History & Heritage
Wander among majestic trees and rare blooms, or walk where ancient gods and High Kings once stood—each step revealing a story steeped in legend and wonder.
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Tullynally Castle & Gardens
Tullynally Castle and Gardens features 12 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens with terraced lawns, parkland, woodlands and walled gardens. The latter, dating back to the early 19th century, includes an avenue of 200-year-old Irish yews, a weathered limestone grotto and two decorative lakes. The current owners have further developed the gardens with a Chinese garden and pagoda, and a Tibetan Garden of waterfalls and streams. There are also a range of artistic woodcarvings on display made from existing roots and trees. Children will especially enjoy the Adventure Trail that leads to the lower lake.
Tullynally Castle & Gardens
Belvedere House
The historic gardens at Belvedere House are a delightful treat for any avid gardener. Divided in two halves, the garden features a 19th century walled “pleasure” garden and an arboretum. Overflowing with a variety of stunning plant species, the garden features gentian blue Echinops and Fothergilla, the Decausnea Forgesis, stunning old roses, and superb Hydrangeas. Beyond the walled garden visitors can find the coppery red bark of the Thuja Pilcata (Western Red Cedar), alongside Beech, the Pyndelus Picea Smithiana (Mordina Spruce) and the Metasequoia (Dawn Red Wood). Belvedere House and Gardens are operated by Westmeath County Council and are open year-round with seasonal closing hours.
Belvedere House
Fore Abbey
In a tranquil valley in the village of Fore, about a 5 minute drive from Castlepollard in County Westmeath, you can visit the spot where St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD.
It is believed that, before Feichin’s death, 300 monks lived in the community. Among the remains on the site is a church built around AD 900. There are also the 18 Fore crosses, which are spread out over 10 kilometres on roadways and in fields.
Seven particular features of the site – the so-called ‘Seven Wonders of Fore’ – have acquired legendary status. They include: the monastery built on a bog; the mill without a race (the saint is said to have thrust his crozier into the ground and caused water to flow); and the lintel stone raised by St Feichin’s prayers.
St Feichin’s Way, a looped walk around the site, provides an excellent base from which to explore these fabled places.
Fore Abbey
National Famine Way
The National Famine Way charts the tragic 1847 trek of Strokestown tenants who, upon being unable to pay their rent, were marched to Dublin and forced aboard coffin ships on route to America. The 165km trail commences in Strokestown and finishes in the Dublin Docklands at the famine statues. Visitors can access a free app, or an official pack and passport which is stamped at key locations along the trail culminating with a completion certificate at the emigration museum in Dublin.
National Famine Way
Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park
A captivating outdoor adventure park 50 minutes’ drive from Castle Varagh Hotel. The Park features a special nature reserve, a sensory butterfly garden, an “Art in the Park” collaborative project between local school students and established artists, Irish music traditions, a picnic area and playground, and a fascinating insight into how Irish rural communities lived in the past
Dún na Sí
Multyfarnham Friary
The Franciscan Abbey in Multyfarnham was founded in 1269 and continues to be an active centre of Franciscan mission in Ireland. The only Franciscan Abbey in Ireland still standings on the footprint of its original foundation, the Franciscan fraternity here continues its commitment of service from this special place.
Multyfarnham Friary