Explore the mythical heart of Ireland, where historic castles, peaceful lakes and extraordinary stories are never far away.
County Westmeath sits right in the heart of Ireland, and there's a lot more to it than motorways and handy coffee stops!
Known as the Lake County, it has beautiful waterways, historic towns, atmospheric monasteries and great cultural attractions. It's also home to the Hill of Uisneach, traditionally the mythological centre of Ireland.
Add lively Athlone and Mullingar, impressive estates and plenty of peaceful countryside, and you've got a brilliant short-break destination.
It closed in October 2025 for a major upgrade, with reopening expected in autumn 2026, subject to confirmation. Check athlonecastle.ie before you plan a visit.
One of Ireland's most important ancient ceremonial landscapes, linked with kingship, sacred fires and the goddess Ériu. Tradition calls it the centre of Ireland.
Why visit? Mythology, archaeology and history.
An 18th-century house on Lough Ennell with gardens, woodland trails and the famous Jealous Wall, the biggest folly in Ireland.
Why visit? Families, gardens and history.
The ruins of a Benedictine priory in a peaceful valley near Castlepollard, surrounded by the 'Seven Wonders of Fore'.
Why visit? Medieval history and folklore.
The gardens of the Pakenham family's Gothic castle near Castlepollard.
Why visit? Gardens and photography.
Two beautiful lakes either side of Mullingar, for walks, fishing and peaceful views.
Why visit? Nature and relaxation.
The lake where, legend says, the Children of Lir spent their first 300 years as swans.
Why visit? Legends and lake views.
A castle on the Shannon at the heart of Athlone's story, including the 1691 siege.
Why visit? Castles and Irish history.
Said to be the oldest pub in Ireland, with a history going back to around 900 AD. There's sawdust on the floor and music most nights.
Why visit? A pint with a story.
A distillery licensed since 1757, with tours of its old waterwheel-powered buildings.
Why visit? Industrial history and adult visitors.
A heritage park exploring Irish culture, folklore and rural traditions.
Why visit? Families and heritage.
Flat, family-friendly walking and cycling along the canal through Mullingar.
Why visit? Cycling, walking and families.
A lively town for music, shopping and easy access to the lakes.
Why visit? Town exploring and food.
One of the largest planted beech forests in Ireland.
The 'village of the roses', near Lough Ree.
Lough Ree views near Athlone.
A traditional village in the south of the county.
A historic town with heritage sites.
A quiet lake near Collinstown.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Legend says the first fire in Ireland was lit at Uisneach, and Bealtaine fires were lit here to mark the start of summer. The Catstone, a huge boulder, is said to mark the place where the provinces met, and the goddess Ériu, who gave Ireland its name, is said to rest beneath it.
They include the monastery built on a bog, the water that flows uphill, the tree with three branches that won't burn, and the water that won't boil. Each has its own story, and you can find them all on a walk around the valley.
In the 1760s Robert Rochfort built a huge fake ruin at Belvedere to block his view of his brother's grander house next door. He also kept his wife locked up at another estate for more than 30 years after accusing her of an affair with another brother.
Jealous Aoife turned her four stepchildren into swans, condemning them to 300 years on Lough Derravaragh, 300 on the Sea of Moyle and 300 off the Mayo coast.
Athlone's bridge over the Shannon made it a vital crossing in the Williamite War. In 1691 Williamite forces stormed across the river and took the town.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Prices are in euro (€). Please check opening hours before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, tours and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Discover Ireland and Athlone Castle.
Westmeath's neighbours:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge