Things to do in Westmeath; Castles, Charming Towns, Stunning Lakes and More

Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Westmeath is a county brimming with natural beauty, historical charm, and exciting activities. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Westmeath has many things to do, such as a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled vacation. From ancient castles to stunning lakes and vibrant towns to breathtaking landscapes, there’s something for everyone to discover in this hidden gem of Ireland.

With its rolling hills, lush forests, and sparkling waterways, Westmeath is a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the county’s many walking and cycling trails, or simply relax by one of its picturesque lakes. For those seeking a more active adventure, Westmeath offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and horse riding.

Castles and Historic Sites: A Journey Through Time

Westmeath boasts a rich history, reflected in its impressive collection of castles and historic sites. These architectural gems offer a glimpse into the county’s past, from medieval times to the Georgian era.

Athlone Castle: A Fortress of History

Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Athlone Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Westmeath. This imposing fortress has been pivotal in Irish history, serving as a strategic military outpost and a symbol of power. Visitors can explore the castle’s restored interior, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy panoramic views of the River Shannon.

The castle’s history dates back to the 12th century when King Henry II built it. Over the centuries, it has witnessed numerous sieges and battles, including the famous “Siege of Athlone” during the War of the Three Kingdoms. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s turbulent past.

Clonmacnoise: A Sacred Monastic Site

Located on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into Ireland’s early Christian heritage. This ancient monastic settlement is home to a collection of ruined churches, round towers, and high crosses dating back to the 6th century. Visitors can wander through the peaceful grounds, admire the intricate stonework, and learn about the lives of the monks who once inhabited this sacred place.

Clonmacnoise was founded in the 6th century by Saint Ciarán, who is believed to have been a disciple of Saint Patrick. The monastery quickly became a centre of learning and religious activity, attracting scholars and pilgrims from all over Ireland and Europe. Today, Clonmacnoise is a popular pilgrimage site, offering a peaceful and spiritual retreat.

Ballinlough Castle: A Georgian Gem

Nestled amidst lush gardens and a picturesque lake, Ballinlough Castle is a stunning example of Georgian architecture. This elegant castle was built in the early 18th century and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. Visitors can explore the castle’s opulent interior, admire its exquisite furnishings, and stroll through the enchanting gardens.

Ballinlough Castle was built for the Nugent family, powerful landowners in Westmeath. The castle was later passed on to the Pakenham family, who lived there until the early 20th century. Today, Ballinlough Castle is a popular wedding venue and tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the lives of Ireland’s landed gentry.

Other Notable Castles and Historic Sites

Westmeath has several other fascinating castles and historic sites, each with a unique story. Some of these include:

• Killua Castle: A grand 18th-century mansion with extensive gardens
• Belvedere House and Gardens: A historic house and gardens with beautiful landscapes
• Edgeworthstown: The birthplace of Maria Edgeworth, a renowned novelist

These castles and historic sites offer a glimpse into Westmeath’s rich history and a fascinating insight into the county’s past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, Westmeath’s castles and historic sites will impress.

Charming Towns and Villages: Discover Westmeath’s Hidden Gems

Westmeath is home to a collection of charming towns and villages, each with unique character and personality. These quaint settlements offer a glimpse into traditional Irish life, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and friendly locals.

Athlone: A Vibrant River Town

Located on the banks of the River Shannon, Athlone is the largest town in Westmeath. This bustling town offers a vibrant atmosphere with many shops, restaurants, and pubs. Visitors can explore the town’s historic landmarks, such as Athlone Castle and St. Peter’s Church, or simply relax by the river and enjoy the scenic views.

Athlone’s rich history is evident throughout the town. The historic centre houses several medieval buildings, including the Franciscan Abbey and the Dominican Priory. Visitors can also explore the town’s Georgian architecture, which dates back to the 18th century.

Athlone is a popular outdoor destination with fishing, boating, and cycling opportunities. The town hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Athlone Winter Festival and the Westmeath Lake Festival.

Mullingar: A Cultural Hub

Mullingar is the county town of Westmeath and a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene. The town is home to the Mullingar Arts Centre, which hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Visitors can also explore Mullingar’s historic landmarks, such as Belvedere House and Gardens and the Mullingar Heritage Centre.

Mullingar’s cultural scene is not limited to the arts. The town also has several museums and heritage centres, including the Westmeath County Museum and the Mullingar Military Museum. These museums offer a glimpse into the county’s history and heritage.

Mullingar is a great place to shop, with various independent boutiques and department stores. The town also has a lively nightlife, with several pubs and restaurants offering live music and entertainment.

Killbeggan: A Whiskey Town

Killbeggan is a small town known for its world-famous whiskey distillery. Visitors can tour the distillery and learn about the process of making Irish whiskey. The distillery also has a visitor centre and a tasting room where you can sample some of Killbeggan’s finest products.

Killbeggan’s whiskey distillery is one of the oldest in Ireland, dating back to 1757. It has produced high-quality Irish whiskey for centuries and remains a popular tourist attraction today.

Killbeggan is a charming town with a friendly atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the town’s narrow streets, visit the local shops, or enjoy a meal in one of the town’s pubs or restaurants.

Other Picturesque Villages

Westmeath is home to several other picturesque villages, each with unique charm. Some of these include:

• Glasson: A charming village on the shores of Lough Ree, with a marina and several pubs and restaurants
• Ballymore: A historic village with a ruined castle and a beautiful church
• Rochfortbridge: A small town with a canal towpath and several shops and pubs

These charming towns and villages offer a glimpse into traditional Irish life and provide a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere, a cultural experience, or a taste of Irish whiskey, Westmeath’s charming towns and villages have something to offer everyone.

Stunning Lakes and Waterways: A Water Lover’s Paradise

Westmeath is blessed with a network of stunning lakes and waterways, offering a variety of activities for water lovers. From peaceful fishing spots to scenic boat tours, these waterways provide a tranquil and picturesque setting for relaxation and adventure.

Lough Ree: The Largest Lake in Westmeath

Lough Ree is the largest lake in Westmeath, covering an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. This picturesque lake is home to various wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake or simply relax on the shore and admire the scenic views.

Lough Ree is also a popular destination for water sports, such as kayaking and windsurfing. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities.

One of the most popular activities on Lough Ree is fishing. The lake is home to various fish species, including pike, perch, and roach. Visitors can hire a boat and fishing gear or cast a line from the shore.

Royal Canal: A Historic Waterway

The Royal Canal is a historic waterway that stretches from Dublin to Mullingar. This scenic canal offers a variety of activities, including walking, cycling, and boating. Visitors can explore the canal’s locks and bridges or simply relax by the water and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The Royal Canal was built in the late 18th century to connect Dublin with the Shannon River. The canal was vital to the Irish economy, transporting goods and passengers between the cities. Today, the Royal Canal is a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s industrial past.

The Royal Canal is a popular destination for cyclists, with some well-maintained paths along the waterway. The canal has several historic sites, including the Hill of Tara and the Battle of the Boyne Memorial.

Other Lakes and Waterways

Westmeath is home to several other beautiful lakes and waterways, each with its unique charm. Some of these include:

• Lough Derravaragh: A large lake with several islands and peninsulas. Lough Derravaragh is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake also has several historic sites, including Belvedere House and Gardens.
• Lough Ennell: A smaller lake with a sandy beach and various water sports. Lough Ennell is a popular destination for families, with several picnic areas and playgrounds. The lake is also home to wildlife, including swans, ducks, and herons.
• Shannon River: The longest river in Ireland, flowing through Westmeath and offering opportunities for boating and fishing. The Shannon River is a popular destination for boat tours, with many scenic cruises available. The river is also home to several historic sites, including Athlone Castle and Clonmacnoise.

These stunning lakes and waterways provide a peaceful and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely boat trip or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Westmeath’s lakes and waterways have something to offer everyone.

Outdoor Activities and Nature: Things to Do in Westmeath

Westmeath’s stunning landscapes offer a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From hiking and cycling to fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful county.

Hiking and Walking Trails: Explore the County’s Natural Beauty

Westmeath has a network of well-maintained hiking and walking trails, offering stunning views of the county’s lakes, forests, and hills. Some of the most popular trails include:

• The Royal Canal Greenway: A scenic walking and cycling path that follows the route of the Royal Canal. The Royal Canal Greenway is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists of all levels, offering stunning countryside views and wildlife.
• The Slieve Bloom Mountains: A range of mountains that offer challenging hikes and breathtaking views. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are the highest in Ireland outside of the Wicklow Mountains, and they offer a variety of hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness.
• The Lough Ree Greenway: A circular walking and cycling route around Lough Ree. The Lough Ree Greenway is a popular destination for families and groups, offering a variety of activities along the way.

Cycling Routes: Discover Westmeath’s Scenic Landscapes on Two Wheels

Westmeath is a great place to explore by bike, with various cycling routes suitable for all fitness levels. Some of the most popular cycling routes include:

• The Royal Canal Greenway: A popular cycling route that offers stunning countryside views. The Royal Canal Greenway is a well-maintained path that is suitable for all levels of cyclists.
• The Lough Ree Greenway: A circular cycling route around Lough Ree. The Lough Ree Greenway is a challenging route that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
• The Hill of Tara Cycleway: A challenging route that climbs to the summit of the Hill of Tara. The Hill of Tara Cycleway is a popular destination for experienced cyclists, offering a difficult climb and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Fishing: Enjoy the Thrill of Fishing in Westmeath’s Lakes and Rivers

Westmeath’s lakes and rivers are home to various fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers. Some of the most popular fishing spots in Westmeath include:

• Lough Ree: A large lake with various fish species, including pike, perch, and roach. Lough Ree is a popular destination for pike fishing, with some fishing guides available to help you find the best spots.
• Shannon River: The longest river in Ireland, offering salmon and trout fishing opportunities. The Shannon River is a popular destination for salmon fishing, with several fishing boats available to rent.
• Lough Derravaragh: A lake with a good population of pike and perch. Lough Derravaragh is a popular destination for pike and perch fishing, with several fishing guides available to help you find the best spots.

Other Outdoor Activities: Experience the Thrill of Adventure

Westmeath offers a variety of other outdoor activities, including:

• Horse riding: Explore the county’s countryside on horseback. There are several horse riding stables in Westmeath, offering a variety of riding experiences for all levels.
• Kayaking: Enjoy the thrill of kayaking on Westmeath’s lakes and rivers. Kayaking is a great way to explore the county’s natural beauty and get close to the wildlife.
• Golf: Play a round of golf at one of Westmeath’s many golf courses. Westmeath has several high-quality golf courses, offering challenging courses and stunning scenery.

These outdoor activities provide a great way to experience the beauty of Westmeath and get some fresh air and exercise. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply looking for a relaxing day out, Westmeath has something to offer everyone.

Westmeath: A Must-Visit Destination

With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns, Westmeath offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From exploring ancient castles to relaxing on picturesque lakes, there’s something for everyone to discover in this hidden gem of Ireland.

Westmeath has everything, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a cultural experience. So pack your bags and discover the many wonders of this beautiful county.