Essential Ireland > County Westmeath > Attractions
Athlone Castle
St. Peter's Square
Athlone
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2100
Athlone Castle stands in the centre of Athlone and was formed as the city’s primary defence in the 13th century although today it takes on a role as one of the town’s major visitor attractions. Various audiovisual displays can be viewed and heard in the Norman castle while there are also exhibits on the siege of Athlone, the River Shannon’s wildlife and John Count McCormack. A castle was first built here in the 12th century although it was subject to attacks so a stone structure took its place in 1210.
St. Peter's Square
Athlone
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)90 644 2100
Athlone Castle stands in the centre of Athlone and was formed as the city’s primary defence in the 13th century although today it takes on a role as one of the town’s major visitor attractions. Various audiovisual displays can be viewed and heard in the Norman castle while there are also exhibits on the siege of Athlone, the River Shannon’s wildlife and John Count McCormack. A castle was first built here in the 12th century although it was subject to attacks so a stone structure took its place in 1210.
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park
Tullamore Road
Mullingar
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060
Belvedere House is an 18th century hunting and fishing lodge set amid 160 acres of stunning parklands with miles of woodland and lakeside walks. The gardens, meanwhile, contain one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare plants. Once home to the wicked Earl Robert Rochfort, this Georgian setting now puts on a series of events throughout the year.
Tullamore Road
Mullingar
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 9060
Belvedere House is an 18th century hunting and fishing lodge set amid 160 acres of stunning parklands with miles of woodland and lakeside walks. The gardens, meanwhile, contain one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare plants. Once home to the wicked Earl Robert Rochfort, this Georgian setting now puts on a series of events throughout the year.
Fore Abbey
Fore
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 966 1780
Fore Abbey was founded by St Fechin in 630 AD and is one of Ireland’s most important Christian sites. It has also been the site of many incidents of oppression and violence, having been burned on 12 occasions between 771 and 1169. Situated in Fore – the town of springs – the abbey lies in a valley between two hills.
Fore
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 966 1780
Fore Abbey was founded by St Fechin in 630 AD and is one of Ireland’s most important Christian sites. It has also been the site of many incidents of oppression and violence, having been burned on 12 occasions between 771 and 1169. Situated in Fore – the town of springs – the abbey lies in a valley between two hills.
Locke's Distillery Museum
Lower Main Street
Kilbeggan
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)57 933 2134
Locke’s Distillery was established in 1757 and is now the world’s oldest licensed pot still distillery. Guided tours of the site are available, letting visitors see how whiskey is made and learn of what working life at the distillery was like throughout its history. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary sample of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey.
Lower Main Street
Kilbeggan
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)57 933 2134
Locke’s Distillery was established in 1757 and is now the world’s oldest licensed pot still distillery. Guided tours of the site are available, letting visitors see how whiskey is made and learn of what working life at the distillery was like throughout its history. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary sample of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey.
Tullynally Castle
Castlepollard
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 966 1159
Having been the home of the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, for more than 350 years, Tullynally Castle is set amid acres of beautiful parkland and woods on Lough Derravaragh. It is also believed to be the largest castle in Ireland still lived in as the family home. The accompanying gardens cover 12 hectares and they contain beautiful age-old Yew trees and lovely borders.
Castlepollard
County Westmeath
Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)44 966 1159
Having been the home of the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, for more than 350 years, Tullynally Castle is set amid acres of beautiful parkland and woods on Lough Derravaragh. It is also believed to be the largest castle in Ireland still lived in as the family home. The accompanying gardens cover 12 hectares and they contain beautiful age-old Yew trees and lovely borders.