For The Explorers
You might be wondering why we chose this corner of the world to get married? So we thought we’d share with you a little about why and the magic of Ireland and County Westmeath.
As many of you may know, half of Ryan’s family hail from Ireland, a little further north west in Belmullet, County Mayo, an equally beautiful part of the country (if not more so!).
And upon our search, we soon fell in love with The Village Barn, set in the beautiful Irish countryside, a little eclectic and a pub on site, what more could you want!
We’ve travelled around Ireland together with friends and family over the years, and we love it. Each trip we’ve fallen more in love with the scenery, the people, and the joyful lilt of fiddles in a pub. So we couldn’t think of anywhere more perfect to start our married life, and to have a proper knees-up with all our favourite people, than the true home of a good party and great craic.
We truly appreciate everyone making the effort to travel, especially those who are travelling so far, and promise to make the day full of joy, good company, hearty food, great music and worth the trip!
County Westmeath
Set in the very heart of Ireland, County Westmeath is a place of quiet beauty, ancient stories, and beautiful landscapes. Often described as Ireland’s hidden centre, it’s a county of lakes and low drumlin hills, winding roads and old stone ruins.
Westmeath is steeped in folklore. Nearby Lough Derravaragh is said to be the home of the legendary Children of Lir, cursed to live as swans for 900 years. Not far away lies the mystical
Hill of Uisneach, believed to be the ancient spiritual centre of Ireland, where Kings once gathered and festivals marked the turning of the seasons.
Hill of Uisneach
Children of Lir
For exploring, there are plenty of adventures to be had such as the atmospheric ruins of Fore Abbey, where you can discover the The Seven Wonders of Fore; the monastery in the bog, the water that flows uphill, the tree that won’t burn, the water that won’t boil, the anchorite in a stone, the mill without a race and the lintel raised by St Feichin’s prayers.
Stroll the gardens at Belvedere House and Gardens, with views over Lough Ennell (close to Bloomfield House Hotel), or explore the lively market town of Mullingar, known for its music, cafes, and welcoming pubs.
Lough Ennel
Many of you (including ourselves) will be staying beside Lough Ennell, one of Westmeath’s most peaceful lakes, known for its calm, wide waters.
In recent years, Lough Ennell has also become a popular spot for wild swimming. Brave the cool, clear water for a refreshing dip, or simply paddle at the edge and take in the views. For those who like to balance cold with warm, there are lakeside saunas nearby (worth booking in advance).
Even if swimming isn’t your thing, it’s a beautiful place for a lakeside walk, a coffee with a view, or a moment of calm before or after the celebrations.
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​Athlone
If you fancy a change of scene, somewhere a bit more lively, the town of Athlone makes for a lovely afternoon out. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Tyrrellspass or Mullingar.
Athlone has a lively, welcoming feel and is a lovely place to spend a few hours. You can wander along the riverside, cross the old stone bridge, or explore Athlone Castle, which looks straight out over the river Shannon. With lots of pubs and restaurants, it’s a great place if you fancy a bit more going on!
Other spots in Ireland to visit
If you’re turning your trip into a longer adventure, we’ve put together a list of some places we’ve visited and loved and others we can’t wait to see! From wild Atlantic coastlines to music filled cities:
Ring of Kerry
(County Kerry)
We visited here in 2022 and saw the most beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen! (sorry Belmullet) Our favourite spots included The Gap of Dunloe and the waterfalls in Killarney national park. This circular route winds past mountains, lakes, beaches and ancient sites, with countless viewpoints and quiet stops along the way.
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4-4.5 hours from Westmeath
Gap of Dunloe (we actually took this photo!)
Galway
(County Galway)
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Lively, creative and full of heart, Galway stole our hearts on our first trip to Ireland for Verity’s 30th. It’s a brilliant mix of culture, food and music, with buzzing pubs and street performers. A great base for exploring the west coast and not too long a drive from Westmeath.
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1.5-2 hours from Westmeath
Galway City
Doolin
(County Clare)
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Possibly the most musical village in Ireland! We absolutely loved our time here, everyone was so welcoming, it’s small, friendly and famous for traditional music. A wonderful base for visiting the Cliffs of Moher, or for settling into a pub where the music tends to last all night.
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2.5-3 hours from Westmeath
On our trip to Doolin
Howth
(County Dublin)
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We visited Howth on a trip to Dublin and it was such a lovely contrast from the city and easy to get to by train. Cliff walks, sea air, seafood chowder, arty shops and markets and harbour views, a refreshing coastal escape!
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1-1.25 hours from Westmeath
Howth harbour
Dingle
(County Kerry)
We didn’t quite get to Dingle but it was next on our list! It's a small port town on southwest Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, known for its rugged scenery, dramatic cliffs, trails and sandy beaches with some of the best traditional music sessions you’ll stumble upon in Ireland.
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4.5-5 hours from Westmeath
Dingle Peninsula
Aran Islands
(County Galway)
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Another place on our list! Remote and windswept, three small Islands off the coast of Galway with stone walls stretching to the horizon and cliffs dropping straight into the Atlantic. Things to do include hiring bikes, visiting the local seal colony or a spot of sea bird watching.
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~2.5 hours to ferry point (Galway or Doolin) from Westmeath, plus ferry time
Dún Aonghasa, an ancient stone fort
Achill Island
(County Mayo)
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In the home county of Mayo, Achill Island is home to Keem Bay, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Achill’s dramatic landscapes were used as filming locations for The Banshees of Inisherin, and it’s easy to see why, with its sweeping cliffs and crystal clear waters, it’s secluded and peaceful.
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3.5 hours from Westmeath
Keem Bay
Wild Atlantic Way
(West coast of Ireland, Counties Donegal to Cork)
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If you’re planning a longer drive or turning your trip into a proper Irish adventure, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 2,500 km, it’s officially the longest defined coastal driving route in the world, running the full length of Ireland’s rugged west coast.
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It links many of the places we’ve mentioned, from Galway and Mayo to Clare and Kerry. Perfect if you’ve got extra time and want to see Ireland at its most wild, open and unforgettable.
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2-5+ hours from Westmeath (depending where you join it)
Cliffs of Moher
And these are but a few of the countless beautiful spots to visit across the country.
We can’t wait to celebrate together in our favourite place with you all!
