Home to great abbeys and Castles including Tullynally Castle, a 17th century Castle with numerous turrets and battlements. Westmeath has a rich history of wealthy landowners and Anglo-Irish families who stayed for the rich grasslands and glorious rolling countryside. Today many dairy farmers are part of the make up of this county's vibrant agri-industry. Early evidence of the importance of this county as a center for the farming sector are the large market towns of Athlone and Mullingar. The principal rivers are the Shannon and the Brosna, and numerous lakes, or loughs, are in the county, the largest of which is Lough Ree.
Agriculture is the chief occupation of the inhabitants.
Several limestone quarries are here, as well as factories engaged in the manufacture of textiles, most notably wool tweed, cotton and linen goods. Westmeath formed part of the ancient kingdom of Meath and became an independent county in 1541 Westmeath stretches from Lough Ree on the Shannon in the West to the shores of Lough Sheelin in the North East and southwards to Kinnegad and the Royal Canal. Created a County in 16th century, Westmeath had, for the following hundred years a turbulent growth culminating in the renowned Siege of Athlone in 1691. The visual evidence of the 19th century history is perhaps best reflected in the edifices of Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle. Its lakes are the county's greatest asset with fishing, cruising, watersports activities and shore amenities.