Stretching from Lough Sheelin in the north-east to Lough Ree in the west, County Westmeath is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland.

An inland county, the centre of County Westmeath is dominated by lakes, hills and forests, creating some of the most majestic vistas found anywhere in the country. Much of County Westmeath is flat, with the highest point standing at only 850 feet. Rather than rugged towering mountains, it is a county of vast tracts of farmland, gentle hills and huge lakes, making it one of Ireland’s most tranquil counties and a favoured destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing and canoeing. Its lakes are the source of many myths and legends, with Lough Derravaragh being reputedly the place in which the Children of Lir spent 300 years isolated in its waters.

Westmeath was once part of the Kingdom of Meath, before being turned into a county in the 16 th century. County Westmeath also played a pivotal role in the Jacobite war of the late 17th century, culminating in the Siege of Athlone in 1691. The result of County Westmeath’s long and turbulent history has been the construction of a number of buildings of historical significance. Chief among them is the 13th century Athlone Castle, built on orders of King John. A mass of turrets and battlements, it dominates the town of Athlone and guards the gateway to the west of Ireland.

Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle are grand buildings of later design, both dating from the 19th century. Both are fine examples of country estates, with Tullynally Castle being of particular interest as it is the largest castle in Ireland still used as a private home. Athlone and Mullingar are the biggest towns in the county, and also perhaps the two most worth visiting. Their collection of unique shops, lively pubs and buzzing markets simply top off any trip to this most magical and beautiful of Irish counties.