Discover Rathowen: Architecture and History

Get to know Rathowen through its buildings: Saint Thomas’s Church (Rathaspick) and Glebe House represent different building types and an architectural history dating back to the early 19th century. County Westmeath offers more to explore, from cycling and waterside routes to historic sites and whiskey traditions.

Architecture in Rathowen

Saint Thomas’s Church (Rathaspick) was built in 1814 as a Church of Ireland church. It retains its early form, character and fabric; the carved ashlar details have artistic value. The crenellations on its tower contribute to Rathowen’s skyline and make the church a prominent local landmark. Here, architectural details meet a visible presence in the townscape.

Glebe House is a former rectory dating from 1817 and a private residence. The late Georgian building retains its early form and original character. Distinctive details include a projecting porch and a finely crafted Doric door surround. Together, the building type, architectural style and entrance design make it a different architectural landmark from the church.

Trails and waterways in County Westmeath

County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. One specific route is the 40-kilometre Old Rail Trail from Athlone to Mullingar, which follows a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal Greenway offers a different experience: a scenic waterside route for walkers and cyclists, closed to motorised traffic. The Royal Canal is fully navigable through County Westmeath; near Mullingar, it runs along its route towards the River Shannon. Check navigability before taking a boat trip.

The routes differ in their landscapes and means of travel: the Old Rail Trail follows a converted railway line, while the Royal Canal Greenway is described as a waterside route. If you are interested in a boat trip, you can consider the canal as a separate option and should check its current navigability. These regional trails and waterways are part of what County Westmeath offers visitors; they do not indicate specific connections in Rathowen.

History, tours and special places

The Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours on the Hill cover myths and legends, the High Kings, an extensive ringfort and historic monuments. As booking arrangements can change, it is advisable to check them before planning a tour.

Fore Abbey also combines historical significance with a walking trail: St Feichin founded a Christian monastery there in the seventh century AD. St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the abbey. In Athlone, the Athlone Castle Visitor Centre presents the history of the town and castle in eight modern exhibition rooms; check that the visitor centre is open before your trip. Belvedere’s lakeshore area has a network of paths through woodland.

The distillery in Kilbeggan has been operating since 1757. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience demonstrates traditional methods of mashing in oak mash tuns and fermenting in Oregon pine vats, as well as its original waterwheel. Tours include a tasting masterclass featuring three different whiskeys. This makes Kilbeggan a different regional highlight from the walking trails and historic sites; check the current tasting format before booking.

A location to suit your travel plans

When choosing a holiday rental in Rathowen, it helps to weigh the town’s architecture against the different attractions across County Westmeath. If you want to focus on architecture in Rathowen, the church and former rectory offer specific points of interest. If you would rather focus your trip on cycling and waterside routes, historic sites or whiskey traditions, first decide which destinations matter to you, then choose your accommodation’s location based on your specific plans. This lets your interests shape your trip without assuming any particular feature of the accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Castlepollard, Moate, Kilbeggan, Tang, Multyfarnham, Glasson, Drumcree, Athlone.

For the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.