Westmeath

Westmeath is a paradise for angling, cruising on the Shannon, boating and 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.

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.

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. 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

Top Hotels

• 

  

  Prince of Wales Hotel

  Main Street, Athlone

  The hotel features 46 bedrooms comprised of Classic, Executive and six luxury suites. The designers focused on comfort a... » more info

  » Check availability

• 

  

  The Sheraton Athlone Hotel

  Gleeson Street, Athlone

  Just over an hour from Dublin and Galway, we are situated in the new Athlone Town Shopping Centre, which is the newest a... » more info

  » Check availability

• 

  

  Annebrook House Hotel

  Pearse Street, Mullingar

  Welcome to the stunning new 4 star Annebrook House Hotel situated in the heart of Mullingar, centrally located on Pearse... » more info

  » Check availability

Top Restaurants

Main 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.