Guide to County Westmeath in Ireland

County Westmeath

Westmeath is a county in the Irish midlands located within the western part of the province of Leinster. The county´s lands once formed part the ancient province of Meath, and later county Meath, but the two modern counties have now been separated for several centuries. Westmeath is about four-fifths the size of Meath in area, but has less than half the population of its neighbour. This is mainly due to Meath´s more rapid expansion as a closer commuter county for Dublin workers, but Westmeath also has a good share of commuters thanks to the extension of the M4 motorway then a good dual carriageway out as far as Mullingar some 50 miles from the capital city. Mullingar also has good rail links to both the east and west coasts of Ireland. With a town population of just under 10,000, Mullingar acts as the administrative centre for Westmeath´s affairs

Westmeath is sometimes referred to as the Lakes County due to the propensity of large expanses of water within its boundaries, such as Lough Owel and Lough Ennel which are favourite destinations for Irish anglers. Athlone is another important Westmeath town with an urban population of around 7,000, although expanding suburbs make the town seem much larger. Athlone is located on a crossing of the River Shannon at the south of Lough Ree with some parts of the town technically in County Roscommon, next door. The town attracts many visitors due to its central location within the country; historians can admire the castle and abbey, whilst others appreciate the modern shopping centres, theatres or the marinas on the Shannon.

Other towns of distinction in Westmeath include Ballymore, Ballynacarrigy, Castlepollard, Clonmellon, Collinstown, Delvin, Glassan, Kilbeggan, Killucan-Rathwire, Kinnegad, Moate, Multyfarnham, Raharney, Rochfortbridge and Tyrrellspass.