Visit Westmeath

07/11/2024

There are lots of fantastic Christmas Markets happening in Westmeath this festive season!

Check out our Christmas events guide here: https://loom.ly/nIJMLEY

06/11/2024

The Voyage of Uisneach is a story combining the magical and ancient ritual history of Bealtaine Fires at the Hill of Uisneach and linking it to the more recent Irish Famine which ravaged our nation.

This production will take the Voyage that our ancestors had to take during the famine from the ancient site of Uisneach in Westmeath where fire became a symbol of strength and unity to help us reach the shores of America for survival.

November 7th and 8th at Mullingar Arts Centre - Centre For The Performing Arts

Book now at https://www.mullingarartscentre.ie/index.php/reviews-2/4212

05/11/2024

With a strong connection to Ireland’s mythical history and an impressive array of beautiful gardens, parks and incredible scenery, there’s an endless variety of things to experience when you visit Westmeath...

Read this fab article by Discover Ireland: https://www.discoverireland.ie/westmeath/things-to-do-westmeath

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Mullingar.ie athlone.ie

04/11/2024

Discover Westmeath's playgrounds here!

Swings, roundabouts, slides, ziplines, tunnels, climbing frames, forest trails and scenery, hours of fun and adventure await you.

You're never too far from an adventure in Westmeath 😍

See our playgrounds listings here - https://www.visitwestmeath.ie/get-outdoors/parks-play/playgrounds/

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Discover Ireland

03/11/2024

Shop 'til you drop in Athlone!

Athlone ticks all the boxes – luxurious spas, a wide choice of accommodation and the best shopping the midlands has to offer.

It’s just 90 minutes by train or car from Dublin and Galway so perfectly positioned for a short break with friends.

Find out more at www.athlone.ie

**ATHLONE GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE HERE: https://loom.ly/KxIqGoI

Discover Ireland Tourism Ireland Westmeath County Council Ireland's Hidden Heartlands athlone.ie

02/11/2024

Spa and Wellness experiences in County Westmeath

Indulge with a relaxing massage in a luxurious Spa or reconnect the body and mind with an authentic Finnish, wood-fired sauna....

Relaxation awaits.....

Visit https://www.visitwestmeath.ie/see-and-do/welness/ for more information on Westmeath's fabulous wellness experiences

01/11/2024

“Travelling the company of those we love, is home in motion”

Caoimhe McG, Thebighillhouse visited Westmeath recently to check out some of our fabulous restaurants, hotels and attractions.

Here's what she said:

'Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa is the perfect base for all the adventures and their newly refurbished family den rooms are suitable for families up to 6. Their leisure facilities are excellent and we had a delicious lunch, dinner and breakfast.

Mollie Moo's Pet Farm was a huge hit with the kids and a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Belvedere House Gardens & Park is the most beautiful setting for a walk and the kids really enjoyed the audio tour. The zip line at the end was a huge hit.

We finished off our trip with lunch and stroll around Mullingar Pewter Home & Living where I got to meet the lovely owner of this 3rd generation family business and hear all about what’s to come.

We didn’t get to experience the Royal Canal Greenway but we will definitely be back!

Westmeath thanks for having us. You are beautiful!'

31/10/2024

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Share your spooky Westmeath adventures with us by tagging us here or on Instagram!

30/10/2024

Mullingar’s Winterfest is taking place from Friday the 22nd of November to Sunday the 5th of January 2025!

This year Winterfest will include Mullingar Skates

Learn more at

Winterfest 2024 will take place in Mullingar from Friday the 22nd of November to Sunday the 5th of January 2025. This year sees the return of ICE SKATING to Mullingar along with other Winterfest events.

29/10/2024

Westmeath Welcomes Wagging Tails 🐕

Westmeath is full of beautiful countryside and there are plenty of walks and trails that are dog friendly – and what more does any dog love than roaming around and enjoying the great outdoors?

Portlick Millennium Forest has three dog-friendly trails with different levels of difficulty where you can walk through the lakeshore woods of the Lough Ree peninsula.

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, in Moate, has meandering paths through planted parklands and a wetland nature reserve, which is home to an abundance of native wildlife.

Directly accessible from the Old Rail Trail Greenway, this park also includes a great children's playground, adult exercise equipment and outdoor art displays. Dogs are welcome on lead (except in the Heritage Park, as this area of the park includes a pet farm).

Shannon Banks Walk & Nature Trail begins in the shadow of Athlone Castle in the heart of Athlone town and leads you along a path that’s bursting with a diversity of wildlife.

This 5km looped trail follows the peaceful River Shannon banks and the historic Athlone Canal and is perfect for a lovely walk.

28/10/2024

Ireland has some of the most elegant and picturesque outdoor spaces in the world, renowned for their historical and cultural significance.

Take a trip to the Hidden Heartlands of Westmeath and you will discover the natural world in all its glory!

With meticulously designed formal gardens, forest trails and woodland walks as well as calming botanical spaces, heritage demesnes, meadows and trails, rivers and lakes, visitors can relax and unwind in the calming beauty of nature.

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Discover Ireland

27/10/2024

Travel in Westmeath has been made even more sustainable with cruising on the River Shannon now eco-friendly, as the Shannon hire cruisers have switched to sustainable fuel!

The HVO fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 92%, compared with the diesel fuel previously used in the boats and will contribute to a cleaner environment in one of Ireland’s most beautiful places.

You can now hire a boat from multiple points of rental along the river’s length, where a world of fascinating heritage sites awaits.

Find your inspiration at www.visitwestmeath.ie

26/10/2024

Planning a midterm trip?

Westmeath is home to some of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands best hotels and guesthouses, all within easy access to a wide variety of cultural, historical and recreational attractions!

Find your inspiration at www.visitwestmeath.ie

25/10/2024

Halloween bank holiday in Westmeath!

The Independent has put together a great list of Halloween events taking place across Westmeath this bank holiday!

See the list at https://www.independent.ie/regionals/westmeath/news/halloween-bank-holiday-in-westmeath-spine-tingling-line-up-of-ghoulish-delights-for-all-the-family/a171029618.html

25/10/2024

Is Westmeath the fairy capital of Ireland?

Visitors to this enchanting county certainly seem to think so, with fairy trails winding through scenic landscapes, captivating hearts young and old alike....

First stop is Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, a 160-acre estate renowned for its stunning gardens and wonderful playgrounds. Here, tucked away in a magical corner, lies the magical fairy garden, where imaginations will take flight.

On to Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, which translates from Irish as ‘fort of the fairies’, with its fairy island, trail and wishing chair, as well as a playground and pet farm.

Meanwhile, at Ballinahown Village, children can enjoy a whimsical woodland fairy trail, just 150 meters long and perfect for the smallest of legs.

At the beautiful monastic side of Fore Abbey there is a delightful 3km Looped Walk around the site, which includes a pretty fairy trail through a woodland section. And Portlick Millenium Forest also boasts fairy lodgings hidden amongst the trees.

Finally, The Hill of Uisneach will immerse you in the origin story of the Irish Fairy!

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands Discover Ireland

24/10/2024

Pop along to Moate Library on October 29th and 31st for some Spooky Storytelling & Halloween Crafts 🎃👻

No booking necessary, just call in!

23/10/2024

Join local artist Claire Guinan to create your own Halloween mask!

In this creative mask masking workshop you will have the opportunity to make your own Halloween mask using artistic methods.

Taking inspiration from the spooky themes and monstrous figures in Luan Gallery’s current exhibition, Tuberclerosies by Kevin Mooney, design and create unique faces and characters using a variety of techniques and materials. Then, wear your creation for Halloween!

There will be lots of unusual materials to sculpt, paint, and craft with.

Let your imagination run wild and have fun creating your own unique mask that will make your Halloween party or trick-or-treating adventure this year a special one!

Booking essential, visit https://loom.ly/W8E626o

This workshop will take place on Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 30th, and Thursday 31st October in Luan Gallery.

22/10/2024

Take part in a Spooky Halloween Trail at Athlone Castle on Thursday 31st October!

Meet some friendly resident ghosts and ghouls as you explore their Haunted Trail throughout the visitor centre... 👻

Keep your eyes peeled for clues hidden all around the visitor centre, and pay a visit to the Castle Witch, who will be conjuring a special Halloween prize for all children who complete the hunt.

Find out more at https://www.athlonecastle.ie/event/spooky-halloween-trail-at-athlone-castle/