member of the Locke family established the Convent of Mercy in the town in 1879. A branch of the Grand Canal, between Dublin and the River Shannon, served the town, opening in 1835. The inhabitants of Kilbeggan have been attempting to have the Kilbeggan branch of the Grand canal restored at the junction of Murphy's bridge to Kilbeggan harbour. Rostella (Rosdalla), 3 km south of Kilbeggan is the site of the earliest recorded tornado in Europe, which occurred on 30 April 1054. Amenities The town serves as a service centre for the local farming community; hosts some light industry, including sand and gravel extraction in the surrounding area. It is increasingly seen as a Dublin commuter town, particularly since the improvement of the N6/M6 and the extension of the M4 motorway west of the city. The canal branch closed in the 1960s and the basin is now dry. The harbour buildings, however, have survived and are now in use as offices and workspace. Although whiskey production ended at Locke's Distillery in the 1950s, the buildings survived and were reopened as a visitor attraction. Distillation has recently recommenced. Kilbeggan Racecourse is around 1 kilometre north of the town. It is Ireland's only all-National Hunt course. Kilbeggan is home to Mercy Secondary School, which stands on the Dublin Road. It is linked to the Mercy Convent, situated in the town. Durrow Abbey is located around 4 kilometres south of the town, just across the county boundary with Offaly. Kilbeggan is home to a significant Brazilian diaspora community, and possesses a shop offering ethnic Brazilian goods and money transfer services. Events The 'Kilbeggan Knighthood Festival' takes place during the first weekend in June and commemorates the knighting of Thomas Cuffe, a local innkeeper that was knighted by Lord Townshend after a night of drinking in 1772. During this weekend, various activities take place such as parades, a market in the square and reenactment events. People Kate O'Connell, politician from Kilbeggan See also List of towns and villages in Ireland Market Houses in Ireland References External links Towns and villages in County Westmeath