History
History
The name for Westmeath (Holiday Cottages, Westmeath, Ireland) comes from the Gaelic an Lar Mhi, meaning West of Meath. Westmeath was once part of the territory of the Kingdom of Meath, but was declared seperate in 1542.
One of Westmeaths premier towns, Athlone, is considered to be the Heart of Ireland. It is here that the Irish High Kings were enthroned 2 centuries before the coming of St. Patrick to Ireland. The Anglo-Normans established themselves in Westmeath in approximately 1170. Many of their fortifications can still be viewed today.
Co. Westmeath
Lying in the centre of the Central Plain, and composed entirely of drift-covered limestone, the surface of Westmeath (Hotels, Westmeath, Ireland) is nevertheless diversified and in many parts picturesque. Hills (up to 849 ft.) are present in places, and there are numerous lakes. The Shannon Hows along the, western edge, expanding into the island- studded Lough Ree. As is usual throughout the Central Plain, the greater portion of the surface (about two- thirds) is given up to grazing.
Athlone, on the Shannon, at the western edge of the county, has long been a place of importance, guarding the ford which led into Connaught. Old earthworks and masonry fortifications still rise pro- minently beside the water. The two bridges, carrying the road and the railway, connect very wide areas on east and west. About half the town is built on the right bank of the river, and belongs strictly to Ros- common. Mullingar, the assize town, stands among the lakes in the centre of Westmeath. It is a quiet place, the centre of a great cattle trade. Moate, Kilbeggan, and Castlepollard also lie within the county
