The diving board at Lough Owel. Photo by Gerry Coyne.

Five fun and free family activities to do in Westmeath this summer

With inflation reaching a 40 year high and fuel prices only going one way, more and more of us will be looking closer to home for family activities this summer.

Thankfully, there are a host of no or low cost options for families who want to make memories but don't want to break the bank doing so. An added attraction for parents with young children is that most of these activities will tire out even the most energetic of smallies.

It's also worth remembering that unless the showers are absolutely torrential, you can't let a bit of rain stop you from getting out and about. Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella and get out and enjoy all the local (free) amenities that we have on our doorstep.

If you bring a few “hang sandwiches” for lunch and possibly a '99 for dessert, you can keep your costs down while still having a good time.

Go for a dip

Westmeath boasts some of the best lakes in the midlands for swimming and going for a dip when (fingers crossed) a spell of good weather comes.

In the Mullingar area, whenever the sun comes out people flock to the diving board at Portnashangan in huge numbers and it's easy to see why. Just a few miles outside the town, Lough Owel's pristine waters are the perfect place to cool off on a summer's day.

Lilliput on the shores of Lough Ennell is also a popular bathing spot with Mullingar families and is the perfect place to bring a picnic and chill out.

In the north of the county, The Cut at Lough Lene is probably the closest thing Westmeath has to a beach with its sandy, rock free bottom and is extremely popular when there is a spell of good weather. If you are planning a weekend visit to The Cut, it's worth taking a short detour to the farmers market that takes place every second Sunday in Collinstown (11.30am-1.30pm) for some locally produced treats.

Of course, with water temperature's rising every day at this time of the year you don't have to wait for the sun to make an appearance to go for a swim. It might be a brief shock to the system, but you quickly get acclimatised to the water.

Play in Dún na Sí in Moate

While there is an entrance fee for the heritage park facilities at Dún na Sí, the amenity park and its very impressive playground is free. The park is also home to a wonderful collection of sculptures and has a sensory and butterfly garden that is well worth exploring.

The Old Rail Trail (see below) is only a short distance from the park if you want to bring your bikes and go for a bit a bit of a cycle too.

Dún na Sí in Moate.

Ramble in Mullaghmeen Forest

If you have never been to Mullaghmeen Forest put it on your summer to do list. Located on the Meath border a few miles outside Castlepollard, Mullaghmeen is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland and its 1,000 acres offers visitors a range of scenic walks of different lengths.

An oasis of tranquillity, it's the perfect place to go for a hike regardless of the weather. If you are feeling energetic and reach the summit of the 3km red trail, you will be afforded beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Mullaghmeen Forest.

Explore Fore

Fore Abbey is undoubtedly one of Westmeath's most important heritage sites and a great place to go for an afternoon. Located in a scenic valley of the same name, the abbey was founded by St Fechin in the 7th century and in its heyday was home to around 300 monks and 2,000 studetns.

Aside from the beatuy of Fore Valley itself, visitors can explore what remains of the monastery buildings, as well as the Anchorite Cell Chapel, which was occupied by hermits until 17the century.

Learn about the Seven Wonders of Fore and go for a stroll along the 3-kilometre looped walk that allows you to truly appreciate the scale of the monastery site and the beauty of the surrounding valley.

Fore Abbey

Go for a cycle on a greenway

Mullingar is lucky to have not one but two greeways, which gives families plenty of options when it comes to going for a safe, traffic free cycle.

The 130km Royal Canal Greenway runs from Maynooth to Cloondara in Longford passing through Mullingar on the way. A gentle cycle out to Ballinea or Coolnahay and back again is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon.

The 43km Old Rail Trail starts in Mullingar and ends in Athlone. Depending on the age and fitness levels of your family you could cycle to Moate, get a bite to eat and return home. If you are looking for an excursion that is a little less taxing for young legs, you could cycle to Ballinea on the Old Rail Trail before heading back to Mullingar on the Royal Canal Greenway.

The Old Rail Trail.