Stretching from Dublin and the coast to the heart of Ireland, the counties of Meath, Westmeath and Longford epitomize green and rural Ireland, yet provide a total contrast to the west of the country. In the east there’s a wealth of remains of an exceptionally long, rich history, including the great ritual landscapes flanking the River Boyne. Further west, you will find lush, agricultural backbone of Ireland; dense in historical resonance as anywhere else with a slow pace and plain style of living that have a steady charm of their own.
Although it does touch the coast, County Meath is primarily an inland county, whose exceptionally rich farmland unfurls lazily around its major river, the Boyne, and its tributaries. The Boyne Valley is probably one of the most interesting areas in Ireland to visit. The massive megalithic tombs and passage graves at Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth and Loughcrew, the Royal site at the Hill of Tara, Tailteann, the site of the Great Aonach which continued tri-annually for over 3,000 years, monastic houses at Trim and Bective, 16th and 17th great houses, are all vivid reminders of a glorious past. Along its waterways, Meath can boast by far the richest bounty of historical remains in Ireland with a range of activities to choose from making it the envy of many Irish counties.
Heading west, as you leave the Boyne valley behind, you will cross into Westmeath, which contains some of the richest farmland in Ireland, and is perhaps better known for its rich cattle pastures than for scenic landscapes. Famous for its lakes and rivers and situated in the middle of the island the picturesque county of Westmeath is a paradise for the visit with an interest in watersports. There are plenty of other things to see and do. The big towns of Mullingar and Athlone provide a wealth of activities and sights to see. One of Ireland's finest craft centres is the Mullingar Bronze and Pewter studio. Using traditional techniques, some of which date back 800 years skilled craftsmen create some of Mullingar's finest exports. Athlone is the industrial and commercial capital of the midlands and an ideal touring base for a holiday in Ireland. Athlone's Left Bank sits in the shadow of King John's Castle built in 1210. Its winding streets exude and ambiance of history and colour that mirrors in its many wonderful shops, restaurants and pubs. Westmeath is a land rich in both heritage and beauty. The wide green plains of the midlands provide the setting for the scenic wonder of its lakes and there is a quiet confidence about the people of Westmeath that once you visit, you'll be back again and again.
Longford, one of the smallest of the inland counties, is one of Irelands loveliest with much to attract and entertain the visitor. One of the great lakes on the Shannon, Lough Ree borders this peaceful county to the south, while Lough Gowna adorns its northern boundary. The lakes provide some prime sites for angling and Longford is justly famous for its fishing. As well as the other typical delights of an Irish holiday such as walking and cruising Longford is also a delight for the flying enthusiast with an airfield at Abbeyshrule. It is in Longford that many of the sagas of Irish heroes took place and it is also in Longford that heroes of another generation fell in the 1798 Rebellion, the last battle of which was fought at Ballinamuck. With a host of small towns and medieval structures to lure the traveller off the roads Longford's welcoming arms reach out to embrace visitors and take them into their hearts and homes.
A notoriously difficult county to conquer or convince, tourism in Cavan has taken off only slowly. Fishermen have long appreciated the county's 365 lakes, one for every day of the year, but much of the rest of the county has been untouched by the tourism industry, making Cavan's wild terrain a real option for people looking to get away from it all. Cavan's watery geography is a result of glaciations during the last ice age, and not surprisingly the main attraction in the county is the diversity of angling opportunities. For the nature enthusiast there's the Dun an Ri Forest Park, a series of walkways and tracks covering 565 acres. The forest is populated with thousands of red squirrels and Irish hares along with all the other examples of Irish wildlife you might expect in such an area. If you want to enjoy this largely untouched part of the country by bicycle, you can follow the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, a long distance cycle path (200 miles). Cavan town itself is an agreeable enough place but has little of inherent interest; around Lough Oughter the village of Killeshandra is visited for its traditional music while there are notable ecclesiastical remains at Kilmore.
Leitrim may be the most undiscovered county in Ireland. Dominated by water whether in the form of the might River Shannon, the stunning Lough Allen or the spectacular Glencar Waterfall that inspired Ireland's greatest poet Leitrim's quiet waterways and unmarred beauty will delight the most jaded of visitors. With such beautiful waterways it is hardly surprising that waterborne tourism is the most popular in Leitrim. From the bustling waterfront town of Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest cruiser base in the northwest it is possible to hire boats for trips up and down the Shannon. Perfect for anglers or just those who desire the secluded privacy of their own boat and the magnificent vista that unfolds as they sail along. Leitrim is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending their holidays next to or on the water. But perhaps the greatest charm is docking the boat at night and stepping off into one of Leitrim's charming towns and villages, wandering though the pretty streets and into one o f the comfortable local bars. The locals are sure to make you welcome and there's always the chance of an impromptu music session or a ceilidh taking place. One of the last bastions of solitude Leitrim is a place to get away from it all. Through the maze of waterways and lakes it is possible to lose yourself in the rivers of the county or in the forests and mountains that provide such wonderful scenery. And once lost you might never want to be found.
This history starts in the Stone Age, with some of the oldest buildings in the world at Bru na Boinne and the Loughcrew Cairns, and other important Neolithic remains still being discovered. Celtic Ireland is said to have been ruled from Tara, in Meath, and from Uisneach in Westmeath, while Christian Ireland has left a wealth of early monastic remains, magnificent tenth-century high crosses, and the celebrated illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells. The largest Norman fortress in Ireland can be seen at Trim, and later castles and mansions – from the Plantation period when the county was wholly confiscated and extensively developed – are everywhere, though only a few, notably Slane Castle are open to the public. |
