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County Westmeath
Province: Leinster
Location: An inland county at the heart of Ireland
County Size: 22nd in Ireland
Land Area: 710 sq. miles
Highest Point: Mullaghmeen (260 m)
Main Rivers: Tang; Royal Canal; Deel; Black; Inny; Riffey; Yellow; Gaine
Main Lakes: L Ree; L Iron; L Owel; L Ennell; Brittas L; L Bane; L Derravaragh; L Lene
Areas of Geological Interest: The Royal Canal Bank Walk; the many bogs which are subject to increasing scientific interest
Areas of Historical Interest: Athlone Castle Interpretative Centre; the Catstone on Uisneach Hill; the Dower House of Pollard Family at Castlepollard; Fore Abbey; St Fechin's Church; the Military Museum; Tullnally Castle and Gardens in Castlepollard; Tyrellspass Castle and Museum.
Westmeath
Westmeath, a county of Lakes and Legends with rich pastureland, offers remarkable beauty and diversity. Abounding in rivers, lakes and streams, it is a terrain of possibility for every visitor. Located in the heart of Ireland, Westmeath stretches from Lough Ree on the Shannon in the West to the shores of Lough Sheelin in the North East and southwards to Kinnegad and the Royal Canal. It has an area of 710 square miles and a population of 62,000 people. Created a County in 16th century, Westmeath had, for the following hundred years a turbulent growth culminating in the renowned Siege of Athlone in 1691. The visual evidence of the 19th century history is perhaps best reflected in the edifices of Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle. Westmeath also offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all tastes (and pockets) including Hotels, Guesthouses, Town & Country Homes, Farmhouses, Self-catering and Holiday Hostel as well as Caravan & Camping Parks.
The County
Total Population: 92,166 (1996)
Growth Rate: 1.6 % increase since 1991
County Capital: Mullingar
Largest Town: Athlone
Main Towns: Athlone, Kilbeggan, Kinegad, Moate.
Main Business Contact: Westmeath County Enterprise Board: Enterprise Centre, Bishopsgate Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Tel 044-49222
No of Schools: National 77; Secondary 15
No of Golf Clubs: 5
Blue Flag Beaches: 2
Other Tourist Attractions: an Dun Transport and Heritage Museum in Athlone, Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Visitor Centre, Locke's Distillery (one of the world's oldest licensed whiskey distilleries).
Transport
Main Routes: Athlone is served by major routes N6-N4 (to Dublin); n55-n3-n54-n12-a3-m1 (to Belfast); N6-N62-N8-N25 (to Cork); N6-N18 (to Galway)
Miles from: Dublin (78); Belfast (136); Cork (136); Galway (58)
Nearest Travel Centre (Bus): Bus Eireann, Bus Depot, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Tel 0902 73322
Nearest Rail Station: Athlone. Tel 0902 73300
Nearest Airport: Dublin Airport. Tel 01-8141111; Shannon Airport. Tel 061-471 444
Nearest Ferry Port: Dublin (+78 miles)
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