The address for our training centre is Tír Na nÓg, Slievenagorta, Ballymore, Co Westmeath. Ballymore is midway between Athlone and Mullingar and is about 7 miles from Moate. It is right in the centre of Ireland.
I know that most students will travel by car but Ballymore is also accessible from just about everywhere by bus or train (eg the Sligo, Galway, Longford, or Mayo trains from Dublin all come to either Mullingar or Athlone. Lots of buses pass through Moate (and some come to Ballymore, but infrequently). If you are arriving into Moate, Athlone or Mullingar by public transport I can try to arrange collection to bring you to the centre. There are some buses from Athlone to Ballymore – not very frequent so check times online. I recommend that students share transport when possible. If you want to share contact details for sharing transport and/or accommodation let me know.
Bus Nestor and Citylink both operate buses from Dublin Airport (and Dublin City Centre) to Moate, which is on the main Dublin to Galway route. There is usually a bus every hour or two. The express airport bus, and those not going into Dublin city first, are the fastest.
Directions from N4 for people not going via Moate and who wish to bypass Mullingar
Take 3rd exit for Mullingar (and Castlepollard) on left of Dual Carriageway. This exit bypasses Mullingar and you just follow signs for Athlone – through roundabouts and right at final one. Take the left side at V in road (N392); this is signposted to Athlone and to Ballymore 20km. Ballymore is known as a village with ‘two ends and no middle’ so continue to the second section of the village, you will see Top Service Station, and follow directions below.
Directions from Dublin
Take the M4 (main route from Dublin for Galway, Sligo and the West) at Liffey Valley and take Exit 11 after the toll plaza. This brings you on to the N6 for Galway. Remain on this until Exit 6 and follow signs for Moate.
Directions from Ballymore:
In Ballymore turn down the road at the side of Cunningham’s Pub. This is just after the Top petrol station at the Athlone end of the village. This road leads from Ballymore to Moate and the signpost says Pitch and Putt. Carry on past The Pitch & Putt on the left (you may notice stone pillar), exactly1 mile from village but easily missed, and take the first right immediately after it (This is actually the first right turn since leaving the village also). There is a white bungalow on your left at this tiny junction (small crossroads – easily missed!). The Centre is ½ mile down this cul de sac. It is the third building on the right hand side. The house is painted white with blue trim and blue window sills and with lots of space for parking open on to the road. Don’t get mixed up with the farmhouse just before us – it also has blue sills.
Directions from Moate:
At the Dublin end of Moate there is a signpost to Ballymore – 13 km. The turn is to your left if coming from Galway (almost opposite Croziers, Moate Motors (Texaco) on your right), right if coming from Dublin. Follow this road for about 10km. Go straight through junction at Foxes shop. Less than 2 miles after a sharp bend to the left (sign says Ballymore 4km) you will come to a tiny crossroads that is easily missed as it is not signposted. (However there is a white bungalow on the right, and a hydrant stone on the left, and you will know you have gone too far if you pass it and reach a large stone house with glass globular lights on pillars near the road, and then the Pitch and Putt on your right.) At the tiny junction turn left down the narrow road. The Centre is ½ mile down this cul de sac. It is the third building on the right hand side. The house is painted white with blue trim and blue window sills and with lots of space for parking open on to the road. Don’t get mixed up with the farmhouse just before us – it also has blue sills.
Taxi from Moate:
Here are some taxi numbers for Moate area: Duffy’s 086 845 9373, Micky Mac 087 1359 466, Kieran Carroll 086 6000 666, and Ray O’Hara 087 227 2731
