Published: Wednesday, 11th August, 2010 2:04pm

Tourists visit Westmeath to follow in Jacko's footsteps

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A group of Michael Jackson devotees has travelled to Westmeath to tour the locations frequented by the late pop star during the time he spent living in the Midlands.

The visitors are the first to undertake a specially-arranged tour on the theme of Michael Jackson's Westmeath connections.

The group of approximately 12 German visitors arrived in Ireland yesterday (Tuesday) and are staying in Rosemount at the recently-renovated Bishopstown House.

This is the residence which had been chosen by Jackson to become his future base in Ireland.

Mount Temple-based taxi driver Ray O'Hara served as Jackson's chauffeur for a six month period in 2006 and he will be taking the group to some of the star's favourite locations in Westmeath and Offaly.

Ronan Casey, a spokesperson for Rosemount's Grouse Lodge Studios, where Jackson recorded, said the tour group was keen to sample the attractions that the singer enjoyed most in this area.

"Michael Jackson loved Ireland so much and these are fans of his who want to follow in his footsteps in Westmeath and see the places that he saw," said Ronan.

"It's a boost for tourism in Westmeath, which is needed, particularly in rural parts of the county."

He added that 3-4 bookings have been made by similar groups who are planning to follow 'the Michael Jackson trail' later this year and early next year.

Stops on the current groups's itinerary will include some of the superstar's former haunts such as Athlone's Bastion Gallery, Athlone Castle, P Egan's pub in Moate, Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan and the bowling alley which Jackson visited with his children in Tullamore.

Ronan stated that the informal tour would also include a visit to see the Hill of Uisneach, which was a favourite with Jackson because of his interest in Irish history and mythology.