Westmeath - CURIOUS IRELAND

Westmeath is geographically near the centre of Ireland. It is famous for its fishing lakes and is flanked its westside by the beautiful Lough Ree. This was once part of the ‘Middle Kingdom’ of Meath. During the middle ages this was part the Anglo-Norman Hugh de Lacy’s lands that he controlled from Trim Castle. Highlights include Athlone, Belvedere House, Glassson, Fore Abbey and the Bealtaine fire festival at the Hill of Uisneach. Its highest peak is Mullaghmeen at 258m which also the location of the largest Beech forest in Europe.

Athlone Castle. County Westmeath 1210

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The Shannon's most strategic castle Athlone Castle is located on the banks of the River Shannon at the border of Leinster and Connaught. It was originally built for the Norman King John of [...]

Athlone Castle. County Westmeath 1210emmet2025-03-19T17:46:39+00:00

Clonyn Castle, Delvin. County Westmeath 1876

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One of the last of the 'Great Houses' to be built in Ireland Sir Gilbert de Nugent, who was originally from the Nogent-le-Rotrou area in France, came to Ireland as part of the Norman [...]

Clonyn Castle, Delvin. County Westmeath 1876emmet2023-05-05T23:10:44+00:00

Delvin Castle, Delvin. County Westmeath 1310

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The Norman castle of the Nugents The DeNugent family were from Nogent in France and supported William the Conqueror in 1066 when he invaded England. They were seen thereafter as 'loyal King's men'. Their [...]

Delvin Castle, Delvin. County Westmeath 1310emmet2023-05-05T23:11:49+00:00

The Anchorite Cell Chapel, Fore, County Westmeath

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The last hermit in Ireland This little church is known as The Anchorite Cell Chapel and is part of the Fore Abbey complex. The original monastery here was founded by St Feichin in 630 [...]

The Anchorite Cell Chapel, Fore, County Westmeathemmet2023-05-05T23:13:07+00:00

Fore Abbey, Fore. County Westmeath 1180

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One of the best-preserved Benedictine abbeys in Ireland The original church here was founded by St. Féichín in 630 AD. This small monastic site quickly grew in size and importance and received mentions in [...]

Fore Abbey, Fore. County Westmeath 1180emmet2025-03-19T17:47:37+00:00

The River Shannon

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Ireland's longest river The River Shannon flows 260 km and is by far the longest river in Ireland or the British Isles. It is named after the Celtic goddess, Sionna whose source is the [...]

The River Shannonemmet2023-08-02T14:16:15+00:00

Sean’s Bar, Athlone. County Westmeath (license dating back to 900AD!)

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The oldest pub in the World Sean's Bar was originally known as 'Luain's Inn' and has uneven sawdust floors, ceiling supports, cozy snugs, and pitted fireplaces. It is located in Athlone on the [...]

Sean’s Bar, Athlone. County Westmeath (license dating back to 900AD!) emmet2024-02-26T18:19:13+00:00