Investment and growth plans for Belvedere as cornerstone of Mullingar tourism

Westmeath County Council is continuing to promote Belvedere House, Gardens and Park as a central driver of tourism growth and visitor experience in the Mullingar area, with significant capital investment, staffing expansion and an ambitious programme of works planned for 2026.

Senior executive officer Mary Goldsberry outlined the plans at the February Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District meeting, describing Belvedere as a unique and nationally significant asset that continues to play a key role in the region’s tourism offering.

She said Belvedere, a compact and well-preserved 18th-century designed landscape overlooking Lough Ennell, has been recognised internationally for its architectural and historical significance and has served as an inspiration for estates across the lake and beyond.

The estate was purchased by Westmeath County Council in 1982 and has since developed into a major tourism attraction in the midlands.

In 2025, Belvedere welcomed more than 116,000 visitors, drawn by its heritage, culture, horticulture, biodiversity, education and wellbeing offerings.

Ms Goldsberry said the council strengthened the estate’s staffing structure last year, including the upgrade of the manager’s role and the appointment of a marketing and events coordinator, a horticulturist and a general operative, with all positions now filled.

“These roles are already working to the benefit of the estate and the wider district,” she said.

For 2026, the council’s focus is on growing opportunities at Belvedere by delivering the highest standards of customer service and enhancing its role within Fáilte Ireland’s Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand, with the aim of significantly improving the visitor experience and increasing visitor numbers.

Central to this is the delivery of the Belvedere Master Plan, funded through Fáilte Ireland and the EU Just Transition Fund. The master plan, supported by grant funding of €187,500 and €62,500 in match funding from Westmeath County Council, will identify opportunities to enhance the visitor offering across the house, gardens and parklands.

Ms Goldsberry confirmed that Phase Three works at Belvedere House are also being progressed, including mechanical, electrical, painting and furnishing works, with the objective of reopening the house to the public later this year.

The works are estimated to cost approximately €1m, with an application submitted under the Historic Structures Fund 2026, which provides grants of up to €200,000, alongside council match funding.

Repair works to the gardeners’ cottage are also continuing on a phased basis. Funding of €39,500 was secured in 2025 and €40,000 in 2026 under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, with the overall project cost estimated at €114,000.

Ms Goldsberry said the appointment of an on-site events coordinator will allow the council to significantly expand the range of events at Belvedere, and a major summer event and a Christmas event are planned to drive increased footfall.

Ongoing improvements to estate upkeep, the walled garden, play equipment and visitor attractions are also planned, supported by the appointment of an on-site horticulturist. A budget provision of €1.1 million has been included for Belvedere in 2026 to cover staffing resources, event management, maintenance and upkeep of the estate, gardens and grounds. A further €150,000 has been allocated for ongoing capital works.

A wide-ranging programme of events is planned for the year ahead, including the St Brigid’s Day celebrations that took place at the start of February; St Patrick’s traditional céilí, Easter events, a mobile pet farm, circus and carnival activities, Biodiversity Week, Art Faoin Aer, pollinator workshops, the Well Westmeath Expo, Cathaoirleach Awards, Healthy Community events, National Heritage Week, schools and cross-country events, guided tours, Halloween activities, and proposed summer and Christmas events.

Ms Goldsberry said Belvedere will continue to pursue all available funding opportunities and grow admissions, ensuring the estate remains a flagship attraction supporting the wider progress and regeneration of Mullingar and the surrounding district