Top 10 Things to Do in Westmeath With Kids

Jill Holtz

October 20, 2014

things to do in westmeath

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Are you looking for things to do with kids in Westmeath? In no particular order, here is the Mykidstime list of the Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Westmeath:

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#1. Viking Ship Cruises

Step back 1,200 years and join the Vikings on a replica Viking Ship with Viking Ship Cruises, Athlone. Cruise up the River Shannon to Lough Ree (1hr 15min) or down river to the monastic settlement and round tower of Clonmacnoise (1hr 30min one way). This activity will provide fun and excitement for all the family! The cruise departs from the Quayside at Athlone Castle and tickets are available onboard.

#2. Belvedere House Gardens and Park

Belvedere House Gardens and Park is a magnificent parkland estate on the shores of Lough Ennell, Mullingar, set in the midst of 160 acres of parkland on the lake shore. Discover the fascinating history of the family who lived there during the 18th century. See the ‘Jealous Wall’ and Gothic Arch, as well as the walled and fairy gardens.

The beautiful Parkland walk is 2 miles long. Belvedere has 4 play areas for children with facilities that include a 30metre Zipline and Lakeside Swings. There is also a cafe, gift shop and exhibitor centre, as well as free parking. Admission for adults costs €8.00 and €4.00 for children.

#3. Mullingar Town Park

Mullingar Town Park is a public park with a wide range of facilities perfect for families, located in Bellview in the town centre. It has a variety of different playgrounds, a large pond near the centre, a swimming pool, a glider, swings and enclosed children’s area. With high speed Wifi available throughout the park, it’s the perfect place for a family day out when the weather is nice!

#4. Glendeer Pet Farm

Glendeer Pet Farm in Curryroe, Athlone is an award winning 12 acre open farm with over 50 species of domestic & exotic animals & birds. Their fascinating collection includes emus, llamas, monkeys, wallabies and much more. It is an unforgettable, interactive experience where you can pet and even hold the baby animals! This is a suitable outing in any weather conditions for the whole family, with indoor & outdoor picnic & play areas (suitable for any age). The Pet Farm is transformed into “Ireland’s Lapland” pre-Christmas, so make sure to pay them a visit any time of the year.

#5. Lilliput Jonathan Swift Amenity Park

At Lilliput Jonathan Swift Amenity Park, on the shores of Lough Ennell, in Mullingar, you will find a wide range of family-friendly activities including a Par 3 golf course overlooking the lake, a seasonal coffee shop, beautiful woodland walks, and a children’s play area. You can hire a boat and explore Lough Ennell, which is also safe for swimming and even trout angling. Private parking is available as well as toilets.

If you’re in the mood for some adventure, why not visit the Lilliput Adventure Centre located within the park? Their activities include canoeing, hill walking, rock climbing or first aid courses, as well as much more.

#6. Mullaghmeen Forest

Mullaghmeen Forest has a stunning 1,000 acres of forest. It’s a great place for a family day out as there are areas perfect for having picnics. There are both long and short walks depending on your level of fitness. It leads to the highest point in Westmeath (894ft). The forest is also located only 8km from Castlepollard.

#7. Rock n Bowl

If the weather is wet and miserable, or you simply need to tire everyone out, how about some bowling at Rock n Bowl in Ballinderry, Mullingar? They offer ten pin bowling with smaller balls for kids and ramps for lifting the balls. They also have the ‘Jungle Joes’ Kids Play Area, perfect for kids up to 12 years with a huge variety of play equipment, including astral and spiral slides, a football pitch, a maze, rope bridges, ball pools and much more. They offer special morning prices for mothers and toddlers. As well as this, they have Kids Go Karting and an American-style Diner.

#8. Coosan Point

The playground at Coosan Point near Athlone town is a great place to let the little ones let off some steam if you’ve been in the shops. It’s always hard to choose between feeding the ducks and going on the swings at Coosan Point Playground! It’s also a lovely picnic spot to stop for lunch if the weather is nice.

#9. Tullynally Castle & Gardens

Tullynally Castle & Gardens just outside Castlepollard has some lovely gardens and a really nice cafe. A must-visit! The Castle is not open to the public as it is a private family home, but the gardens are open May to September, Thursday to Sunday in the afternoons. Like the castle itself, they date back over 350 years. You can take the main path to the beautiful flower garden and thee kids will love to visit the llamas. The Grotto has carvings by a local artist, or the Forest Walk leads to the Chinese garden and onto the lake with swans. For children, there is a special Tree Trail to follow and an exciting Treasure Trail to explore. There is a tearoom in the courtyard for a cup of tea or coffee or a bite to eat. There is an admission fee but children under 3 go free.

#10. Multyfarnham

Multyfarnham is a picturesque village, with a beautiful park, playground, fountain and a loop walk. There is so much for all the family to do here, as the town has easy access to the shores of Lough Derravaragh and the associated resources, such as hill walking, boating, fishing and even horse riding!

Have you got a favourite place in Westmeath to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.

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Published On: October 20th, 2014 / Categories: Ireland / Last Updated: February 25th, 2023 / Tags: , , /

About the Author: Jill Holtz

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Jill is one of the co-founders of Mykidstime and a mum of 2 girls

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