7 things to do and see in County Westmeath
Most of the tourists that come to Ireland are happy just to visit the main coastal towns such as: Dublin, Cork, Galway etc. and usually forget to visit the Midlands (renamed the “Lakelands” by local marketer). It’s true that the landscapes in Co. Westmeath are usually less dramatic than in the rest of the island: no high mountains, no cliffs, lots of lakes and rivers. However, I believe this is part of the “undiscovered” Ireland and it could be worth a visit.
County Westmeath is divided between two main towns: Athlone and Mullingar, and also has a lot of other towns and villages to discover. If you’re looking for a peaceful, unspoiled area where to spend a few days, this county could be what you’re looking for.
1. Take a walk in Belvedere Park…
First of all, one of the things to do when in the Mullingar Area is to visit the magnificent Belvedere Park, on the shores of Lough Ennell. You can visit a house, originally built as a hunting and fishing lodge, and have a stroll in the midst of 80 ha of parkland on the lake shore. You’ll also be able to visit the restored walled gardens, which offer wonderful photo opportunities (provided the butterflies and flowers stay still).
2. Visit the Town of Athlone…
Athlone is the urban capital of the Midlands and is crossed by the River Shannon. Funnily, one side of the river belongs to Co. Westmeath and the other side to Co. Roscommon. As a result, there is sometimes a bit of tension between the two county councils. Athlone comes from the Irish “Baile Átha Luain”, which means town of the ford of Luan. The ford here would have been one crossing the River Shannon, but the identity of the named man, Luan, is uncertain. It’s a good historical place with a castle to visit, and an interesting spot for shopping (several malls, including the newish “Athlone Town Centre”).
3. Gamble at the Kilbeggan races…
For horse lovers, Kilbeggan organises horse racing from April to September every year. It’s a good opportunity to experience a very popular local event and to catch the Irish at one of their best known sins: gambling on horses
. Placing a bet of a few euros on any race can spice up the evening, hoping that your chosen horse wins! Ladies, don’t forget to wear your best outfit when it’s Ladies’ Day: it’s your chance to be seen and maybe win a prize and appear in the local papers.
4. Perform water sports…
Athlone was getting ready to welcome the European Triathlon Championships in 2010 (swimming in the River Shannon, cycling and running), the first time that the Championships were held in Ireland (some photos will be published in the future). You can see a cool photo taken before the Athlone Triathlon Championships in 2006, with one of the participants hanging “in the air”.
5. Get your feet wet in Coosan Point…
Located to the North of Athlone, Coosan Point is a popular spot for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating and picnicking. The fact that Athlone is so “far” from the sea, it attracts a lot of people from the area during summer time. It is also extremely popular with triathletes to train in open water prior to the triathlon season in Ireland. Every year, it is possible to attend (and to participate in) a local swimming competition, called the Coosan Point Charity Swim. It aims to collect money for different charities. Here’s a photo taken at the 2011 event, took place in typical Irish summer weather.
6. Participate in an agricultural show…
There are a large number of agricultural shows organised in the Midlands and throughout Ireland every year. At the shows, you can usually watch horse jumping (see photo taken in Moate in 2006), attend demonstrations, see prize winning agricultural animals and food, etc.
7. Visit Kilbeggan Village…
Finally, Kilbeggan is located on the former N6 route, linking Dublin and Galway, at the border with Co. Offaly. The most famous tourist attraction there is Locke’s distillery, which has been transformed into a whiskey museum. The site receives thousands of overseas visitors every year and provide tours in several languages. At the end of the tour, you will receive a complimentary sample of Award Winning Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey. Sláinte!
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