An inland county with lots of water activities – coarse and game angling are popular and boat hire is available on Loughs Derrvaragh, Ennell, Owel and Sheelin. If you like cruising or just fancy a day trip, head to Athlone – the centre of Shannon cruising. Here you’ll find a top selection of cabin cruiser companies who delight in guiding tourists on the majestic River Shannon. A trip on one of the fine passenger boats along the river and around Lough Ree is a guaranteed pleasure.

In this golfer’s paradise, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the number of outstanding golf courses, 18 and 9 hole available. Championship parkland courses provide challenge for golfing enthuasists where magnificent views may also be enjoyed.
Exploring the county by foot allows time to take in the beautiful scenery, flora, fauna and wildlife while enjoying the fresh air. Walking trails are located throughout the county including along stretches of the Royal Canal and in Mullaghmeen Forest. Boherquill Ramblers Club meets on a regular basis. Walks every Sunday, contact Brian Nerney 086 2596656.

Go for a gallop or take a trot along a lakeshore or in a shady woodland and avail of the excellent equestrian facilities. Cycling is a real pleasure in this flat county! The Fore, Belvedere and Glasson Trails provide suggested scenic routes. Have a go on a karting track – there are lots of activities to try!

There is also a variety of evening entertainment to be enjoyed around the county. Place a bet at the Mullingar Greyhound Stadium where races take place twice weekly all year round or take your chances at the Kilbeggan Horseraces which run over a series of dates throughout the summer. Later enjoy the "craic" and nightlife in the bustling towns and small villages of Westmeath. Join in a traditional music pub session or enjoy a play or show at Mullingar Arts Centre. A collection of fine restaurants, pubs and accommodation awaits you.

Mullaghmeen Country

the largest planted beech forest in Europe

Situated in the north-west corner of County Westmeath Mullaghmeen is equidistant from Castlepollard and Oldcastle and a half an hour’s drive from Mullingar, Longford and Navan. This 1,000 acre forest offers picnickers a shady haven in which to feast and provides the more energetic with scenic walks of varying lengths. Originally the land was part of Lord Buckinghamshire’s Irish Estate. Later c. 1800, Mullaghmeen became the property of Lord Gradwell of Dowth Hall in Co. Meath who had acquired it by character for “services rendered in the wars” and was run as an out-farm to the Meath Estate. In the 1930’s the Department of Agriculture acquired it. They carried out soil tests and on discovering the soil was unearthed over the years, including the shell of a 16th century Herd’s dwelling and an ancient cairn on the summit. The predominant tree in Mullaghmeen is the European Beech, but other trees flourish in small pockets throughout - most notably Sycamore, Oak and Ash. The trees provide a haven for most flora and fauna, offering then a habitat rich in food, shelter and seclusion.