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The Ireland List
Irish County Colours - WestMeath

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County Westmeath

Westmeath is an inland county that contains some delightful scenery - chiefly near the centre of the county, where a number of lakes with wooded shores and surrounding hills provide many charming views. There are other lakes on the northern border and in the west is Lough Ree, a large expansion of the River Shannon, where the boundaries of Counties Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon meet. Much of County Westmeath is flat, and its highest point rises to a little more than 850 feet.

Home to great abbeys and Castles including Tullynally Castle, a 17th century Castle with numerous turrets and battlements. Westmeath has a rich history of wealthy landowners and Anglo-Irish families who stayed for the rich grasslands and glorious rolling countryside. Today many dairy farmers are part of the make up of this county's vibrant agri-industry. Early evidence of the importance of this county as a center for the farming sector are the large market towns of Athlone and Mullingar.

Westmeath has an area of 1,763 sq km (681 sq mi). The principal rivers are the Shannon and the Brosna, and numerous lakes, or loughs, are in the county, the largest of which is Lough Ree. Agriculture is the chief occupation of the inhabitants. Several limestone quarries are here, as well as factories engaged in the manufacture of textiles, most notably wool tweed, cotton and linen goods. Situated on Ireland's central plain, the county is mostly flat with a high point of 276 m (906 ft). Westmeath formed part of the ancient kingdom of Meath and became an independent county in 1541

Westmeath stretches from Lough Ree on the Shannon in the West to the shores of Lough Sheelin in the North East and southwards to Kinnegad and the Royal Canal. Created a County in 16th century, Westmeath had, for the following hundred years a turbulent growth culminating in the renowned Siege of Athlone

in 1691. The visual evidence of the 19th century history is perhaps best reflected in the edifices of Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle. Westmeath also offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all tastes (and pockets) including Hotels, Guesthouses, Town & Country Homes, Farmhouses, Self-catering and Holiday Hostel as well as Caravan & Camping Parks. Its lakes are the county's greatest asset with fishing, cruising, watersports activities and shore amenities. There is a wealth of trout and coarse angling on the Westmeath lakes, Ennell, Owel, Derravaragh, Lene, Lough Ree and the River Shannon. Lough Derravaragh is forever associated with the mythological story of the Children of Lir who are said to have spent 300 years in isolation on its waters.

Castlepollard
Mullingar, Westmeath.
This town is about 13 miles from Mullingar and was built in the late 17th century by the Pollard family under a charter from Charles II. The old National school has been converted into an agricultural museum and heritage centre. Just outside Castlepollard in Tullynally Castle, the home of the Earl of Longford's family, the Packenhams. Tullynally is a gothic revival castle, dating from the 17th century and is open to visitors mid-June to mid-August, from 2pm to 6pm. The gardens are open from May to September.

Athlone Castle & Visitors Centre
St Peter's Square, Athlone, Westmeath.
Phone: +353 902 92192/72107
Athlone Castle was built in 1210 by John de Gray, Bishop of Norwich, for King John of England. From 1569-1672 it was the headquarters of the Presidents of Connacht. The Castle was occupied by Col. Richard Grace, Governor of Athlone during the first Siege of Athlone in 1690 and also played a major role in the second Siege of 1691. In the Napoleonic era the Castle was remodelled for defence and took on much of its present appearance. The Castle served for almost 300 years as an extension of the military barracks In 1970 it was handed over to the Office of Public Works and declared a national monument.

Tourist Office: Occupying the old guard house, this modern Tourist Office caters for the needs of visitors to Athlone and the Castle. Apart from offering information and a room reservation service, the Tourist Office has a wide range of literature and souvenirs to suit all tastes. 2. Reception

Area:

Within this modern glass and steel structure the medieval castle walls have been preserved. The Tour of the Castle complex commences from here. 3. Exhibition Centre: Introduction to Athlone. Introduction to the Castle The atmosphere of the Siege of Athlone is recreated through an exciting audio-visual presentation. The John McCormack story. The story of the life of Athlone's most honoured son John Count McCormack (1884-1945). Military Exhibition. Athlone has been a garrison town for 300 years This exhibition highlights the role of the Irish Army in international peacekeeping. The flora and fauna of the Shannon, a colourful and educational Exhibition sponsored by the E.S.B. 4. Museum: The polygonal keep houses a local museum founded in 1967 by the Old Athlone Society and run on a voluntary basis. 5. Tea Room and Gallery: Set above the old armaments store is our tea room. The ideal spot in which to enjoy a snack and light refreshments while you admire the works of art on view. The Castle provides panormaic viewing points for the Shannon and the town. The key viewing points are marked 'V.P.' on the plan. The guns to be seen on the Castle include two magnificent cannons dating from the reign of George II and a pair of ten inch mortars which were cast in 1856. The cannons would have fired a cannonball of eighteen pounds weight.. An estimated 12,000 of these were fired at this castle in 1691. The mortars were of the type used in the Crimean War and fired shot of twenty pounds weight over a distance of a mile and a half.

Location

Athlone (Ath Luain - the Ford of Luan) is situated on the principal fording point of the middle Shannon. In 1129 King Turlough O'Connor recognised its strategic importance and built a wooden castle here. Rates

Opening Times: Easter/May-Sept: Daily: 10.00 - 18.30 hrs Average length of Visit: 1 hour Charges Adult - IR 2.50, Senior Citizen/Student IR 1.75, Child R 0.80, Family IR 6.00, Group ( 25 adults IR 180.00 each, 30 children IR 0.65 each)

Tullynally Castle and Gardens
Valerie Pakenham, Castlepollard, Westmeath.
Phone: +353 44 61159
Fax: +353 44 61856
Tullynally has been the seat of the Pakenhams, later Earls of Longford, for over 300 years. Set in beautiful parkland and woods adjoining Lough Derravaragh, it is now probably the largest castle in Ireland still lived in as the family home; a forest of towers and turrets nearly a quarter of a mile round.

Guided tours take place in the main rooms and the splendid Victorian kitchens and laundries. A magnificent family coach is on display in the outer courtyard. The tearoom is open at weekends and bank holidays. The gardens, enclosing nearly 30 acres, are laid out in the early 19th Century, they have recently been restored to much of their former splendor and include a walled flower garden, a grotto and two ornamental lakes. Visitors may also enjoy a circular woodland walk around the park, offering splendid views. Masonry walls ten-feet thick are all that remain of the castle that originally stood here in 1655 when Tullynally was purchased by Henry Pakenham, ancestor of the Earls of Longford. Visitors entering the castle will first arrive in the great hall - an enormous room forty-feet square and thirty-feet high with no gallery to take away from its impressive sense of space. A central-heating system was designed for this room by Richard Lovell Edgeworth . Other features of the room include a number of attractive early nineteenth-century drawings of the castle, a collection of old weapons, family portraits and an Irish elk's head dug up out of a bog - once a familiar feature of Irish country house halls. One of the most fascinating features of Tullynally Castle is surely the rooms below stairs. Visitors can tour the splendid kitchen with its great ovens, a great pestle and mortar, an early ice chest and a dresser with gleaming brassware probably bought for the kitchen when it was built in the 1840s. Tullynally is 1 1/2 miles outside Castlepollard on the Granard road (signposted) 3 miles from Fore Abbey of the "seven Wonders", 13 miles from Mullingar, 54 miles from Dublin. The castle is open to visitors from June 15th to August 15th, from 2.30 to 6 p.m.: and to pre-booked groups at other times. The gardens, enclosing nearly 30 acres, are open every afternoon from May to September, 2 - 6 p.m. Admission: Castle & Gardens, �3.50. Children and OAPs, �2. Garden only �2. Children & OAPs �1. Group rates on request.

Ballymore
Mullingar, Westmeath.
Ballymore is situated almost 5 miles from Mullingar on the R390. Mentioned in the Annals as far back as the eight century, its importance in ancient times was due to the fact that it lay on the trade route between royal "Uisneagh" and Athlone. The remains of a fort dating from the Williamite campaign can be seen beside the lake, as well as Father Dalton's mass rock which was used during penal times.

An Dun Transport & Heritage Museum
Doon Ballinahown, Athlone, Roscommon.
Phone: +353 902 30106

An Dun: Transport & Heritage Museum offers a unique private collection of transport and heritage lovingly restored by its owners. Experience the fascination and excitement of this unique treatment of by-gone days openly displayed for your enjoyment.

An Dun (Doon), meaning mound or hill is an area steeped in history. From the monastic resting place for pilgrims on their way to Clonmacnoise, to the castle of the great Mooney clan, whose origins go back to 150 A.D. It is built on the Sli Mor or Chariot Way, one of the five ancient roads of Ireland. Cars on Display include the popular Bullnose Morris Cowley of the 1920's, right up to the modern classic Morris Minor. View a unique and rare Shelvoke & Drewry truck of the 1920's. Let your imagination wander down memory lane as you view a trap or side car, or wonder at the intricacies of the Penny Farthing bicycles and pre & post-war cycles complete with carbide lamps. The Heritage Collection and Farm display features a unique collection of carefully refurbished farm implements including a Garvey Mill dating from 1932, early combine harvesters, many of the horse drawn implements and farm utensils and mass produced post-war tractors. A video presentation will explain the background to many of the exhibits, enhancing your knowledge of the time. This unique interpreted display of hundreds of exhibits will create hours of enjoyment and nostalgia.

Clonmacnois 10km, Athlone 13km, Moate 11km, Tullamore 30km, Ferbane 7km, Birr 30km.

Open daily from Easter to end of October. 10.30 am - 6 pm Monday to Saturday & Sunday 1 pm - 6 pm. Rates: Adults: IR2.50 Family: IR7.00 (2 adults & 3 children) Children: IR1.50

Uisneagh Hill
Mullingar, Westmeath.
Uisneagh Hill is about 11 miles from Mullingar on the R390. On this hill can be found the Catstone or "Ail Na Mearainn", said to be the meeting point of the five ancient provinces of Ireland. This is the hill on which King Tuathal Teachmar erected his royal palace in the second century. An imposing hill, 180 metres high, "Uisneagh" provides a magnificent view of the midlands. It was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland for 200 years prior to the coming of St. Patrick and the geat pagan festival of Bealtaine was held here during that time.

Abbeyshrule
Abbeyshrule is situated east of Ballymahon in a picturesque valley of the River Inny. A Cistercian Abbey was founded here in 1150 and was one of the earliest in the country following the success of the first foundation at Mellifont in County Louth. The Abbey was founded by the O'Farrells and was eventually closed by Queen Elizabeth 1 during the Tudor suppression of the monasteries. The lands were granted to Robert Dillon, Earl of Roscommon. The adjoining graveyard contains part of the only high cross in County Longford. The Royal Canal passes through Abbeyshrule on its way from the Shannon to Dublin. Note the Whitworth aquaduct built in 1817 to carry the Royal Canal over the River Inny. Abbeyshrule is also associated with the Goldsmith Summer School. The only airfield in the midlands is located in Abbeyshrule with its 575 metre tarmac runway and each year its festival is a mecca for flying enthusiasts from home and overseas. Flying lessons are available throughout the year.

Athlone
From an unpretentious crossing point on the Shannon, the ford of Luan, Athlone, grew to be the largest town in Westmeath.; The possession of the ford of Athlone has been disputed from earliest times. In 1001 Brian Boru marched there with a great army; in 1129 King Turlough O' Conor erected a wattle bridge there and in 1199 the Normans occupied the town and in 1257 built the town walls, part of which can still be seen. After their defeat at the Boyne in 1690, the Irish withdrew to Athlone and made the Shannon their first line of defence; however, the town eventually fell to the Williamites under Ginkel. At present Athlone is an important industrial and commercial centre. It is at the confluence of the major east-west and north-south routes and is well served by both bus and rail transport. With a population fast approaching 20,000 the town can boast a wide range of shops and services catering for all needs. A new relief road and bridge, completed in 1991 at a cost of IR37m serves to relieve traffic congestion in the town and make it a joy to shop in. Athlone is an ideal base from which to visit the Irish midlands. In the rich hinterland one can sample the wild beauty of the Irish bogs the delights of the Shannon and Lough Ree as well as the great monastic site of Clonmacnoise and the beautiful Goldsmith Country.

Ballymore
Ballymore is situated almost 5 miles from Mullingar on the R390. Mentioned in the annals as far back as the eight century, its importance in ancient times was due to the fact tha it lay on the trade route between royal 'Uisneagh' and Athlone. The remains of a fort dating from the Williamite campaign can be seen beside the lake, as well as Father Dalton's mass rock which was used during penal times.

Castlepollard
Castlepollard - Cionn Torc (Hill of the Boars), in a district of low hills east of Lough Derravaragh, is a good angling centre for the Westmeath lakelands and a base for exploring this part of the country. Tullynally Castle , the residence of Lord Longford , is one mile west of the village. The gardens are open to the public during the summer season. A large castellated mansion, it is mentioned several times under its former name of Pakenham Hall in the memoirs of the eighteenth century novelist, Maria Edgeworth, whose father was a frequent guest there.

Delvin
Delvin is a picturesque village in wooded surroundings. The Dysart lakes near by are good for angling. Delvin Castle (thirteenth century) , a well preserved ruin, was erected by the Nugents. They later abandoned it to move to Clonyn Castle, west of the village. The present Clonyn Castle is a nineteenth century building which replaced the original one that stands in ruins in the grounds. Brindsley MacNamara, the writer, was born at Ballinvalley near Delvin and some of his works are set in the neighbourhood. There is an 18-hole golf course in the grounds of Clonyn Castle.

Horseleap
The village of Horseleap, gets its name from the tradition that the Norman Baron, de Lacy, whilst being pursued by a party of the MacGeoghegans, native chieftains of the area, jumped his horse over the drawbridge of the castle; it is related that the imprint of the horse's hooves can still be seen on the stone. Near the village is the partly damaged Norman motte-and-bailey, erected in 1192 A.D. and a well preserved 16th century tower house, erected by the MacGeoghegans. The village has an excellent garden centre and art stone industry.

Kinnegad
Kinnegad located at the junction of two major routes in Ireland, where the roads from Dublin to Galway and Sligo meet, as a long tradition in providing hospitality for the travelling public. It has many eating houses with facilities to cater for every taste from early morning to late at night... The terrain around Kinnegad is a Walker's Paradise, especially 'An Boreen Bradach' a walkway of approx. 3.5 miles which semi-circles Kinnegad. Along the Boreen nothing interrupts the view across the flat open fields streching in all directions. It is aesthetically and visually soothing to walk and gaze out over flocks of sheep and herds of cattle grazing. Depending upon the desires of the walker, naturalist or just plain observer, the sole expenditure is time and the only requirements are a keen eye and ear for what is all around while listening to the whispers of the soul.

Milltownpass
Milltownpass is approximately 9 miles from Mullingar on the N6. The Tyrrell family had castles at the pass of Kilbride and Milltownpass, where they also had one of their mills. These castles guarded passes through the bog on the route from Dublin to the West. Belvedere House and Gardens make for an interesting excursion.

Mullingar
Mullingar was one of the ancient palatinate towns founded by the Normans. In 1227 a priory was founded there by the Canons Regular of St. Augustine. The Dominicans also started a foundation there about the same time. Today the town is a thriving commercial centre and is the centre of probably the best cattle raising district in the country. It is encircled by the Royal Canal which with its 46 locks links dublin with the River Shannon. The cost of building the canal bankrupted its investors and it was never profitable. The town contains some early 19th century style architecture and is dominated by the cathedral, dedicated in 1939, and imposing renaissance-style structure. The two towers of the cathedral are 42.6 m high and surmounted by gilt bronze crosses; over the main door there is some fine carved stonework by the late Albert Power, R.H.A. The great mosaics of St. Patrick and St. Anne, near the high altar, are by Boris Anrep and are in the great tradition of Rome and Ravenna; the cathedral has an interesting ecclesiastical museum. Other buildings of note are All Saints Church, erected in 1816, the recently restored market house which houses the local museum and the town library.

Rochfortbridge Located in the east of County Westmeath, near to the border with Kildare. The main N6 road between Dublin and Galway crosses the island. Nearby Lough Ennell provides a good stock of brown trout.

Golf:
Mullingar Golf Club
Belvedere, Mullingar, Westmeath.
Phone: +353 44 48366
Mullingar Golf Club moved to its present location in 1937. The famous Mr James Braid designed this demanding 18 hole par 72 Course. It is set in a beautiful parkland location with a fantastic variety of very old oak, beech and various indigenous trees to this area of the country. In recent years all bunkers have been enlarged and some new strategically placed ones added. Also, the 11th and 17th holes have been extended with new tee boxes. The 2nd hole is probably the most famous, in that it was once regarded by the great Christy O'Connor Snr. as the best inland Par 3 in Ireland. The Clubhouse is just seven years old and is a very spacious and modern open plan building. Full catering facilities are available at all times. Mullingar is not just a fine Golf Course, the friendly and hospitable atmosphere is felt the moment you arrive, and remains long after you have left this haven of sheer joy and tranquillity.

Delvin Castle Golf Course
Clonyn, Delvin, Westmeath.
Phone: +353 44 64315
Delvin Castle is an 18 hole golf course, located in the grounds of two castles, in mature parkland. This G.U.I. Affiliated course, open all year round, is known for its scenic setting and holes such as the 13th over water, and the 100 year old cypresses around the 3rd and 4th. This course offers a challenging round in a unique setting. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere in the clubhouse, with a full menu, bar, showers and changing facilities available. Green Fees: weekdays: �10.00. Weekends/Bank Holidays: �12.00.

Angling:
Mullingar - The Capital of the Lakelands
Mullingar, Westmeath.
Within an hour's drive of Dublin, Mullingar lies in one of the most scenic parts of the country, surrounded by rolling pastures and interrupted only by coniferous forests and some of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland earning Mullingar the title of "The Capital of the Lakelands". Mullingar is synonymous with some of the best known trout waters in Ireland - Loughs Ennell, Owel and Lough Sheelin. In 1894, Mr William Meares caught a prize winning 26Ib. 2oz. brown trout in Lough Ennell still recorded in "The Guinness Book of Records" as the largest brown trout caught in the British Isles. Also available to the keen angler is some of the best coarse angling in the country. Species such as pike, perch, bream, rudd, tench and carp can be found in rivers, lakes and canals. Other leisure facilities include an 18 hole Championship Golf Course and three excellent Bord Failte approved Equestrian Centres with additional recreational activities available including water sports such as sailing and windsurfing, cycling and walking.

Pubs:
The Black Kettle
Kilbeggan, Westmeath.
Phone: +353 506 32119
This excellent Pub and Restaurant situated in the town of Kilbeggan is an ideal place to break your journey on route to or from the West. This very traditional Irish Pub with food served all day has a superb menu to cater for all tastes and a special service during the day where meals can be taken away. Regular musical entertainment. For quality service and value in charming surroundings don't miss this Pub. Food, Music and Coach.

North Gate Inn
Athlone, Westmeath.
This is a pub which is steeped in character and when you step inside you instantly experience the warm welcoming atmosphere. Excellent food available in the Bar and in the beautifully decorated restaurant upstairs. Live music on Wednesday / Saturday and Sunday nights. Adjacent to the Town Centre this pub, can cater for Coach Tours (pre-booking essential). You won't leave here disappointed.

The Downs Inn
Dublin Road
Mullingar
Co. Westmeath
Tel: (044) 48335
Proprietors:Owen and Mary Ryan Located on the main Dublin/Sligo road (N4) at the start of the Mullingar By-Pass and just 1.5 miles from Mullingar the Downs Inn is an ideal stopping point for a drink or a meal. And you won't experience any car parking problems as there is ample free car parking in the private car parks. Under the personal management of Owen the bar and lounge provide a homely and friendly atmosphere which must be experienced to be appreciated. Indeed, if you have any association with the surrounding countryside Owen is always freely available to confirm (and add) to a story. Bar food is also available. The menu is very moderately priced with an excellent choice and features some "homemade" foods.

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