Westmeath

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.

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.

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.

The remains of this abbey date back to 630AD and when St Fechin founded a monastery here. Fore Abbey is the only Benedictine remains in Ireland.