Holiday cottages to rent in County Westmeath Ireland for self-catering holidays and weekend breaks

County Westmeath is known for its waterways, an intricate network of lakes, canals and the great River Shannon. The verdant river banks thrill with wild birds such as the rare corncrake. You can hire a pleasure cruiser to explore these enchanting waterways for yourself, perhaps stopping for an afternoon of course or trout angling or for a picnic on the river bank.  

• Holiday cottages in Ireland

The flat green landscape is particularly suitable for cycling. Golf and horse riding are also popular outdoor activities.  

Athlone is a historic town on the banks of the River Shannon. This site was historically significant and the Normans built Athlone Castle here in 1210. Visitors are welcome to visit the castle where a multimedia exhibition tells the story of Athlone through the ages. The castle is also home to a military museum with many Irish army uniforms from the last three centuries. Pleasure cruisers can be hired in Athlone.  

• If you enjoy visiting castles, you might also be interested in a visit to Castle Tullynally - a large castle near Castlepollard. Other historical places of interest in Westmeath are: Belvedere House and Gardens, Dun na Si, and Fore Abbey.
• Athlone is also the home of the internationally renowned Athlone Literary Festival, an annual event where famous authors come together to provide workshops, lectures and book signings.  
• For a lively night out, Mullingar is the place to go. There are many pubs and restaurants to choose from and twice weekly greyhound racing. Ladies may also be interested to know that Mullingar is famous for a higher than usual percentage of bachelors!  

Self-catering holiday cottages and accommodation to rent in County Westmeath, Ireland: