moving-on-1.87578 | url-status = live }}</ref>
* [[James Nolan (athlete)|James Nolan]] (born 1977), middle-distance athlete, silver medallist at the 2000 European Indoor Championships<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2021/07/15/tullamore-coach-leads-irish-athletes-to-fourth-paralympic-games/| website = offalyindependent.ie | title = Tullamore coach leads Irish athletes to fourth Paralympic Games | date = 15 July 2021 | accessdate = 14 October 2021 }}</ref>
* [[Sister Genevieve O'Farrell]] (1923–2001), Irish educator and college principal<ref>{{Cite news|last=McHardy|first=Anne|date=January 9, 2002|title=Sister Genevieve O'Farrell: Resolute head whose dreams of educational excellence surmounted Belfast violence|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2002/jan/09/guardianobituaries.schools}}</ref>
* [[Tom Scully (football manager)|Tom Scully]] (1930–2020), priest and manager of the county football team<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/gaelic-football/gaelic-football-news/father-tom-scully-rip-coronavirus-21831024|title=Former Offaly football manager Fr Tom Scully dies after contracting coronavirus|work=Irish Mirror|first=Pat|last=Nolan|date=7 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409020832/https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/gaa/gaelic-football/gaelic-football-news/father-tom-scully-rip-coronavirus-21831024|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Pat Burke]], the first Irish-born player to play basketball in the NBA.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery class="center">
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Hugh Lynch's Pub Kilbride Street Tullamore Co Offaly.jpg|Hugh Lynchs Pub
File:Hugh Lynch's Pub Kilbride Street Tullamore Co Offaly.jpg|Hugh Lynchs Pub
File:Tullamore Court Hotel, March 2011 (02).JPG|Tullamore Court Hotel
File:Tullamore Court Hotel, March 2011 (02).JPG|Tullamore Court Hotel
File:Charleville Castle, Tullamore, Co Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1357659.jpg|Charleville Castle
File:Grand Canal at Bury Quai Tullamore Co. Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365144.jpg|Grand Canal
File:Grand Canal at Bury Quai Tullamore Co. Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365144.jpg|Grand Canal
File:Collumcillie Street Tullamore Co.Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365228.jpg|Columcille Street
File:Collumcillie Street Tullamore Co.Offaly - geograph.org.uk - 1365228.jpg|Columcille Street
Line 219: Line 250:


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{commons category|Tullamore}}
{{Commons category|Tullamore}}
{{wikivoyage|Tullamore}}
{{wikivoyage|Tullamore}}
* [http://www.tullamore.org/ Tullamore]
* [http://www.tullamore.org/ Tullamore]
* [http://www.tullamorechamber.com/ Tullamore Chamber]
* [http://www.tullamorechamber.com/ Tullamore Chamber]
* [http://www.tullamore-dew.org/ Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre]
* [http://www.tullamoreshow.com/ Tullamore Show]
* [http://www.tullamoreshow.com/ Tullamore Chamber]
* [http://www.tullamorerugby.com/ Tullamore Rugby Club]
* [http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/ Tullamore Golf Club]
* [http://www.phoenixfestival.ie/ Phoenix Festival]
* [http://www.queenofthelandfestival.com/ Queen of the Land Festival]
* [http://www.tullamorelife.net/ Tullamore Life & Community]
* [http://www.dotser.ie/ Dotser - Web Design & Software Development]
* [http://www.hughlynchs.com/ Hugh Lynch's Pub]
* [http://www.MorIrishGin.com/ Mór Irish Gin]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040623231957/http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/offaly/tullamore/index.html Architecture of Tullamore]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040623231957/http://www.irish-architecture.com/buildings_ireland/offaly/tullamore/index.html Architecture of Tullamore]
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=53.2667%C2%B0+N+7.5000%C2%B0+W&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=53.278302,-7.499886&spn=0.022478,0.085831&t=h&om=0 Google map]


{{County Offaly}}
{{County Offaly}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Tullamore, County Offaly| ]]
[[Category:Tullamore, County Offaly| ]]
[[Category:Aviation accidents and incidents in 1785]]
[[Category:County towns in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:County towns in the Republic of Ireland]]
[[Category:Towns and villages in County Offaly]]
[[Category:Towns and villages in County Offaly]]
[[Category:Former urban districts in the Republic of Ireland]]

Latest revision as of 17:58, 14 November 2024

Tullamore
Tulach Mhór
Town
O'Connor Square
Church of the Assumption
Flag of Tullamore
Coat of arms of Tullamore
Tullamore is located in Ireland
Tullamore
Tullamore
Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 53°16′00″N 7°30′00″W / 53.2667°N 7.5000°W / 53.2667; -7.5000
CountryIreland
ProvinceLeinster
CountyOffaly
Elevation
73 m (240 ft)
Population15,598
Time zoneUTC±0 (WET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+1 (IST)
Eircode routing key
R35
Telephone area code+353(0)57
Irish Grid ReferenceN335248

Tullamore (/ˈtʊləˌmɔːr/; Irish: Tulach Mhór, meaning 'great mound') is the county town of County Offaly in Ireland. It is on the Grand Canal, in the middle of the county, and is the fourth most populous town in the Midlands Region, with 15,598 inhabitants at the 2022 census.[1]

The town retained Gold Medal status in the National Tidy Town Awards in 2015 and also played host to the World Sheep Dog Trials in 2005, which attracted international interest in the region. The Tullamore Show is held near the town every year. The town's most famous export is Tullamore Dew – an Irish whiskey distilled by Tullamore Distillery – that can be traced back to 1829. The original distillery was shut down in 1954. The brand was later resurrected, but at first was produced at the Midleton Distillery in Cork. However, in 2014, the brand's new owners, William Grant & Sons, invested in a new distillery near Tullamore, bringing whiskey production back to the town.[2]

History

[edit]

In the Middle Ages, Tullamore was within the Gaelic territory of Firceall ruled by the O'Molloy clan. Firceall was part of the Kingdom of Meath. The Tullamore area was part of the first English plantations in Ireland during the 1550s when land was confiscated from the native Irish and colonized with English settlers. Firceall was divided into the baronies of Ballycowan, Ballyboy and Eglish, with Tullamore located in Ballycowan.[9]

The Tullamore area, comprising some 5,000 acres, was granted by the English to Sir John Moore in 1622. At that time the Tullamore estate included a ruined castle, ten cottages and two water mills. Sir Robert Forth, who leased the lands from Thomas Moore (son and heir of Sir John), built a mansion house c.1641 in what is now the Charleville demesne. Charles Moore, Lord Tullamore, grandson of Thomas, eventually regained possession of the estate and when he died in 1674 it went via his sister to Charles William Bury. Charles William was later (1806) created the 1st Earl of Charleville in a second creation of the title.[10]

On 10 May 1785, the town was seriously damaged when the crash of a hot air balloon resulted in a fire that burned down as many as 130 homes, giving the town the distinction of being the location of the world's first known aviation disaster.[11] To this day, the town shield depicts a phoenix rising from the ashes. The event is yearly commemorated by the Phoenix festival which celebrates Tullamore's resurrection from the ashes following the accident.

The Grand Canal linked Tullamore to Dublin in 1798. During the Napoleonic Wars, a clash between troops of the King's German Legion and a regiment of British Light Infantry who were both stationed in the town, became known as the Battle of Tullamore. Tullamore became county town of County Offaly in 1835, replacing Daingean.

Tullamore has a long history of whiskey distilling, with two distilleries known to have operated in the town in the 1780s, though closed some years later.[12] Subsequently, a new distillery was established by Michael Molloy, on the site of one of the old distilleries in 1829.[12] When Molloy died, the distillery first passed to his brother Anthony, before eventually making its way into the hands of his nephew, Bernard Daly.[12] When Daly died, his son, Captain Bernard Daly took ownership of the business. With an estate in Terenure, Captain Daly left the day-to-day running of the business to Daniel E. Williams, the distillery's general manager, under whose careful watch the distillery grew and prospered, and launched Tullamore Dew, the whiskey which bears his initials. Williams brought electricity to Tullamore in 1893. The distillery installed the town's first telephones and introduced motorised transport. Williams ran various commercial businesses throughout the Irish midlands – drinks businesses, tea importing, seed and grain retail, and a network of 26 general stores.[citation needed]

Following this period, Prohibition in the United States, an economic war with Britain in the 1930s, and World War II all harmed the industry. Tullamore was one of many Irish distilleries affected by a general decline in Irish whiskey sales worldwide. After World War II, Desmond Williams, grandson of Daniel E. Williams, used modern marketing techniques to re-establish Irish whiskey in world markets. In 1947, Desmond Williams also developed Irish Mist, an Irish liqueur made from a blend of whiskey, herbs and honey, using a recipe alleged to have disappeared in the late 17th century and to have been rediscovered in a manuscript 250 years later. Williams also capitalised on the Irish coffee concept, and promoted blended whiskeys along with Tullamore Dew.

Culture

[edit]
Patrick Street, Tullamore

The Tullamore Phoenix Festival was an annual celebration of art, culture and heritage first held in August between 2000 and 2007.[citation needed] Festival events included hot air balloons, concerts, street entertainment, a parade, and fireworks.[citation needed]

The Queen of the Land Festival takes place in Tullamore each year on the second weekend in November. Primarily a personality contest, it seeks to find the best examples of a modern Irish woman. It is organised by Offaly Macra Na Feirme. Each year about 25 girls between the age of 17 and 35 compete to be crowned Queen of the Land. The festival provides a host of entertainment throughout the town over the weekend, primarily at night.

An annual Tullamore Show takes place on the second Sunday of August every year. It was cancelled in 2007 and 2008 due to heavy rain, though it ran again in 2009.[13] Agriculture was originally the show's main focus, but this has broadened to include entertainment, food, crafts, lifestyle, trade stands, food and refreshments, fashion and entertainment.[citation needed]

Hugh Lynch's Pub on Kilbride Street has been operating as a public house since the early 1800s. In the early 1900s it was bought by the Williams Group, founders of the D.E. Williams Distillery, and run as a public bar and grocery, along with many other outlets in the Irish Midlands, from which they sold their growing whiskey brand "Tullamore Dew". It has been in the Lynch Family since 1971.

The national Fleadh Cheoil was held in Tullamore for the very first time in August 2007. It returned in 2008 and returned for the third time from 21 to 23 August 2009.[14]

The National Ploughing Championships, Europe's largest Outdoor Exhibition and Agriculture Trade Show, was held in Screggan, Tullamore in 2016. The total attendance figures for the 2016 Championship came to a record-breaking 283,000. The show returned to Screggan in September 2017.[15]

Places of interest

[edit]
Charleville Castle
A bottle of Tullamore Dew whiskey
Tullamore Dew

The Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre on the banks of the Grand Canal focuses on the distilling, canal and urban history of the town.[16] Audio visual and self-guided tours are available.

Charleville Estate is located on the edge of the town. The Gothic Charleville Castle stands in this parkland setting which contains the King Oak, one of the biggest and oldest oak trees in the country. The castle is said to be haunted and was featured on series 1 of Living TV's Most Haunted.[17] The oak woodland is botanically an important survivor of primeval stock. The park was the location of the annual Tullamore Agricultural Show. However following the cancellation of the show for two consecutive years due to heavy rainfall the event was moved to a new location with improved drainage in the Blue Ball area, south of the town.

Tullamore is used as a base for the Slieve Bloom Mountains to the south of the county.[citation needed]

Also south of Tullamore are the Lough Boora parklands. These boglands contain a range of flora and fauna. The wetlands also contain a number of large-scale environmental sculptures that form part of the 'Sculpture in the Parklands' sculpture park. [citation needed]

10  km west of Tullamore is the village of Rahan. The remains of what was once a large monastery settlement founded by St.Carthage or Mochuda in the 6th century, can be seen in the village.

Within 5 minutes drive is the Celtic cross of Durrow. In the middle of the 6th century, a monastery was founded here by Saint Columba. The monastery is known for the Book of Durrow, an illuminated manuscript written here in the 7th century.[citation needed]

There are four metal sculptures located on the N52 Tullamore bypass funded under the percentage for arts scheme where 1% of the budget is allocated to roadside art.[18] Sculptor Maurice Harron created the figures presenting symbols of learning and sanctity. The figures are located on esker ridges that the new roadway cuts through.[19]

There are also a number of churches in the town, including Tullamore Catholic Church, Tullamore Presbyterian Church and St. Catherine's Church of Ireland church.

Tullamore Town Hall, which dates from 1786, used to be a private house known as Acres Hall.[20]

Economy

[edit]
Bridge Centre Shopping Centre, Tullamore

As the county town of Offaly, many government services are located here such as the headquarters of Offaly County Council, the Midlands Regional Hospital and HSE services. Government departments located in the town include the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Education.

Tullamore has traditionally been an important industrial, retail and services centre for County Offaly. When the Grand Canal opened in the late 18th century, it offered increased connectivity to the town and offered an increased market for goods produced in the area. Tullamore Dew, a brand of Irish Whiskey was first distilled in the town in 1829. Tullamore was connected to the national railway network in 1854 by the Great Southern and Western Railway company, now Iarnród Éireann. Tullamore is also located near the boglands of the Bog of Allen. This provided employment through the work of Bord na Mona. Agriculture is also important to the local economy.

A number of industrial estates are located in the town. For example, in Srah Industrial Estate, employers include multinationals like Sennheiser, GeneMedix, Covidien, Isotron and Zannini.[citation needed]

Retail

[edit]

The Bridge Centre, one of the main shopping areas in the town centre, has outlets of Dunnes Stores, Vero Moda, and Holland and Barrett.[21] The Tullamore Retail Park on the Portarlington Road also has a mix of shops including Tesco, Heatons, Petmania, Harry Corry and Woodie's DIY. In September 2016, Boots opened in the town centre.[citation needed]

Media

[edit]

From 1975 until 24 March 2008, Tullamore was the home of RTÉ Radio 1's principal medium-wave transmitter, broadcasting the AM version of Radio 1 on 567 kHz, at a power of 500 kW. Before this, the main transmission centre had been sited near Athlone. In addition to being the headquarters of Midlands 103, Tullamore is home to a number of local newspapers including The Tullamore Tribune and The Offaly Independent.[citation needed]

Tullamore features in several books by the author Lyn Andrews.[citation needed]

Demographics

[edit]

The population of Tullamore (and its environs) rose from 10,029 in 1996[22][23] to 15,598 in 2022, an increase of over 55%.[1]

Transport and access

[edit]
Tullamore railway station 1982

Tullamore railway station, first opened on 2 October 1854,[24] is served by trains on the Dublin-Galway and Dublin-Westport/Ballina inter-city routes.

In association with the County Westmeath urban centres, Athlone and Mullingar, Tullamore forms part of what is known as the Midlands Gateway.

Tullamore lies on the N52 national secondary road. This connects to Birr in the southwest of the county and continues towards Mullingar which is located to the northeast. At Kilbeggan (about 12 km north of Tullamore) the N52 forms an interchange with the M6 motorway which connects Dublin and Galway. The N80 national secondary road connects Tullamore with Killeigh, Mountmellick and Portlaoise, travelling in a southwards direction. A number of regional roads run through the town such as the R420 connecting Tullamore to Moate, Clara and Portarlington, and the R421 which connects to Kinnitty.

N52 Tullamore Bypass

[edit]

In 2009, Tullamore was bypassed by re-routing the N52 away from the town centre. The bypass is to the east of the town,[25] and is a 14 km (8.7 mi) single carriageway which leaves the previous N52 approximately 6 km (3.7 mi) southwest of Tullamore, intersecting with the N80 road, crossing over the Grand Canal, before rejoining the original N52 3 km (1.9 mi) north of the town. A spur was constructed from the northern section of the route to the Tullamore Western Relief Road R443 creating in an almost-full orbital route around Tullamore. The N80 now terminates at its junction with the N52. The scheme began construction in April 2008, and was officially opened in late 2009 by then Taoiseach Brian Cowen.[26]

Sport

[edit]

Tullamore has a number of sporting organisations, including Gaelic games, association football, rugby union and athletics clubs.[citation needed]

Gaelic games are represented by Tullamore GAA, Ballinamere GAA and Durrow GAA. Tullamore GAA won four senior football championships and one senior hurling championship in the early 21st century. Between football and hurling championships, Tullamore is one of the most successful clubs in the history of Offaly GAA.[citation needed] Ballinamere won the intermediate hurling championship in 2013, and therefore play senior hurling along with Tullamore. Durrow partakes in the senior 'B' football championship. O'Connor Park is the Offaly GAA home stadium for both the Offaly Gaelic football and hurling teams. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 following an upgrade in 2006. The ground consists of a covered stand on one side of the pitch, with terracing on the other three. A stand was built in 1991 but replaced by the current structure in 2006. It seats 7,000 people and also includes a press box and a special section for wheelchair users.

Association football (soccer) is represented by Tullamore Town F.C. This club was founded in 1941 and have teams in the Leinster Senior League, Combined Counties League (2nd team Women's and Youths) and the Midland Schoolboys League.[27]

Tullamore Rugby Club was founded in 1937 and is based in Spollenstown. The Tullamore 1sts team was successful in 2012 as Ulster Bank All Ireland Jnr Cup Champions.[28]

Tullamore Harriers caters for athletics in the town, and was founded in 1953.[29]

Other leisure facilities include the Aura Leisure Centre Tullamore, located on Hophill Road, which has a full gym suite and a 25-metre swimming pool.[citation needed] Tullamore Golf Club has been situated at Brookfield since 1926 and has an 18-hole championship parkland golf course. It was rated among the top 25 parkland courses in Ireland in Backspin's 2014 Irish Golf Course Rankings.[30]

Education

[edit]

Tullamore has several primary schools. There are several Catholic schools, a Church of Ireland school, a Gaelscoil and an Educate Together school. There are three secondary schools in the town; Tullamore College, a coeducational, multidenominational vocational school, the Sacred Heart School, a Catholic all-girls school and Coláiste Choilm, a Catholic all-boys school.

People

[edit]

Notable current and former residents of Tullamore include:

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Census 2022 | Profile 1 - Population Distribution and Movement | F1015 - Population". data.cso.ie. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  2. ^ "Tullamore Dew opens Irish distillery". Drinks Industry Ireland. 17 September 2014. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  3. ^ "Census for post 1821 figures". Archived from the original on 9 March 2005. Retrieved 25 July 2009.
  4. ^ "HISTPOP.ORG - Home". www.histpop.org. Archived from the original on 28 August 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  5. ^ "Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency - Census Home Page". Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  6. ^ Lee, J. J. (1981). "On the accuracy of the Pre-famine Irish censuses". In Goldstrom, J. M.; Clarkson, L. A. (eds.). Irish Population, Economy, and Society: Essays in Honour of the Late K. H. Connell. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.
  7. ^ Mokyr, Joel; O Grada, Cormac (November 1984). "New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700–1850". The Economic History Review. 37 (4): 473–488. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0289.1984.tb00344.x. hdl:10197/1406. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012.
  8. ^ "Sapmap Area - Settlements - Tullamore". Census 2016. CSO. 2016. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  9. ^ "Molloy Omolloy Clan Rally Firceall Molloy Family Geneaology Family Tree Ancestors Offaly Ireland - Omolloy Molloy Ireland Molloys". Omolloy.com. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  10. ^ "Charleville Demesne & The Burys, 1600–1900". Archived from the original on 19 October 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ^ Byrne, Michael. The Tullamore Balloon Fire – First Air Disaster in History Archived 16 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society website, 9 January 2007 (retrieved 7 July 2011), which in turn cites:
  12. ^ a b c Harman, Murtagh (1980). Irish Midland Studies: Essays in honour of N. W. English, Athlone. pp. 213–228.
  13. ^ "Tullamore Show cancelled for second year after downpours". Irish Independent. 11 August 2008. Archived from the original on 18 October 2012. Retrieved 7 March 2009.
  14. ^ "The 2009 Fleadh Ceoil". Archived from the original on 11 February 2009. Retrieved 8 March 2009.
  15. ^ O'Shea, Cormac (19 September 2017). "Ploughing championship 2017 LIVE: Good weather in Tullamore as it kicks off". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  16. ^ "Irish Whiskey Distillery Tours & Tastings". Tullamore DEW. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  17. ^ "Season 1 Episode 16". tv.com. 10 September 2002.
  18. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 June 2009. Retrieved 6 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. ^ "Error - Offaly County Council". www.offaly.ie. Archived from the original on 12 November 2019. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Tullamore Town Hall, Cormac Street, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, County Offaly". National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  21. ^ "Stores – Bridge Centre Tullamore". Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  22. ^ "Demographic context" (PDF). Offaly County Council Development Plan 2009 – 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2008.
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  24. ^ "Tullamore station" (PDF). Railscot – Irish Railways. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 7 September 2007.
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