County Westmeath is situated in the heart of Ireland and is a county of incredible beauty and diversity. Known as the Lake County, tourism generally centres around the water amenities on the many lakes and the Grand and Royal Canals.
The most well-known lakes include Lough Ennell, Lough Lene, Lough Owel and Lough Derravaragh, where the legendary Children of Lír are reputed to have lived for centuries, after being turned into swans by an evil spell cast by their stepmother Aoife. The River Shannon, Ireland’s main tourism waterway also has an inland harbour in the town of Athlone in the west of the county.
Aside from the countless water-based activities, Westmeath offers the visitor a wealth of alternative activities such as golfing and horse riding. The county also has a rich history and is home to many magnificent sites including Belvedere House and Gardens, Tullynally Castle and Fore Abbey.