County Westmeath, situated in the heart of Ireland’s Midlands, is a landlocked county in the province of Leinster, renowned for its historical significance, scenic lakes, and vibrant cultural life. Known as the “Lake County” due to its numerous lakes, Westmeath blends ancient heritage with modern development, offering a rich tapestry of history, natural beauty, and community spirit.
Location and Size: County Westmeath is centrally located in Ireland,
bordered by Cavan to the north, Meath to the east, Offaly to the south,
Longford to the west, and Roscommon to the northwest. It spans
approximately 1,840 square kilometers (710 square miles), making it a
medium-sized county.
Topography: Westmeath’s landscape is
predominantly flat to gently rolling, part of Ireland’s Central
Lowlands, with fertile plains ideal for agriculture. The county’s
highest point, Mullaghmeen Hill, reaches 258 meters (846 feet).
Extensive boglands, such as those near Moate, are interspersed with lush
pastures.
Waterways and Lakes: Westmeath is famous for its lakes,
including Lough Ree (part of the River Shannon system), Lough Ennell,
Lough Owel, Lough Lene, and Lough Derravaragh, which are central to
recreation, fishing, and folklore. The River Shannon forms part of the
county’s western boundary, while the River Brosna and Royal Canal
traverse the county, supporting boating and greenway trails.
Climate:
Westmeath experiences a temperate oceanic climate, typical of Ireland,
with mild winters (average 5°C/41°F), cool summers (15–20°C/59–68°F),
and frequent rainfall, fostering its green landscapes and agricultural
productivity.
Westmeath’s history spans prehistoric times to the modern era, marked
by ancient kingdoms, monastic settlements, and pivotal roles in
Ireland’s struggles for independence.
Prehistoric and Early
History:
Archaeological evidence, including crannogs (lake
dwellings), ring forts, and passage tombs, indicates human activity in
Westmeath from the Neolithic period (circa 4000 BCE). The Hill of
Uisneach, considered the mythological and geographical center of
Ireland, is a key prehistoric site.
The county’s name derives from
the Irish Iarmhí, meaning “West Meath,” as it was historically part of
the ancient Kingdom of Meath, a powerful Gaelic territory.
Westmeath
was home to the Southern Uí Néill, a dynasty that ruled Meath and
produced several High Kings of Ireland.
Early Christian and
Medieval Period:
Fore Abbey, founded in the 7th century by St.
Feichin, became a major monastic center, known for its Benedictine abbey
and the “Seven Wonders of Fore.”
The Normans arrived in the 12th
century, building castles like Athlone Castle and Delvin Castle to
consolidate control. The county was divided into baronies, with
Anglo-Norman families like the de Lacys and Nugents gaining prominence.
Westmeath was formally established as a county in the 13th century under
English rule, named “Westmeath” to distinguish it from East Meath (now
County Meath).
Plantation and Rebellion:
The 16th and 17th
centuries saw English plantations, with land confiscated from Gaelic
lords and granted to settlers, leading to tensions. Westmeath was less
affected than neighboring counties but still experienced displacement.
The county played a role in the 1641 Rebellion and the Williamite War
(1689–1691), with Athlone Castle serving as a strategic stronghold
during the latter.
The Penal Laws of the 18th century restricted
Catholic rights, impacting Westmeath’s majority Catholic population,
though Protestant landlord families like the Pakenhams (Earls of
Longford) held significant estates.
Modern History:
The Great
Famine (1845–1852) devastated Westmeath, reducing its population from
about 141,000 in 1841 to under 70,000 by 1900 due to starvation,
disease, and emigration.
Westmeath was active during the Irish War of
Independence (1919–1921), with IRA activity in Athlone and Mullingar.
The county also saw division during the Civil War (1922–1923).
In the
20th century, Westmeath transitioned from an agrarian economy to one
with growing urban centers, particularly Athlone and Mullingar,
bolstered by improved infrastructure and proximity to Dublin.
Population: As of the 2022 Census, Westmeath had a population of
approximately 95,840, reflecting steady growth due to urban development
and inward migration. It is one of Ireland’s more populous midland
counties.
Urban and Rural Divide: Westmeath balances urban and rural
life, with Mullingar (population ~22,000) as the county town and
administrative center, and Athlone (population ~22,000, partly in
Roscommon) as a major commercial hub. Other towns include Moate,
Kinnegad, Castlepollard, and Kilbeggan. Rural villages like Ballymore
and Glasson add to the county’s charm.
Diversity: Westmeath has
become more multicultural, with communities from Poland, Lithuania,
Brazil, and Africa, particularly in Athlone and Mullingar. The county
has also welcomed refugees, contributing to its social diversity.
Language: English is the primary language, but Irish (Gaelic) is taught
in schools and reflected in place names like Mullingar (An Muileann
gCearr, meaning “the crooked mill”) and Athlone (Baile Átha Luain,
meaning “town of Luan’s ford”). Irish-speaking communities are small but
active.
Westmeath’s economy has diversified from agriculture to include
industry, tourism, and services, leveraging its central location and
infrastructure.
Agriculture: Westmeath’s fertile land supports
dairy farming, beef production, and tillage (e.g., barley, wheat). The
county is known for high-quality livestock, with markets in Mullingar
and Athlone.
Industry and Commerce: Mullingar and Athlone are
commercial hubs with retail, manufacturing, and services. Key industries
include food processing, pharmaceuticals (e.g., Alkermes in Athlone),
and technology. Kilbeggan Distillery, one of Ireland’s oldest whiskey
distilleries, produces Kilbeggan and Locke’s whiskeys, boosting the
local economy.
Tourism: Westmeath’s lakes, historical sites, and
cultural events attract visitors. Key draws include Belvedere House,
Tullynally Castle, and Lough Ree. The Royal Canal Greenway and Shannon
cruising routes support tourism, as do festivals and outdoor activities.
Employment: Westmeath has a relatively low unemployment rate compared to
other midland counties, driven by urban job opportunities and proximity
to Dublin (80 km from Mullingar). Many residents commute to Dublin or
nearby counties for work.
Infrastructure: The M4 and M6 motorways
connect Westmeath to Dublin and Galway, while the N52 and N55 roads link
key towns. The Dublin–Sligo and Dublin–Galway railways serve Mullingar
and Athlone, respectively. The Royal Canal and Shannon support leisure
boating, and Athlone’s strategic location makes it a transport hub.
Westmeath’s cultural identity is shaped by its Gaelic roots, literary
connections, and vibrant community life.
Literature and Arts:
Westmeath is associated with Jonathan Swift, who wrote Gulliver’s
Travels and was linked to the county through his clerical work in
Kilkenny West. J.P. Donleavy, author of The Ginger Man, lived in
Mullingar.
The Mullingar Arts Centre and Athlone Castle Visitor
Centre host drama, music, and exhibitions, fostering local talent.
The county’s folklore, particularly around the Hill of Uisneach and
Lough Derravaragh (linked to the Children of Lir myth), inspires
storytelling.
Music and Festivals:
Traditional Irish music
thrives in pubs across Mullingar, Athlone, and Kilbeggan, featuring
fiddles, uilleann pipes, and bodhráns.
Key festivals include the
Mullingar International Fleadh (traditional music), Athlone Agri Show,
Westmeath Bachelor Competition (a quirky matchmaking event), and Bloom
in the Park (showcasing the Slieve Bloom Mountains, partly in
Westmeath).
The Joe Dolan Festival in Mullingar celebrates the legacy
of the famous singer, a local icon.
Sport:
Gaelic games,
particularly Gaelic football and hurling, are central to Westmeath’s
identity. The Westmeath GAA team, nicknamed the “Lake County,” has
competed strongly, with notable success in football (Leinster titles in
2004). Cusack Park in Mullingar is the main GAA venue.
Soccer, rugby,
golf (e.g., Mullingar Golf Club), and rowing (on Lough Ree and Lough
Owel) are popular. The county’s lakes support water sports like kayaking
and sailing.
Angling is a major draw, with Lough Ennell and Lough
Lene known for trout and pike fishing.
Religion: Westmeath is
predominantly Roman Catholic, with landmarks like the Cathedral of
Christ the King in Mullingar, a striking modernist structure. The county
also has small Protestant, Muslim, and other religious communities.
Westmeath offers a wealth of historical, natural, and cultural
attractions, making it a compelling destination.
Historical
Sites:
Hill of Uisneach: A sacred site considered Ireland’s
mythological center, associated with the ancient festival of Bealtaine.
It features ring forts, a holy well, and panoramic views.
Athlone
Castle: A 13th-century Norman fortress on the River Shannon, now a
visitor center with exhibits on the castle’s history and the 1691 Siege
of Athlone.
Fore Abbey: A 7th-century monastic site near
Castlepollard, known for its “Seven Wonders” (e.g., the water that flows
uphill, the tree that won’t burn), with well-preserved ruins.
Tullynally Castle: A Gothic-style castle near Castlepollard, home to the
Pakenham family (Earls of Longford), with stunning gardens open to the
public.
Belvedere House and Gardens: An 18th-century estate near
Mullingar, featuring a Palladian mansion, Victorian walled garden, and
the “Jealous Wall,” a folly built to block a rival’s view.
Natural Attractions:
Lough Ree: A large lake on the Shannon, ideal
for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, with scenic islands like
Inchcleraun (a monastic site).
Lough Ennell and Lough Owel: Popular
for angling, kayaking, and walking, with surrounding trails and
wildlife.
Royal Canal Greenway: A 130-km trail (partly in Westmeath)
for cycling and walking, following the historic canal through Mullingar.
Mullaghmeen Forest: Ireland’s largest planted beech forest, near
Castlepollard, offering hiking trails and biodiversity.
Modern
Attractions:
Kilbeggan Distillery Experience: Offers tours, tastings,
and insights into Ireland’s whiskey-making heritage.
Mullingar Town:
A lively center with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues like the
Mullingar Arts Centre.
Athlone: A vibrant town with dining, shopping,
and attractions like the Luan Gallery and Shannon cruising.
Education: Westmeath has numerous primary and secondary schools, with
St. Finian’s College in Mullingar and Athlone Community College among
the largest. The county is home to Athlone Institute of Technology (now
part of the Technological University of the Shannon), a major higher
education institution. Vocational training is available through
Westmeath Community Development.
Community: Westmeath has a strong
sense of community, with active Tidy Towns groups, sports clubs, and
cultural organizations. The Westmeath Volunteer Centre supports local
initiatives, and markets in Mullingar and Athlone foster community
engagement.
Challenges:
Rural depopulation in areas outside Mullingar and
Athlone poses challenges for local services and economic vitality.
While infrastructure is strong, rural broadband and public transport
need further investment to support remote communities.
Balancing
tourism growth with the preservation of lakes and boglands is a
priority, given environmental concerns.
Future Prospects:
Tourism is a growth area, with potential to market Westmeath’s lakes,
heritage sites, and greenways as eco-tourism destinations.
Athlone’s
role as a regional hub, bolstered by educational and industrial
investments, positions it for economic expansion.
Improved
connectivity to Dublin and Galway could attract remote workers and
businesses, leveraging Westmeath’s central location and affordability.
Joe Dolan (1939–2007): Iconic singer, known for hits like “Make Me an
Island,” born in Mullingar.
Niall Horan: Singer-songwriter and former
One Direction member, born in Mullingar.
Michael O’Leary: CEO of
Ryanair, born in Mullingar.
John Joe Nevin: Olympic boxing silver
medalist (2012), from Mullingar.
Westmeath’s nickname, the “Lake County,” reflects its abundance of
lakes, which feature in Irish mythology, including the Children of Lir
story set on Lough Derravaragh.
The Hill of Uisneach is said to be
where the provinces of Ireland meet, marked by a stone called the
“Catstone” or “Stone of Divisions.”
Athlone is one of Ireland’s
oldest towns, with a history dating back to the 9th century, and its
castle was pivotal in shaping Ireland’s military history.
Westmeath
is home to Ireland’s oldest pub, Sean’s Bar in Athlone, established in
900 CE, as recognized by the Guinness World Records.