Westmeath

County Westmeath was part of the historic Kingdom of Meath, or Mide, the 'middle' kingdom at the geographical centre of Ireland. After the Norman invasion, King Henry II granted the Lordship of Meath to Hugh de Lacy in …

Castles: Athlone has the stoutest in Westmeath, as it was rebuilt in the Napoleonic era but never again assaulted. Churches: the finest are Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar, and St Peter & Paul in Athlone. Stat…

Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the territory of the Gaelic Kingdom of Meath formed the basis for the Anglo-Norman Lordship of Meath granted by King Henry II of England to Hugh de Lacy in 1172. Following the f…

County Westmeath (; Irish: Contae na hIarmhí or simply An Iarmhí) is a county in Ireland. It is in the province of Leinster and is part of the Eastern and Midland Region. It formed part of the historic Kingdom of Meath,…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in County…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in County W…

The weekend is coming and the question is the same as always: what shall we do? Got an idea for a day trip, a concert or simply a lovely afternoon in County Westmeath? Drop your tips in the comments!

A good walk clears the head and shows your home from a new angle. Which route do you love most in County Westmeath, and roughly how long does it take? Share your favourite loop with us!

Lots of things in town only work because people give their time for free. Where do you volunteer in County Westmeath, and where could more helping hands be useful? Tell us about it and inspire others to join in!

A weatherproof box where anyone can leave books, toys or kitchen bits and take something else: sustainability can be that simple. What matters is a good spot, permission from the owner or the council, and a few people w…

Almost every region has a dish you won't find anywhere else, or a recipe handed down through the generations. What food simply belongs to Highlands and Islands? Tell us your favourites and where to try them!