Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt, Cathaldus Hartin, senior planner, Westmeath County Council, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, director of service Deirdre Reilly, Jonathan Raleigh of Belvedere staff, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, Westmeath heritage officer Melanie McQuade, Mary Gouldsberry, district manager, Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District and Christina Sweeney, biodiversity officer.

Heritage minister pays visit to Westmeath sites

Published: Wed 27 Aug 2025, 1:00 PM

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, visited Westmeath as part of a nationwide tour celebrating National Heritage Week.

The minister was joined on his tour by cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, and staff of Westmeath County Council, and sites of cultural interest across the county he visited included Cloncrow Bog, Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle.

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Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Aoife Davitt, Cathaldus Hartin, senior planner, Westmeath County Council, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, director of service Deirdre Reilly, Jonathan Raleigh of Belvedere staff, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, Westmeath heritage officer Melanie McQuade, Mary Gouldsberry, district manager, Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District and Christina Sweeney, biodiversity officer.

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Minister O’Sullivan with Minister Robert Troy and Jonathan Raleigh of Belvedere House and Gardens staff.

Minister O’Sullivan was briefed on the restoration work at the historic Belvedere House by Jonathan Raleigh of Belvedere WCC staff.

The house and 160 acre estate have been in local authority ownership since 1982. It’s recognised as a fine example of our built cultural heritage.

Originally built as a hunting lodge it was designed by architect Richard Cassels, one of Ireland’s most prominent Palladian architects, who designed Russborough House, Leinster House, Westport House, the Rotunda Hospital, Powerscourt Estate and Tudenham Park House.

The minister heard that repair works to Belvedere House include the restoration of the original windows and a significant undertaking to fix the roof.

Minister O’Sullivan was told the project had to take into account a bat family that now lives in the walls of the historic building. The visitor was informed the work on the roof was necessary as the ceilings had sustained water damage.

In praising the site, Minister O’Sullivan said it was an established tourism attraction of regional, national, and international importance.

He commented that the increase in visitor number to the site was a testament to the work done by the local authority staff.

The grounds are open daily; however, the access to the restored Georgian Villa is halted until works are finished. The beautifully maintained Victorian Walled Garden, as well as the play areas, make it one of the most appealing tourism destinations in the midlands.

Belvedere House has enjoyed significant investment by Westmeath County Council, as well as receiving financial support from Minister O’Sullivan’s Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Completion of the most recent capital project sees Belvedere House return to a three-floor period house visitor attraction.