County Westmeath

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Athlone_IT

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County Westmeath Contae na hIarmhí
County
Location of County Westmeath in Ireland
Country	Ireland
Province	Leinster
County town	Mullingar
Area
• Total	1,840 km2 (710 sq mi)
Area rank	20th
Population  (2022)
• Total	88,770
• Rank	20th
• Density	48/km2 (120/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+0 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-1 (IST)
Area code(s)	044, 090
ISO 3166 code	IE-WH

County Westmeath (Irish: Contae na hIarmhí ) is a county in Ireland. It is located in the province of Leinster and is part of the Midlands Region. The county town is Mullingar. The population of the county was 88,770 at the 2022 census.

Geography

County Westmeath is bordered by County Meath to the east, County Offaly to the south, County Longford to the west, and County Roscommon to the northwest. The county is characterized by its rolling hills, lakes, and rivers. The largest lake in the county is Lough Ennell, and other significant lakes include Lough Owel and Lough Derravaragh.

History

The area now known as County Westmeath was historically part of the ancient kingdom of Mide. The county was officially established in 1543 when the Kingdom of Ireland was divided into counties. The county has a rich history, with numerous historical sites, including Fore Abbey and Belvedere House and Gardens.

Economy

The economy of County Westmeath is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county is known for its beef and dairy farming. In recent years, there has been growth in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, with several multinational companies establishing operations in the county.

Transport

County Westmeath is well-connected by road and rail. The M4 and M6 motorways pass through the county, providing links to Dublin and Galway. The county is also served by the Dublin to Westport/Galway railway line, with stations at Mullingar, Athlone, and other towns.

Education

The county has a range of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education facilities. Athlone Institute of Technology is a significant higher education institution in the region, offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Culture

County Westmeath has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals, events, and cultural institutions. The county is known for its traditional Irish music and dance. The Fleadh Cheoil has been hosted in the county on several occasions. The county also has a strong sporting tradition, with Gaelic games, soccer, and rugby being popular.

Notable People

• Joe Dolan - Singer
• Niall Horan - Member of the band One Direction
• John Joe Nevin - Boxer

Related Pages

• Mullingar
• Athlone
• Lough Ennell
• Fore Abbey
• Belvedere House and Gardens
• Athlone Institute of Technology