Be it in arts, commerce or science, there's a surprise for those who innocently believe nothing is happening in the midlands.
One of the better guarded secrets in this part of the State is the Derravaragh Music Association, which has its roots in Co Westmeath but draws its music from all parts of the globe.
It was set up in 1987 by the Rev Norman Ruddock, the Church of Ireland rector in Castlepollard, along with Mrs Valerie Pakenham of Tullynally Castle, the group's patron.
The music lovers involved wanted to hear works performed by the best international musicians in their own place and to provide access to that music for local people.
Now, 13 years later, without any funding from any agency, the association has kept its promise: reasonably priced music to suit every taste is performed regularly at one of the State's best venues.
This has been made possible by the activities of the Friends of Derravaragh Music Association and sponsors who fund the five or six high-quality performances each winter.
The concerts are held in the Great Hall at Tullynally, where the acoustics are reckoned to be excellent.
So far this winter, Westmeath audiences have heard the piano playing of Tamas Vasary and Hungarian Friends, the Moscow Piano Trio and at Christmas, the Rosney Consort.
A return visit by Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa is planned for March. In April, there will be a performance by the Volger String Quartet.
On Saturday night the association hosts a gala concert which will be performed by the Budapest Wind Ensemble, directed by Kalman Berkes.
The ensemble - Jozef Kiss, Antal Hetesi, Istvan Mali, Milkos Nagy, Laszlo Gal, Julia Gabor, Sandor Patkos and Zsolt Fejervari - will play works by Mozart and Dvorak among others.
The Friends of Derravaragh Music Society have first option on the tickets for the performance, which begins at 8 p.m.
Those who are not involved can buy tickets for £15 by contacting Mrs Mary O'Neill, Teevrevagh, Castlepollard or calling 044-61215.