County Westmeath - Environment

1. Rivers

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River Shannon

The Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, rising in County Cavan and meandering down to the Atlantic. Flowing through the heart of the island, it has traditionally marked the border between the provinces of Leinster and Connaught. In medieval times, castles guarded the major fords from Limerick to Portumna, and numerous monasteries were built along the riverbanks, including the celebrated Clonmacnoise. Work began on the Shannon navigation system in the 1750's but it fell into disuse with the advent of the railways. It has since been revived, with and additional boost given by the recent restoration of the Shannon -Erne Waterway. There are subtle changes of landscape along the length of the river. South of Lough Allen, the countryside is covered with the drumlins or low hills typical of the northern Midlands. Towards Lough Ree, islands stud the river in an area of ecological importance which is home to otters, geese, grey herons and whooper swans. Continuing south beyond Athlone, the river flows through flood plains and bog before reaching Lough Derg, the biggest of the lakes on the Shannon. The scenery is more dramatic here, with the lough' s southern end edged by wooded mountains. From Killaloe the river gains speed on its rush towards Limerick and the sea. The mudflats of the Shannon estuary attract a great variety of birdlife. The port of Carrick-on-Shannon is the cruising centre of Ireland, but there are bases all along the river, especially around Lough Dergy, which is the lake most geared to boating. Water-buses connect most ports south of Athlone. If you hire a cruiser, enquire about the weather conditions before setting out, particularly on Loughs Ree and Derg, which are very exposed. The calm stretch from Portumna to Athlone is easier for inexperienced sailors. Walkers can enjoy the Lough Derg way , a signposted route around the lake. The woods by Lough Key also provide good walking territory.

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2. Gardens

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Belvedere Gardens

When the property passed to Charles Marley, he commenced the development of the Walled Garden and also added the terraces facing the lake. The garden was further developed by Col. Howard Bury who was an amateur plant colllector, and his additions to the garden were many. The Gardens might be divided into two parts, consisting of the walled garden and the arboretum surrounding the House. The most striking aspect of the Walled Garden is its unusual narrow rectangular shape which on entering, permits a panormic view of its colourful interior. It still retains all the hallmarks associated with an 18th Century pleasure garden. When Col. Bury developed the garden, he brought to it some of the choice flowering plants he had encountered in his journeyings. Many still grow here like the gentian bleu echinops. The old eighteenth Century introduction, Forthergilla, has blooms like a demure "Bottlebrush". This is a garden for old roses and they are well represented bringing as always an allurement of delicate aroma and intimate scent.

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3. Tourist Attractions

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John McCormack - Golden voice of Athlone

Gala calssical singing competition in commemoration of world famous tenor John McCormack.

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4. Sightseeing Tours

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Belvedere Trail

This is another motoring or cycling trail starting from the Market House in Mullingar and visiting Belvedere House, Tyrellspass, Lockes Distillery and many other places of interest.

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5. Open Farms

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Glendeer Open Farm

Take a break at Glendeer Open Farm, signposted on the N6, just west of Athlone. Stretch your legs on the nature walk where old horse drawn farm machinery can be viewed. Feed the pet animals which include deer, Vietnamese pot belly pigs, ponies, donkeys, Jersey cows, sheep, goats, peacocks and other rare birds and domestic fowl. The children can play on the slide, swings, seasaws and very popular glider swing, while adults enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with freshly made sandwiches and homemade cakes. A tuck shop, picnic area and toilet facilities are also provided. Groups catered for with guided tour, by arrrangement.

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6. Lakes

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Lough Derravaragh

The most majestic of the Westmeath lakes 8.04 km long. It affords good fishing for trout, pike and perch and its steep wooded shores set against a background of rolling grassland give a view to be remembered. The lake is associated with the most tragic of all Irish legendary romances - the Children of Lir; changed into swans by a jealous step-mother, they spent 300 years on its dark waters.

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7. Woods and Forests

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Lake Shore and Woodland Walks

Lake shore and Woodland Walks: The development of the lake shore area and also the inclusion of the walkway through the woodlands has been undertaken by Westmeath County Council since its' acquisiton of the property in 1981. The woodlands form the entire boundary of the Estate along Lough Ennell and the Golf Club, and encloses the pastureland. Many views of the lake and pastureland have been re-opened, and subisdiary paths are available to the lakeshore, the Gothic Arch and the Octagonal Summerhouse. The Woodland area was extensively planted with Beech during the 18th Century. Also a very good "arboretum" of exotic conifers exists in the woodland which was planed in the last century. Pines and Birch dominate close to the lake shore. The paths through the woodlands to the Summerhouse, Gothic Arch and viewing points along the lake shore. The important tree groupings each side of the path have been preserved, namely Yews, Lime and Beech. The woodlands of the eastern sector has a richer, broader composition including a conspicuous "pocket" of exotic conifers. An Ice House has been located in the woods in this section. Many of the "Big houses" of Ireland boasted the amenity of an "ice house" in which to store foodstuffs. The essentials were an underground chamber to ensure an equable low temperature, adequate drainage, and a cover which would give both insulation from the sun's rays and easy access for charging and extracting. Availability of ice was also of importance and here it was readily obtained from the lake in Winter. The continuity of Belvedere and its landscape and particularly its great trees is perhaps best summed up by the carved initials on the tree trunks noticeable along the early part of the walk, some of which date back to the last century. No doubt through the centuries, these woodlands as they abut the lake shore were a great source of adventure for young un-invited visitors to the Estate, as they came across the lake in boats or indeed walked the 4 mile distance from the nearby town of Mullingar. Some left a monument of their visit which still remains today, and will remain as long as the tree stands. Most of the trees in the woodlands are well over 100 years old, with one particular Yew tree located close to the Ice House reputed to be over 800 years old.

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8. Walks

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Glendeer Open Farm

Take a break at Glendeer Open Farm, signposted on the N6, just west of Athlone. Stretch your legs on the nature walk where old horse drawn farm machinery can be viewed. Feed the pet animals which include deer, Vietnamese pot belly pigs, ponies, donkeys, Jersey cows, sheep, goats, peacocks and other rare birds and domestic fowl. The children can play on the slide, swings, seasaws and very popular glider swing, while adults enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee with freshly made sandwiches and homemade cakes. A tuck shop, picnic area and toilet facilities are also provided. Groups catered for with guided tour, by arrrangement.

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9. Scenic Drives

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Lakeland Tour

Lakeland Tour Two day circular drive 241km Day 1 Athlone-Mullingar The starting point is Athlone-'capital' of the midlands. From here drive to Roscommon visiting Hodson Bay and Rinndown Castle en route. Have a look around Roscommon Abbey. North East of Roscommon is Lanesborough a popular angling centre at the head of Lough Ree. Then visit the busy market town of Longford with its nineteenth century cathedral. Move on the Edgeworthstown, which gets its name from the remarkable literary family. Visit the Maria Edgeworth Museum. Continue to Castlepollard, a good angling centre near Lough Derravaragh-featured in a tragic legendary romance, 'children of Lir'. See nearby Tullynally Castle. Drive to Fore, with its ancient crosses and Benedictine Abbey, returning to Castlepollard and south via Multyfarnham to Mullingar-an important town and noted angling centre. Spend the night there. Day 2 Mullingar-Athlone 105km Next day a westward drive takes you to Ballymore and to the Goldsmith country via Tang. Visit Lissoy and The Pigeons on the road to the pretty village of Glasson, passing the tower like structure marketing the geographical centre of Ireland. Return to Athlone. From Athlone make and excursion to Coosan point for a good view of Lough Ree, one of the largest Shannon lakes. Continue downriver to Clonmacnois, one of the country's most celebrated manastic sites, completing your tour in Athlone.

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10. Visitors Centre

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An Dun Transport & Heritage Museum

An Dun (Doon), meaning mound or hill is an area steeped in history. From the monastic resting place for pilgrims on their way to Clonmacnoise, to the castle of the great Mooney clan, whose origins go back to 150 A.D. It is built on the Sli Mor or Chariot Way, one of the five ancient roads of Ireland. Cars on Display include the popular Bullnose Morris Cowley of the 1920's, right up to the modern classic Morris Minor. View a unique and rare Shelvoke & Drewry truck of the 1920's. Let your imagination wander down memory lane as you view a trap or side car, or wonder at the intricacies of the Penny Farthing bicycles and pre & post-war cycles complete with carbide lamps. The Heritage Collection and Farm display features a unique collection of carefully refurbished farm implements including a Garvey Mill dating from 1932, early combine harvesters, many of the horse drawn implements and farm utensils and mass produced post-war tractors. A video presentation will explain the background to many of the exhibits, enhancing your knowledge of the time. This unique interpreted display of hundreds of exhibits will create hours of enjoyment and nostalgia.

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