Tullamore

Tullamore stands in the fertile midlands of Ireland, where a small settlement grew into a market town. In 1785 an unusual accident changed its appearance: a hot-air balloon caused a fire that damaged about a hundred thatched houses. The town was rebuilt under its landlord, the Earl of Charleville. The Grand Canal reached Tullamore in 1798, connecting it with Dublin and encouraging further growth. In 1833 Parliament transferred the county assizes and business here from Philipstown, confirming the town's growing importance in the district.