County Westmeath

Situated in the heart of Ireland with magnificent lakes Westmeath is a paradise for angling, cruising on the Shannon, boating, watersports, golf, equestrian pursuits, tourist trails, genealogy and heritage holidays. A county of lake and legend with rich pastureland, it offers remarkable beauty and diversity. Abounding in rivers, lakes and streams, it is a terrain of possibilities for every visitor. TO GET DIRECTIONS TO OUR GUEST HOUSE CLICK ON THE MAP MARKER BELOW OR CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LARGER MAP.

 

Located in the Heart of Ireland, Westmeath stretches from Lough Ree in the west to the shores of Lough Sheelin in the north east and southwards to Kinnegad and the Royal Canal. It has an area of 710 square miles and a population of almost 62,000 people. Lakes are its greatest asset with fishing, cruising, water sport activities and shore amenities.

Visitors wishing to cruise or to fish, to recall mythology from childhood, to tour the scenic routes and picturesque countryside, or to just traverse Goldsmith country will find much, much more in Westmeath

There is a wealth of trout and coarse angling on the Westmeath Lakes, Ennell, Owel, Derravaragh, Sheelin, Lene, Lough Ree, the River Shannon and the Royal Canal. Derravaragh is the source of the infamous legend of the Children of Lir who are said to have spent three hundred years in isolation on its waters

 

Athlone

From an unpretentious crossing point on the Shannon, the ford of Luan, Athlone, grew to be the largest town in Westmeath. The possession of the ford of Athlone has been disputed from earliest times. In 1001 Brian Boru marched there with a great army; in 1129 King Turlough O' Conor erected a wattle bridge there and in 1199 the Normans occupied the town and in 1257 built the town walls, part of which can still be seen. After their defeat at the Boyne in 1690, the Irish withdrew to Athlone and made the Shannon their first line of defence; however, the town eventually fell to the Williamites under Ginkel.

Main Tourist Attractions Include :

Athlone Castle
Located at Saint Peters Square, Athlone, and built in the 13th century to command the ford on the Shannon, Athlone Castle now includes audio visual presentations on the fauna, flora and power resources of the Shannon, the life of Count John McCormack, and the siege of 1691.

Fore Abbey
Located in Mullingar, in the rolling pastures of Westmeath, the abbey is home to the remains of a thirteenth century Benedictine Priory, an anchorite cell and St Fechin's Church.  Fore Abbey was founded originally in 630 AD by St Fechin.

Rockfield House
Locates at Rathaspic, Rathowen, Mullingar, Rockfield House is a classical 
Georgian residence with delicate and ornate plaster work offering traditional 
character and charm.  It stands secluded among mature trees in nature's wonderland garden, shared with wandering wildlife and and farm animals on an organic farm. The house overlooks the lost Glen Lake.

Dun na Si Folk Park
Located in Moate, in the heart of Ireland, Dun na Si is a microcosm of Irish culture. Explore the Folk Park - a picture of bygone days with preserved farm machinery. Trace your family roots with the assistance of qualified researchers. Enjoy the music, song, dance and story telling at a Folklore show, Seisiun or Ceili.

Belvedere House
Located at Mullingar, Belvedere is a superb 160 acre estate on the shores of Lough Ennell. The eighteenth century hunting lodge, walled garden and landscaped park have been restored to their former glory.  There are also a wide range of facilities to enjoy. The terrace gives magnificent views of Lough Ennell and provides the visitor, both young and old, with a memorable day out. The restored stables now have exhibits that tell the story of how Belvedere was developed, the evocative 18th Century story of the Wicked Earl and the Mary Molesworth scandal.

Lockes Distillery
Located at Kilbeggan, Lockes Distillery Museum is the last remaining example of a small pot still Distillery in Ireland. Follow the process of making triple distilled, Irish Whiskey, from the grinding of the grain to the casking of the final product. Over ninety percent of the original machinery has now been restored and can be seen working daily. Peer into the 9 meter (28ft) high fermentation vats. Learn about the lives and working conditions of the people that worked here.

Tullynally Castle
Located at Castlepollard, Tullynally Castle, home of the Pakenham family since the 17th century, was later transformed into a romantic gothic revival castle. It is one of the largest castles in Ireland.  The gardens, enclosing approximately 13 hectares, were laid out in the early 19th century and have recently been restored to their former splendour. Formal terraces overlook a fine demesne ringed with hills.

Ballinlough Castle
Located at Clonmellon, a sense of antiquity prevails as you enter the gates of Ballinlough. Perched on a hill overlooking two lakes. The 17th century castle is the home of Sir John and Lady Nugent. The gardens have been under restoration since 1994, and are now open to the public, together with the lakeside and woodland walks.

Interesting Tourist Shops

Catstone Studios
Located at Catstone Lodge, Ballymore (between Athlone and Mullingar)
Through a creative and innovative design team, create a wide range of decorative items in various materials. Items for you house and home, lighting products, signs and mirrors. Combining traditional skills and whacky concepts to produce unique designs.
Well worth a visit.....

Bronze and Pewter Products
Located in Mullingar, two of Irelands finest craft studios - Mullingar Pewter and Genesis Fine Arts are built on an open plan basis with the visitor in mind. Learn some of the hidden secrets, skills and magic blended together to create products which date back over 800 years.