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Irish Counties - Westmeath

Westmeath

County Westmeath (Contae An Iarmhí in Irish) is a county situated in the Irish Midlands, in the western part of the province of Leinster. The county was once part of the ancient province of Meath and later of County Meath, this association was ended in 1543 when County Westmeath was created. Athlone on the River Shannon, Westmeath's western boundary, is the largest town, while Mullingar is the county's administrative centre.

Mullingar (An Muileann gCearr in Irish, meaning "The Crooked Mill") is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath. The town had a proud tradition of cattle-trading up until 2003, when its cattle market was finally closed for development of a mixed commercial and residental scheme called the Market Point. Mullingar is also famous for the neighbouring lakes, Lough Owel and Lough Ennell, which attract many anglers. In recent times one of Mullingar's major exports has become the items of fine pewterware produced by the firm of Mullingar Pewter located near the town.

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Writers associated with Co. Westmeath include:

  • Daly, Leo
  • Goldsmith, Oliver playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, dramatist
  • McNamara, Brinsley

Towns and Villages:
Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Killucan, Kinnegad, Moate, Rochfordbridge, Tyrrellspass