Things to Do in Westmeath: The Lakeland County's Hidden Treasures

Discover the best things to do in Westmeath, from ancient sacred hills and magnificent lake activities to hidden forest trails and authentic local festivals that showcase this distinctive Leinster county.

Bryan Collins

23 Jul 2025 — 8 min read

Westmeath stands apart from other Leinster counties with its 3,000+ acres of pristine lakes and waterways, earning it the nickname "The Lake County." While Dublin and Kilkenny often steal the limelight, Westmeath holds the distinction of being home to Lough Ennell and Lough Owel—two of Ireland's most ecologically significant lakes that once served as royal residences and battlegrounds for ancient Irish kings.

Unlike its neighbors, Westmeath boasts a unique geological feature: eskers—long, winding ridges formed by glacial deposits—that create the county's distinctive rolling landscape. These ancient pathways, including the famous Eiscir Riada, were Ireland's original east-west highways long before modern roads existed.

Must-See Westmeath Attractions

Belvedere House, Gardens and Park

This magnificent 18th-century estate offers much more than the typical Big House experience you'll find in Kildare or Wicklow. What sets Belvedere apart is the infamous "Jealous Wall"—Ireland's largest folly, built by Earl Robert Rochfort specifically to block his view of his brother's grander house.

Visitor Info: Allow 3-4 hours to fully explore the house, walled gardens, and extensive parklands. Summer weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience, while weekends become lively with local families. The lakeside trails are particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage changes.

Hill of Uisneach

The true spiritual center of Ireland, Uisneach predates Tara as Ireland's most significant ancient ceremonial site. This sacred hill marks the symbolic meeting point of Ireland's five ancient provinces and houses over 20 archaeological monuments spanning 5,000 years.

Visitor Info: Access is by guided tour only (2 hours), which must be booked in advance. Mid-week tours are smaller and more personal. The annual Bealtaine Fire Festival in May is the optimal time to connect with its spiritual significance—something you won't experience at the more tourist-heavy Hill of Tara.

Athlone Castle

Perched strategically on the River Shannon, Athlone Castle offers a more interactive historical experience than many of Leinster's defensive structures. The 3D map and immersive siege experience bring to life the bloody 1691 battle in ways Kilkenny or Carlow castles don't attempt.

Visitor Info: Best visited first thing in the morning (10am) to avoid school groups. You'll need about 90 minutes for the full experience. The castle's position at the narrowest part of the Shannon makes it the perfect starting point for river tours.

Fore Abbey

The "Seven Wonders of Fore" make this monastic site uniquely fascinating. Unlike Glendalough or Clonmacnoise, Fore's legends include trees that won't burn, water that won't boil, and a mill that operates without a race—phenomena still discussed by locals today.

Visitor Info: Entirely outdoors and free to visit, allow 1-2 hours to explore. Morning visits offer the best photography light. The abbey is peaceful year-round, even during peak tourist season.

Royal Canal Way

The Royal Canal provides a different perspective on Westmeath than you'll get elsewhere in Leinster. While the Grand Canal gets more attention, locals know the Royal Canal offers superior wildlife spotting and more authentic canalside pubs.

Visitor Info: The 32km Westmeath section can be walked in segments, with Mullingar to Coolnahay (16km) being the most scenic. Visit at dawn for the best chance of spotting otters and kingfishers. Each segment takes approximately 4-5 hours on foot, 1-2 hours by bicycle.

Tullynally Castle and Gardens

One of Ireland's largest still-lived-in castles, Tullynally offers more authentic and less commercialized grounds than many Leinster estate gardens. The Chinese garden and extensive woodland walks reveal horticultural collections gathered over 350 years by the Pakenham family.

Visitor Info: The gardens are open April-September, with early May offering the best rhododendron and azalea displays. Allow 2-3 hours for the gardens and tearoom. Castle tours run on specific days only and must be booked in advance.

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Westmeath's Lesser-Known Treasures

Dún na Sí Heritage Park

This small but significant folk park preserves aspects of Westmeath rural life that have disappeared elsewhere. The reconstructed crannóg demonstrates how the county's ancient lake-dwellers lived—a feature missing from most Leinster heritage sites.

What locals know: Ask about the "Púca stone" collection—these peculiar stones were traditionally placed in the foundation of Westmeath homes to ward off fairy mischief, a custom unique to this part of Leinster.

Mullaghmeen Forest

Ireland's largest planted beech forest is a true local secret. While Wicklow's forests see crowds of Dublin day-trippers, Mullaghmeen remains relatively undiscovered. The forest contains ruins of famine-era cottages and offers views across five counties from its summit.

What locals know: Visit in late April to see the spectacular bluebell carpet that locals call "the blue wave." Also, check the trees around the parking area for Ireland's rarest butterfly, the purple hairstreak, which lives almost exclusively in Mullaghmeen's beech canopy.

Kilbeggan Distillery Experience

While not entirely off the tourist radar, few visitors realize this is actually the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, predating the more famous Dublin and Cork operations. The water-powered machinery still functions as it did in the 1800s.

What locals know: Skip the regular tour and book the "Apprentice Distiller Experience" instead. This hands-on session lets you work the equipment and access private tasting stocks not available to regular visitors. Local regulars also know to ask about the "engineer's dram"—an unmarked bottle kept for special guests.

The Devil's Bit Viewing Point

This little-known viewpoint offers spectacular panoramas across the Westmeath lakes without the crowds of better-known Leinster lookouts. On clear days, you can see thirteen counties from here.

What locals know: The strange rock formation below the viewpoint is locally called "the Devil's footprint" and features in folk tales not recorded in any guidebook. Ask older locals about the legend of "The Devil's Bargain with the Westmeath Farmer" for a story unique to this area.

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Event Calendar

Spring Events

Westmeath Bachelor Festival (April) - A quirky local tradition that predates the more famous Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival. The weekend features unusual "bachelor tests" including turf-cutting competitions and the infamous "perfect spud" cooking challenge.

Lake County Walking Festival (May) - Guided walks showcase spring wildflowers along routes not normally accessible to the public, including private estate lands and special dawn chorus tours around the lakes.

Summer Events

Athlone River Festival (June) - More authentic than coastal sailing events, this celebration features traditional Shannon boats and culminates in the dramatic "Battle for the Bridge" reenactment.

Mullingar Choral Festival (July) - One of Ireland's oldest choral competitions draws performers from across Europe to venues throughout the county.

Lough Owel Swimming Races (August) - Dating back to the 1940s, these open-water competitions attract serious swimmers from across Ireland. The "Dawn Dip" section allows visitors to participate in a less competitive swim.

Autumn Events

Westmeath Harvest Fair (September) - Unlike more commercialized harvest festivals, Westmeath's version maintains authentic agricultural demonstrations including threshing, blacksmithing, and butter making.

Fore Trails Mountain Biking Festival (October) - Mountain bikers tackle specially created routes through the hills and forests around the historic Fore Valley.

Winter Events

Mullingar Christmas Market (December) - Smaller but more authentic than Dublin's Christmas offerings, with traditional food and crafts specific to the Midlands.

Athlone Winter Festival (January) - Features the unique "Ice Diamond" competition where participants must retrieve prizes frozen in blocks of ice from Lough Ree using only traditional tools.

Family Activities

Glendeer Pet Farm

Perfect for families with children under 10, this working farm allows closer animal interaction than many larger petting farms. Kids can bottle-feed lambs and collect eggs while learning about rural Westmeath life.

Age Suitability: Best for ages 2-10 Tip: The indoor play barn makes this an excellent wet-weather option.

Lilliput Adventure Centre

Named for Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels (parts of which were allegedly written during his time in Westmeath), this lakeside activity center offers age-appropriate adventures from gentle kayaking to more challenging orienteering courses.

Age Suitability: Activities for ages 4-17 Tip: Book the "Family Challenge" package that adjusts difficulty levels so all family members can participate together.

Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park

Unlike generic playgrounds, Dún na Sí's facilities incorporate elements of local mythology and history. The "Fairy Fort" play area is designed around authentic Westmeath folklore.

Age Suitability: All ages, with specific areas for toddlers through teens Tip: Download their free "Westmeath Folklore Treasure Hunt" app before visiting.

Lough Owel Sports Arena

This all-weather facility offers laser tag, archery, and team challenges with a distinctly Westmeath theme. The "Lake Defenders" game is particularly popular with teenagers.

Age Suitability: Best for ages 8-16 Tip: The indoor archery range makes this perfect for rainy days.

Mullingar Equestrian Centre

Offers pony rides and basic riding lessons for beginners in a less intimidating environment than many equestrian centers. The "Tiny Trotters" program is specifically designed for first-timers.

Age Suitability: Programs for ages 4+ Tip: Book their "Introduction to Irish Native Ponies" session to learn about breeds specific to the Midlands.

Local Business Highlights

Dead Centre Brewing, Athlone

This riverside brewpub offers more than just craft beer. Their signature "Athlone Mist" uses local botanicals from the Shannon Callows that create a distinctly Westmeath flavor profile you won't find elsewhere.

Must Try: The beer and pizza pairing board features sourdough bases with toppings sourced from within 20km of Athlone.

The Fatted Calf, Glasson

Beyond the usual farm-to-table ethos, chef Feargal O'Donnell maintains direct relationships with specific Westmeath farmers, creating dishes that showcase the county's agricultural heritage.

Must Try: Their "Lough Ree Pike" dish revives a traditional Westmeath recipe dating back centuries but rarely found on modern menus.

Sheridan's Cheesemongers, Kells

While their reputation has grown nationally, their original farmhouse shop in north Westmeath remains the best place to sample their full range, including experimental batches not available elsewhere.

Must Try: The "Westmeath Esker" cheese, aged in caves formed by the county's distinctive glacial ridges, imparting unique mineral notes.

Visit Westmeath

Westmeath offers experiences that showcase the authentic heart of Ireland's midlands—from ancient sacred sites to living traditions that continue to shape county life. Whether you're exploring the waterways that have defined Westmeath for millennia or connecting with locals at traditional events, you'll discover a county that preserves its distinctive character while remaining refreshingly unpretentious.

What sets Westmeath apart is the genuine connection between its landscape, history, and people—something that becomes apparent whether you're chatting with a local boat builder on the Shannon, sampling honey from the limestone plains, or listening to stories beside the mysterious Jealous Wall. This is a county that doesn't need to manufacture charm; it simply invites you to experience the natural rhythm of midlands life.

Now, check out our guide about things to do in Meath.

🎯 For Locals

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