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Westmeath

County Westmeath (IrishContae na hIarmhíis sometimes referred to as “The Lake County” due to the abundance of lakes, streams and other waterways in the county. Westmeath is the largest county by population in the midlands at 95,840.

Tourism in Westmeath is generally based on its many water amenities. The county lakes include Lough DerravaraghLough EnnellLough OwelLough LeneLough Sheelin and Lough Ree. Both the Grand Canal, and the Royal Canal flow through Westmeath, and the River Shannon (Ireland’s key tourism waterway) has a modern inland harbour in Athlone.

The Royal Canal Greenway provides a 130km walking and cycling trail from Maynooth to Cloondara where the Royal meets the Shannon. Nested within is the Mullingar Blueway, where you can explore a 23km paddling trail.

The Royal Canal is heaving with wildlife, and eagle-eyed nature watchers could be fortunate enough to spot herons, swans, otters, badgers and foxes amidst the restful waters and colourful hedgerows.This makes angling a very popular activity along the canal with all levels of experience finding excellent conditions.

To give you a sense of what Athlone has to offer, from delicious food to heritage.Travel writer Pol O Chongaile, best describes Athlone’s Left Bank, sandwiched between the Shannon and a broody Norman castle, “as a plum spot for a mosey, browsing quirky jewellery in the Bastion Gallery, checking out John’s Bookshop and Sean’s Bar (which claims to be the oldest in Ireland).Then it’s over to the Left Bank Bistro for a bowl of carrot and lentil soup”

Learn more about Westmeath on https://www.visitwestmeath.ie/

Westmeath scaled

Westmeath

Attractions in Westmeath

Springtime at Athlone Castle Athlone Co Westmeath Web Size

Springtime at Athlone Castle

Lock 26 coffee dock Royal Canal Co Westmeath Web Size

Royal Canal

Mullaghmeen Forest Finnea Co Westmeath Web Size 1

Mullaghmeen Forest

Tullynally Castle and Gardens Castlepollard Co Westmeath Web Size

Tullynally Castle and Gardens

Sunset at Wineport Lodge Athlone Co Westmeath Web Size

Sunset at Wineport Lodge, Athlone

Belvedere House and Gardens Gothic Folly Mullingar Co Westmeath Web Size

Belvedere House and Gardens

Springtime at Athlone Castle Athlone Co Westmeath Web Size

Springtime at Athlone Castle

Lock 26 coffee dock Royal Canal Co Westmeath Web Size

Royal Canal

Mullaghmeen Forest Finnea Co Westmeath Web Size 1

Mullaghmeen Forest

Tullynally Castle and Gardens Castlepollard Co Westmeath Web Size

Tullynally Castle and Gardens

Sunset at Wineport Lodge Athlone Co Westmeath Web Size

Sunset at Wineport Lodge, Athlone

Belvedere House and Gardens Gothic Folly Mullingar Co Westmeath Web Size

Belvedere House and Gardens

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