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County Westmeath
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| Attractions: Lough Derravaragh |
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| Co. Westmeath Iarmhí Prov. Leinster Republic of Ireland |
| Major cities: Mullingar, Collinstown, Horseleap, Collinstown, Fore, Castlepollard, Athlone |
| Surface: 1,838 km2 Population: 72,027 |
The County Westmeath is conveniently located near the centre of Ireland. It was common believe for centuries that the Hill of Uisneach was the bellybutton of Ireland. Unfortunately there is nothing left from the castle of King Tuathal Teachmar, but the Ail Na Mearainn, or Catstone, which marks the meeting point of the ancient five provinces, is still in place.
The county is known as county of lakes and legends. Well that should have lifted the veil already.
With Lough Ree located in the west and a wide variety of other lakes and waterways like the River Shannon and the Royal Canal County Westmeath attracts anglers and water sport enthusiasts. In Athlone, considered as the capitol of the midlands and a pleasant city to spend some time, you can rent a cruiser and join a tour with one of the many shipping companies.
Because most of the county is flat, the highest point is about 250 meters, the county is also a designated location for the less experienced hiker and cyclist.
County Westmeath has some nice castles in store for the visitor interested in history. Among them Tullynally, the biggest castle on Irish isles, and an imposing castle in Athlone.