County Westmeath offers a number of
attractions for the visitor, so whether you enjoy walking, fishing,
boating or cycling you will find something to keep you busy. You
will never be far from water in Westmeath – lakes and rivers abound
and the obvious flatness of the countryside make it ideal for
exploring on your bicycle.
The county town of Westmeath is Mullingar, it is on the Royal Canal
which has over 40 locks, so it will keep those keen boaters amongst you
fit and rather busy. You will become an expert on opening locks,
however!
There are 19 lakes to keep those anglers amongst you busy. If you enjoy
trout fishing then try to visit Loughs Ennel, Owel and Derravaragh.
Alternatively the river Shannon and Royal Canal are excelling for those
that
enjoy coarse fishing.
The county also has some super golfing and equestrian facilities so what
better way to view the county than from the fairways or on the back of a
horse? At Kilbeggan you will find Locke’s Distillery museum. The
Distillery was opened in 1757 and was once the producer of fine Irish
whiskey. It is now a museum of industrial archaeology.
Athlone Castle and Belverdere House, Gardens and Park are a couple of
the major attractions if you want to get away from water for a short
while.
Worth a
look...
Gourmet Cruising in Athlone Try a meal a float with Galley Cruisers, of
Lloyds Lane, Athlone. From May to October they cruise the Shannon river
serving delicious meals, prepared on board from fresh local produce by
their own chef. Castlepollard Built in the late 17th century by the
Pollard family under a charter from Charles II and now converted into an
agricultural museum and heritage centre. Just outside Castlepollard is
the gothic revival Tullynally Castle, home of the late
Earl of Longford’s family.
Fore Valley
With the ruins of St Fechin’s Monastery, a church, abbey and Anchorite
church, this is fascinating stuff . Add in legends about water that
flows uphill and won’t boil, and you’ve found a relatively unknown
corner of the county that can give you a wonderful day’s exploration.
