Tullamore Outdoor Pool 1938 to 2001

WELCOME!

Welcome to this website dedicated to the history of the Outdoor Swimming Pool which was located in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland!
I have embarked on an exciting project to uncover the rich history of this beloved community space, which was open from 1938 to 2001.
As part of this project, I am reaching out to anyone who may have information, stories, or pictures related to the Tullamore Outdoor Pool. Whether you visited the pool regularly as a child, worked there as a lifeguard or staff member, competed in swimming and diving competitions, or simply have fond memories of the pool, I want to hear from you!
I am particularly interested in any photographs or information about the Swimming Club, Club Trophies, or other memorabilia related to the pool, as well as personal stories and anecdotes that can shed light on what the pool meant to the community. Your contributions will help me create a comprehensive history of the Tullamore Outdoor Pool, ensuring that this important community landmark is remembered for years to come.
If you have any information or stories you would like to share, please send an email to info@tullamoreoutdoorpool.com. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about the history of this beloved former Tullamore landmark.

Tullamore Swimming Pool — View of the Pool

Timeline of Major Milestones and Events

Some of the milestones and events of the pool

July 1934 Mr. P.F. Adams proposes Swimming pool for young people of Tullamore.
Sept. 1935 Detailed plans provided for new pool including size, location and layout costing £3000.
May 1938 Pool officially opened by Tánaiste Sean T O’Kelly. See OffalyHistoryBlog about opening day
1939 Second gala takes place with visitors from Dublin, Kildare, Athlone and Kilkenny. Diving display by Eddie Heron, the Irish Champion.
1947 Pool becoming a paying proposition.
1949 Tullamore Swimming Club formed.
1950 Diving display by Irish Diving champion Eddie Heron.
1952 Over 9000 attend pool during the season.
1953 Swimming Club Night every Monday.
1954 Pool extended to Competition standard of 33.33 Meters.
June 1955 Display of diving by British Empire champion Ann Long.
July 1955 M Williams from Tullamore wins 200m National Championship in Bangor.
1955 Over 20,000 attend pool during record season.
1956 Diving display by British Olympian Peter Elliot.
1957 Ron Roberts ex British Olympian provides coaching at Tullamore pool.
1959 £6000 Chlorine and filtration improvement scheme for pool.
May 1959 Tenth annual Gala Launch in Gresham hotel Dublin. Judy Grinham British Olympian winner to take part in gala.
June 1959 Tenth Gala. Eddie Heron diving display. Judy Grinham present. Olympic possibilities from Tullamore! Clubs from Pembrook, Tuam, Sandycove, Blackrock, Sundays Well, Curragh and Muinbeag take part. Record entry of over 200 and crowds of 1500.
Aug. 1959 Irish National Diving championships takes place in Tullamore Pool.
Sept. 1959 Record broken at I.A.S.A. 4 inter provincial swimming and diving event at Tullamore Pool.
July 1960 Irish swimming records broken. D.E. Williams cup and Dold Cup won by Oliver Lawless.
1961 Stan Clarke attempts to break Ireland’s all-comers record fails by one tenth of a second.
1970 New Birr indoor pool opened.
1972 Public meeting for heated pool for Tullamore.
1973 Opening of Clara Indoor Pool.
1995 Consultants appointed for new Tullamore pool.
1995 Attendance figures broke all previous records with 9500 attending in 2 months.
1976 Swimming club ceases but Gala to go ahead.
1978 40th Anniversary Gala.
2001 Tullamore Pool to be closed and site sold.
2007 New €13 million leisure facility get green light.
2008 Official opening of new Tullamore Pool and Leisure centre by Taoiseach Brian Cowan.

Links to articles about the Pool and Tullamore

About me :

From a young age, I frequented the pool as evident in the photo where I am situated at the back between my parents. During the summer school holidays, I would purchase a monthly ticket and visit the pool up to three times a day. The day would be spent playing tag and diving off the two diving boards or just enjoying the sunshine and the company of friends.
If you have any memories about the pool please email me Damien Byrne at info@tullamoreoutdoorpool.com