Welcome to Westmeath!
Westmeath is a paradise for angling, cruising on the Shannon, boating and watersports, golf, equestrian pursuits, tourist trails, genealogy and heritage holidays.
- 09/02/2010 Daily meetings to resolve parades disputes in North
- 09/02/2010 Decommissioning team closes offices in the North
- 09/02/2010 Key buildings 'greened' for St Patrick's Day
- 09/02/2010 Cork gardaà seize firearms and drugs in dissident raids
- 09/02/2010 Dublin gardaà seize €85k of heroin
- 09/02/2010 Drumm: Less treatments does not mean cutbacks
Top Hotels
Radisson SAS Hotel Athlone
Located in the heart of Athlone town, with magnificent views of the Ri ...
» more info
The Sheraton Athlone Hotel Athlone
Just over an hour from Dublin and Galway, we are situated in the new A ...
» more info
Glasson Golf Hotel Athlone
With its lakeside and country location it is the ideal Hotel to relax ...
» more info
Information Westmeath Ireland
Westmeath Ireland
Westmeath is at the heart of Ireland. Uisneach Hill is regarded as the geographical centre of the island of Ireland – at least notionally. Traditionally, the hill near Ballymore village was the “navel” of Ireland, where the four provinces of Ulster, Munster, Leinster and Connaught met, and it is believed to have been a centre of druidic activity.
Glasson village inspired Oliver Goldsmith’s poem The Deserted Village. It’s not something to be proud of, as Goldsmith’s poem, written around 1770, decries the depopulation of the peasantry due to emigration and the introduction of destructive modernisation, looking back fondly to the days before the agricultural revolution. However, Glasson is a well known golfing destination.
If golfing isn’t your thing, you may well note that Westmeath has some lakes that are used for trout fishing, coarse angling, boating of various kinds and other water sports – with rentals and services all available on its bodies of water. Mullingar is the administrative centre of Westmeath and boasts nearby lakes, Lough Ennell and Lough Owel, both of which are big draws to many anglers. Rockfield House and Gardens will be worth a look too. Mullingar, as a market town, also has two thriving industries from where gifts may be sourced for those back home. It is known for its pewter and its bronze. Although an administrative centre of the county since the sixteenth century, it is the second largest town. In terms of size, County Westmeath has a larger centre of population in the town of Athlone.
Athlone on the River Shannon is a well known rest point for the Irish traveller driving from the east of the country to the west or vice versa. Due to recent property development, it’s also now regarded as a satellite town serving Dublin, as commuters have recently begun to travel from their homes in Westmeath to the capital to work. However, with its thirteenth century Norman castle and numerous shops that include Irish merchandise such as linen and other handcrafted goods, it’s worth devoting more time than just a lunch to.
Attractions Westmeath Ireland
Westmeath Tourist Attractions
-
Athlone Castle - Athlone
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.
-
Ballinlough Castle - Clonmellon
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.
-
Belvedere House - Mullingar
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.
-
Dun na Si Folk Park - Moate
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.
-
Fore Abbey - Mullingar
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.
-
Lockes Distillery - Kilbeggan
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.
-
Rockfield House - Rathowen
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.
-
Tullynally Castle - Castlepollard
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.
The Golf Courses Westmeath Ireland
-
Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club
Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
One of Ireland's finest Parklend courses. Designed by Christy O'Connor Jr.
- Tel: +353 (0)902 85120
- Email: info@glassongolf.ie
-
Mount Temple Golf Course
Moate, Co. Westmeath
A Championship Parkland Golf Course, close to Moate. Created by God, polished by man. A magnificent course for any standard of golf.
Athlone Golf Club Athlone
Ballinlough Castle Golf Club Ballinlough
Delvin Castle Golf Club Delvin Castle
Moate Golf Club Moate
Mullingar Golf Club Mullingar
