Discover Collinstown: Church Art, Ringforts and Lough Lene

Collinstown reveals itself through church art and stories from the surrounding area. The details of St. Mary’s Church, the remains of ringforts west of the village and the swimming spot at Lough Lene each offer a different perspective. A group tour with tasting and a round of pitch and putt also offer ideas for planning your trip.

Church Art and Traces of History

The Catholic Church of St. Mary’s is an important part of Collinstown’s architectural heritage and social history. Its colourful figurative stained-glass windows from the 1880s and its elaborately designed façade of dressed limestone are particularly striking. The church also houses a replica of the Lough Lene Bell. The windows, stonework and bell replica each provide a distinct point of reference for the building’s history.

St. Feighin’s Church is also part of Westmeath’s architectural heritage and adds to Collinstown’s village character. Those interested in the village’s history will find another ecclesiastical point of interest alongside the striking details of St. Mary’s.

The townland of Ranaghan, with the remains of several ringforts, lies west of the village. At least one of them is associated with the Viking chieftain Turgesius. This cautious attribution is part of the story: not all the ringforts are attributed to him.

Water, Tours and Activities

The Cut at Lough Lene offers a swimming spot with a jetty, sandy bottom and clear water. It is 2 km from the crossroads on Lakeside Road. This gives you the option of a trip to the water as well as visits to churches and historic sites.

In the Collinstown area, 7 km from the village, Fore Distillery offers group tours. Visitors learn about the production of spirits and can sample spirits from the Fore Valley. Availability and booking conditions may change; check for current dates in advance.

The Collinstown Pitch and Putt Club allows non-members to play for a €5 green fee. Check the current terms before your visit. Collinstown is also served by bus route 111A between Cavan and Athboy. As timetables may change, it is worth checking current services.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on: Collinstown’s churches and local history, a day by the water or other destinations in County Westmeath.

More Places to Explore in County Westmeath

County Westmeath offers additional destinations for those interested in culture and history. At Fore Abbey, St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. The St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the site. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out. On the Hill of Uisneach, meanwhile, the story of the five kingdoms takes centre stage: the hill was their centre, or “Omphalos”. Guided walks cover myths and legends, the High Kings, an extensive ringfort and historic monuments, among other topics. Tour booking conditions may change.

For longer excursions, County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The 40-kilometre Old Rail Trail runs from Athlone to Mullingar along a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal Greenway, by contrast, is a scenic waterside route for cyclists and pedestrians, with no motorised traffic. This makes a former railway line and a waterside route two distinct types of outing.

The Royal Canal also offers a different perspective on the region: it is fully navigable through County Westmeath and passes through Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you are planning a boat trip, check the navigation status in advance. The distillery in Kilbeggan has been operating since 1757. Its tours show traditional methods of mashing in oak mash tuns and fermenting in Oregon pine vats, as well as the original waterwheel. The tour described includes a tasting masterclass featuring three different whiskeys; confirm the current format before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Balrath, Rathmolyon, Athboy, Donore, Kilbride, Kiltale, Donaghmore, Dunshaughlin.

For the broader travel overview: County Meath.