Westmeath Lakelands

Westmeath is Ireland's lake county - a landscape of drumlins and water where fishing is king and the pace of life slows to match the gentle countryside. This route connects the major lakes and the towns that serve them.

Why This Route?

Westmeath's lakes offer peaceful exploration:

• Lough Ennell - Pike fishing and lakeside walks
• Lough Owel - Clear waters for trout
• Mullingar - Cathedral town with character
• Belvedere House - Gardens with a dark history
• Tullynally Castle - Ireland's largest castellated house

Where to Stay

This 75-kilometre circuit around Westmeath's lakes starts and ends in Mullingar, looping south to Kilbeggan and Belvedere House, then north to Fore Abbey and Castlepollard. The entire route stays within the county, and the gentle terrain means driving times are short. Athlone, on the Shannon at the county's western edge, is the nearest well-equipped base town.

Athlone

Athlone is 30 minutes west of Mullingar on the N6 and offers a broad range of hotels and restaurants centred on the castle and Shannon waterfront. From here you can reach Belvedere House and Lough Ennell in under 30 minutes, and Kilbeggan Distillery is barely 20 minutes east. Fore Abbey and Tullynally Castle in the route's northern loop add about 50 minutes, but the roads are quiet and the driving pleasant.

The Route

Starting from Mullingar

The Westmeath capital:

• Cathedral of Christ the King (1936, striking interior)
• Market town character
• Good facilities

Belvedere House & Gardens

The route's highlight - a complex attraction:

The House

A hunting lodge with dark history. The 1st Earl of Belvedere imprisoned his wife here for 31 years, accusing her of adultery.

The Jealous Wall

Ireland's largest folly - built to block the view of his brother's house.

The Gardens

• Victorian walled garden
• Lakeside walks
• Arboretum
• Children's play areas

Lough Ennell Access

The house overlooks the lake.

Kilbeggan

Famous for whiskey:

• Kilbeggan Distillery (Ireland's oldest licensed distillery)
• Tours and tasting
• Traditional town

Moate

Market town with traditional character.

Athlone Approach (Lough Ree)

The great lake on Westmeath's western border - see Athlone route.

Lough Owel

A clear limestone lake famous for:

• Brown trout fishing
• Swimming (Lilliput access point)
• Walking trails

Tullynally Castle

Ireland's largest castellated house - home to the Pakenham family:

• Gardens open seasonally
• House by arrangement
• Extensive grounds

Fore Abbey

Just over the border in Westmeath's north:

• "Seven Wonders" medieval monastery
• Atmospheric ruins
• Anchorite's cell

Castlepollard

A pretty estate village near Lough Lene.

Fishing

Westmeath is angler's paradise:

Lough Ennell

• Pike specialist venue
• Perch and bream
• Boat fishing recommended

Lough Owel

• Brown trout (fly fishing)
• Very clear water
• Strict regulations

Lough Derravaragh

• Coarse fishing
• Legend of the Children of Lir

Walking

Belvedere Lakeside Walk

• Distance: 3km loop
• Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Lake views, gardens

Royal Canal Greenway

Long-distance trail passing through the county.

Tullynally Grounds

Woodland walks through the demesne.

The Children of Lir

Lough Derravaragh features in Ireland's most tragic legend. The children of King Lir were transformed into swans and spent 300 years on this lake - the first of three periods of their 900-year enchantment.

Practical Tips

1. Belvedere - Allow 2+ hours; extensive grounds
2. Kilbeggan Distillery - Book tours in advance
3. Fishing permits - Required for some waters
4. Fore Abbey - No facilities; atmospheric
5. Tullynally - Check opening times (limited)

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the Westmeath Lakelands: the 87km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Westmeath page, and the Athlone & Shannon Heritage pairs naturally with this one.