FEDERATION OF LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES AGM
BRIDGE HOUSE HOTEL – TULLAMORE – CO OFFALY
FRIDAY, 4TH OCT – SUNDAY 6TH OCT 2024
This year we will hold our AGM in Tullamore, Co Offaly. The last time the AGM was held
here was in 1994 and we are delighted to make a welcome return. Our hosts this year are
the Offaly Heritage Centre Ltd and special thanks to Michael Byrne for all his huge help and
support in making it possible.
It is a town with its own unique spirit, arguably the most central town in Ireland and
located halfway between Dublin and Galway. Prosperity came to the town in the form of the
Grand Canal in 1798, providing a link to Dublin Port and thus establishing its rapid growth
as a market and warehousing centre.
Tullamore has its share of fine buildings. St Catherine’s, a Gothic Revival Church was
designed by Francis Johnston, the architect of Charleville Castle one of Ireland’s most
splendid Gothic Revival buildings which stands just west of the town on the Birr Road,
Nearby is the monastic gem, Clonmacnoise along with the monastic sites of Durrow and
Rahan. The town boasts the Offaly History Centre on Bury Quay and is an ideal location to
explore the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains. We will visit Birr Castle with its science
centre, unique telescope, and impressive gardens and parklands.
Come and join us for a weekend filled with history, heritage, walks and talks and all in
convivial company.
Please note: Attendance at the AGM is free so all are welcome but registration is required on
the day
WEEKEND PROGRAMME
FRIDAY, 4TH OCTOBER, 2024
19.00 Dinner and Welcome by Mairead Byrne, Chair FLHS
After Dinner Talk – Michael Byrne -Offaly Heritage Centre
SATURDAY, 5TH OCTOBER, 2024
9.00 Registration desk open – details of nearby attractions and activities will be
available for those not attending formal business sessions.
9.15 Society Journal/Book sales tables open
10.00 Introduction: Mairead Byrne, Chair, Federation of Local History Societies
10.05 Official opening of AGM – Tony Mc Cormack – Cathaoirleach, Offaly
County Council
10:15 -12:30 AGM of the FLHS
12:30 – 1.30 Lunch – not included in package – available in hotel – optional and can be
booked on the Saturday morning. Cost €15.
14.30 – 17.00 Visit Birr Castle: Science Centre, the Great Telescope and Gardens and
Parklands. Cost not included in weekend package. Entry Fee €20.
19:30 Dinner followed by after-dinner talk
Short Film “Bridget Dwyer – Famine Survivor” Presented by Anne Mc Neill
SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2024
11.00 – 12.30 A guided tour of Tullamore Town by well-known Local Historian, Michael
Byrne.
WEEK END PACKAGE
Cost: Double/Twin €289 PPS and single €378. This includes two nights B&B and two
evening meals, (3 courses with tea/coffee) in the Bridge House Hotel Tullamore.
BOOKING: Those interested in the weekend pakage should book directly with the
Bridgehouse Hotel by contacting reservations at 057 932 5609. Booking is on a first come
first serve basis and rooms must be booked by 6th Sept, 2024, at the latest to avail of the
Federation special rate.
PLEASE NOTE:
So that we can follow up on the bookings we would ask anyone booking the hotel to provide
the name of the Society/Individual membership and a contact detail so we get back to you
with further details.
Also to facilitate booking of the Birr Castle visit we ask those interested in availing of
the visit to let us know directly by return. Contact – Larry Breen, at
larrybreen8@outlook.com
THOSE BOOKING THE WEEKEND PACKAGE SHOULD ASK FOR THE FEDERATION SPECIAL RATE
NOTE: rooms may be available after Sept 6th but will be at the normal rate.
Anyone attending on the Saturday and not availing of the weekend package can have
dinner at the cost of €40. This must be booked at registration desk on the Saturday
morning.
The Bridge House Hotel is centrally located in Tullamore Town.
There are rail and bus services to and from Dublin and Cork to Tullamore.
CAR PARKING
There is complimentary parking for all attendees in resident’s car park
Drive to end of hotel building (hotel on your right) and come to a junction, turn right
Directly across the road you will see “Bridge House Hotel Resident’s Car Park”
Press buzzer & barrier will open. Park here and collect a token from reception on departure
for complimentary parking
Our car park is located adjacent to the Captains House Restaurant. Eircode
