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Ireland > Leinster > County Westmeath

Perhaps one of the most fascinating counties, Westmeath is a blend of Irish history, outdoor sports such as fishing and walking, and the all important pubs. There are four beautiful lakes: Loughs Owel, Ennell, Derravaragh and Lene, within its boundaries and it shares Lough Sheelin with County Cavan to the north. Westmeath has its share of castles and houses and is home to Locke's Distillery - if you are interested in the ancient process of whiskey processing this must be included in your itinerary.

Click on the headings to find out more:

The market town of Mullingar is circled by the Royal Canal, Dublin's link to the River Shannon, through 46 locks. The canal was so expensive, investors who backed it were ruined.

Just off the Kilbeggan Road from Mullingar stands Belvedere House, an 18th century Hunting Lodge designed by the famous German architect Richard Castle, for Robert Rochfort, later the odious 1st Earl of Belvedere, who imprisoned his young wife for 31 years in a neighbouring house because he suspected her of having an affair with his brother. He also built the Jealous Wall (which still stands) - an enormous mock-Gothic folly designed to block his view of a more opulent house owned by another of his brothers. Belvedere House is now fully restored to its former glory, it is an architectural gem.

Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre (on the N4 not far south of the town) exhibits and sells wares made of the silvery-grey metal for which the town is famous.

In Athlone, the 13th century castle is open daily between May and October. It was badly damaged in the Jacobite Wars, when the city fell to the forces of William of Orange.

Locke's Distillery is the only small pot still whiskey distillery remaining in Ireland, and is now the only preserved distillery of what was a large Irish industry. It was first licensed in 1757, and produced whiskey for over 200 years, closing in 1953. In 1982 the local community restored the distillery and it is now re-opened as a museum. The museum is open seven days a week and there is a choice of a guided or self-guided tour. The guided tour takes about 40 minutes and shows the ancient process of whiskey making, from the mill stones, to the mash tuns, underbacks, fermentation vats, can pit stills to the casking of the final product. The two sources of power, the steam engine and the water wheel are always of great interest. The tour is complemented by the tales and stories gathered from the workers from the distillery. Over 85% of the original distillery machinery remains intact and restoration work is ongoing. In July 1997, the machinery turned again for the first time since closure. The drive shaft, pulleys and pumps are all working on a daily basis.





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