New found title for Moylurg Tower
If ever there was a lesson in turning a negative into a positive, it could be seen in our story on Tuesday last which listed the Moylurg Tower as ‘One of the Best Festival Stages in Ireland”. Built back in the early 1970’s, the tower is an example of the architecture of that period and has come in for criticism by many, especially considering what it replaced. Indeed many years ago, such was the hatred of the building at the time, that there was a suggestion by one local organisation who were finding it hard to fundraise, that they would sell raffle tickets with the first prize being the opportunity to push the plunger to blow it up!!
But in the Tower’s favour, it does provide a brilliant viewing platform of the beautiful park and will figure prominently in the soon to be announced ‘Lough Key Masterplan’. And now, with it’s fortunes changing and having it referred to as “One of the Best Festival Stages in Ireland”, a new lease of life could be on the cards for the tower. Perhaps Moylurg Rockingham, who operate the tourism side of the Park could look at having a similar light show like that during the festival on the tower at certain times of the year – like Christmas, New Year, Easter and Halloween…it would certainly be a crowd puller.
Kingston Hall funding is great news for the building and the area
There was an air of excitement yesterday when we published the news that Kingston Hall in Rockingham was awarded €300,000 in funding “for the design and planning for the full restoration and adaptive reuse of the hall and its grounds for accommodation purposes”. Many asked, “could this be the hotel we are crying our for in Boyle?”
Kingston Hall is in private ownership and before people get carried away, it is understood that the funding is not for a hotel but restoration and accommodation – which is a start for something we badly need here in Boyle.
The building was put up for sale in 2021 and purchased soon after by it’s present owners. Built in the 1770’s, Kingston Hall was home to the King family who moved there from King House in Boyle. They lived at Kingston Hall until Rockingham House was completed in 1817. The Hall then became the home of the Land Steward for the estate.
Any news of any further accommodation for Boyle is welcome and added to the Lough Key Masterplan, Aldi and a few other imminent announcements, there should be plenty to celebrate in 2026 around Boyle.
Boyle Summer Show this Sunday
It’s nearly show time in Boyle which can only mean one thing – we are on the count down to autumn. In Boyle, this year’s event will take place this Sunday August 10th when hopefully the weather will play it’s part in attracting a large crowd to Lynch’s field in the Warren. There are many classes and categories for various produce and enthusiasts at the Show which the Committee have been busy organising for the last number of months. There are lots of competitions, side shows and stalls along with the ever-popular Dog Show. Entries for the show can be dropped off onsite between 9.30am and 11.45am on Sunday morning with Dog Show entries from 12 noon. There is parking available for those in attendance at the Primary School, Abbey Medical Centre and St Joseph’s Church grounds.
Concern at Local Link bus not fully servicing Boyle Marina
A viewer was in touch with us to outline their concern at the Local Link bus not stopping directly in the Marina area on the Drum Road. It would seem the bus, or certain buses, allegedly turn at the entrance and do not go in to the car park which, according to the viewer, is not conducive to attracting those on boats to use this mode of transport to visit Boyle. On Tuesday, we sent an email to Local Link Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon (LWR) enquiring if the Marina itself featured on the route. They replied as follows: “Due to the height restriction at the entrance, the bus is unable to access the car park. As a result, all pick-up and drop-off will take place only at the bus stop located at the entrance”. (A check of the area early this Friday morning shows the barriers are open and according to the viewer who raised the issue with us, the barriers are regularly open)
A business opportunity awaits some budding entrepreneur(s)
While many towns have the amenity of a lake to help their tourism product, our town has the added benefit of a lake with a large number of islands on it. Nearly all the islands on Lough Key hold major historical significance and many include the ruins of churches dating back hundreds of years, with their history known to only a small number of interested people. An opportunity awaits some budding entrepreneur to commence “Island Hopping” tours during the summer of 2026. It would be unique to Boyle and of great interest, especially if the history of the islands and hop on hop off visits to them formed part of the tour. But for this the succeed, permission would have to be obtained from the owners of certain islands on Lough Key. Some people are not aware that a percentage of the islands are in private ownership and are subject to trespass laws just like any private property. But with consent, a novel business opportunity awaits the right ambitious person(s).
Boyle L.E.A. shows a decline in natural population figures
Boyle made national news again this week, unfortunately this time, not for the right reason and perhaps, being slightly misrepresented. The Boyle Local Electoral Area was named as one of fifteen LEA’s in the state that saw it’s natural population fall in 2022. According to the CSO figures, the natural population is calculated by combining an area’s death rate with its birth rate and excludes inward or outward migration. Belmullet showed the highest rate of decline. Also showing a decline in natural population was Swinford, Glenties, Kenmare, Kilrush, Ballinamore, Rosslare, Tralee, Ballymote-Tubbercurry, Artane-Whitehall, Rathfarnham-Templeogue, Dun Laoghaire and Castleisland. The Boyle LEA is not Boyle town alone, but a large area that stretches from Tarmonbarry in the east to Ballaghaderreen in the west and north to Lough Allen and has a population of 21,831.
News snippets from around Boyle
Motorists travelling through Sligo on the N4 Inner Relief Road are advised of resurfacing works scheduled to take place during off-peak evening and night hours, commencing on Monday 11th August, and continuing through to Friday 12th September 2025. This five-week programme excludes Saturday and Sunday nights. Please note that the schedule is tight and may be affected by poor weather or unforeseen requirements………If over 800 customers were without power in the Boyle area after last Monday’s strong winds, what will it be like come winter?……..Happy birthday to Lough Key Junior parkrun. On Sunday they celebrate their 2nd birthday…….Boyle Library will be closed tomorrow Saturday……….The new slate covering on the landscaped areas in An Rioga car park looks well and will hopefully eliminate the need for weeding……..If you live in Dublin or are in the city tomorrow Saturday August 9th at 6pm, you are invited to join the final gathering of the ‘Walk the Famine Way for Palestine’ at Custom House Quay. “We would love to see a strong turnout from Boyle at this final gathering, either to walk with us for the final stretch, or simply to be there in support as we arrive. Even if you can’t come yourself, please consider telling friends or family in Dublin to meet us at the Famine Statues. A warm welcome at the end would mean the world”.
And finally….!
The Garda Traffic Corps found over 200 dead crows on the N4 near Longford recently, and there was concern that they may have died from Avian Flu.
A Pathologist examined the remains of all the crows, and, to everyone’s relief, confirmed the problem was NOT Avian Flu.
The cause of death appeared to be from vehicular impacts.
However, during analysis it was noted that varying colours of paints appeared on the bird’s beaks and claws.
By analysing these paint residues it was found that 98% of the crows had been killed by impact with motorbikes, while only 2% were killed by cars.
The investigators then hired an Ornithological Behaviourist to determine if there was a cause for the disproportionate percentages of motorbike kills versus car kills.
The Ornithological Behaviourist quickly concluded that when crows eat road kill, they always have a look-out crow to warn of danger.
They discovered that while all the lookout crows could shout “Cah”, not a single one could shout “bike”
