Inside Destination Athlone

Inside Destination Athlone is a series featuring a glimpse of the people and personalities behind Destination Athlone businesses.

Inside Destination Athlone: Vincent Harney, Athlone Guided Walking Tours

After a long career as postmaster, most people would consider retirement a chance to put their feet up and enjoy a quieter life … clearly Vincent Harney isn’t like most people. Having run a Spar shop and Post Office in his native Cornafulla just outside Athlone for more than 30 years, he took on a brand-new challenge in retirement, and set up a walking tour business three years ago.

Inside Destination Athlone: Rosie Boles, Burgess of Athlone and The Village at Burgess

Some towns boast an iconic store, one that is utterly synonymous with it, and that is certainly the case with Burgess of Athlone. It holds the honour of being the oldest department store in Ireland and indeed there has been trading on the site since the 1600s. Thomas Burgess bought it at the age of 21 back in 1839 and began what is now the thriving shop. It’s an incredible history and an incredible store.

Inside Destination Athlone: Liam Tutty, Dead Centre Brewing

The Man from Hollywood. Brewing beer has always held a fascination for Liam Tutty but for many years it was his hobby and relaxation rather than the way he earned his daily bread. Today, although it is most definitely his business, it still retains every bit of its original mystery and appeal for him. Originally from Hollywood in Co. Wicklow, Liam has taken the scenic route to both Athlone and to setting up craft brewery and pizzeria, Dead Centre Brewing.

Inside Destination Athlone: Yew Point, Hodson Bay Hotel, Johnny O’Sullivan

Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the pandemic, Yew Point at the Hodson Bay Hotel is a truly visionary initiative from the enterprising O’Sullivan family. It is 140 acres of remarkably unspoiled land on a promontory jutting out into Lough Ree, a biodiversity paradise of ancient woodland and natural beauty. The O’Sullivans have ambitious plans to give controlled public access to this remote headland while preserving and protecting it.

This interview series was funded by Westmeath & Roscommon LEADER programme.