Westmeath

Athlone Castle

Situated on the principal fording point of the middle Shannon, in 1129 King Turlough O'Connor recognised its strategic importance and built this magnificent wooden castle on the spot.

Belvedere House and Gardens, Mullingar

This wonderful 18th-century house and garden enjoyed a multi-million pound restoration back in 2000 and is now a stunning spot with beautiful gardens filled with intriguing aspects like the Jealous Wall.

Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway

Offering a 9km rail trip through Blackwater Bog, near Shannonbridge on a 3ft narrow gauge railway, you can learn all about the formation of the peat and the industry that has built up around the bog, while traveling through some stunning scenery.

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Fishing

Thanks to the huge variety of lakes around Westmeath, including Lough Ree, Lough Derravaragh, Lough Ennel and Lough Owel, you’ll be treated to a fine selection of pike, trout, bream, and roach.

Golf

Golfers will be spoiled for choice in Westmeath will a whole host of wonderful courses to choose from with the Christy O’Connor-designed course at Glasson Golf Club, and the traditional-style course at Mount Temple.

Mullaghmeen Country

This is the largest planted beech forest in Europe and covers an area of over 1,000 acres with shady picnic spots and scenic walks.

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Glendeer Pet Farm, Athlone

This award-winning farm contains over 56 species of animals and birds, as well as a children’s playground, indoor and outdoor picnic area, 1850s restored cottage, and nature walk. In December, the farm is transformed into Ireland’s Lapland with Santa, reindeers, snow and more.

Irish Farm-Safari Park Tour, Churchtown, Ballinea, Mullingar

Enjoy an exciting tour around this large deer farm, which is also home to a variety of exotic animals.

Jonathan Swift Park, Lilliput, Lough Ennell, Mullingar

This amenity park features a Par 3 golf course overlooking the lake, a seasonal coffee shop, boat moorings, trout angling, swimming, woodland walks, and a children's play area.

Lockes Distillery Museum

Licenced in 1757, Lockes produced triple distilled Irish whiskey for over 200 years. Today, it’s the last remaining example of a small pot still distillery in Ireland.

Tullynally Castle & Gardens, Castlepollard

Seat of the Earls of Longford, this Gothic-Revival castle is still occupied by the family. A Tibetan and a Chinese garden have been added to the extensive grounds.

Belfry Restaurant and Cookery School, Mullingar

Set in an idyllic spot in Mullingar, the Belfry is housed within a spectacular Georgian Gothic church. Using only fresh local and organic suppliers, the food is a delightful combination of modern Irish and traditional French.

Sean’s Bar, Athlone

Enjoy a pint in what is classed as the oldest pub in Ireland and Britain. Sean’s Bar dates back to 900AD and is wonderfully atmospheric with a sloping floor, beautiful mahogany bar and great pints.

Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Athlone

Ireland’s “first wine hotel” enjoys an idyllic location at the edge of a peaceful lake. Inside, though, is where the real beauty lies with exceptionally comfortable rooms that pander to every modern luxury, and a top restaurant using the freshest local produce.

Genesis Gift Gallery, The Downs, Mullingar

A huge showroom with over 4,500ft of gifts from the Genesis range as well as Waterford Crystal, Beleek China, Galway Crystal and Newbridge Silverware.

Judy Greene Pottery, Paynes Lane, Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone

Beautiful domestic earthenware and lighting inspired by nature.