Collinstown offers several reasons to visit: church art and local history in the village, activities at Lough Lene and a group tour nearby. The fortnightly farmers’ market and Bus Route 111A are also useful details for planning your trip.
Churches and History in Collinstown
The Catholic Church of St Mary’s is an important part of Collinstown’s architectural heritage and social history. Its figurative stained-glass windows from the 1880s are richly coloured, and its façade is elaborately crafted from dressed limestone. The church also houses a replica of the Lough Lene Bell. Glass, stone and the replica bell bring architecture and history together in one place.
St Feighin’s Church is also part of Westmeath’s architectural heritage and adds to Collinstown’s village character. The townland of Ranaghan, west of the village, contains the remains of several ringforts; at least one is associated with the Viking chieftain Turgesius.
Market, Leisure and Getting There
The Collinstown Farmers’ Market takes place every two weeks from 11:30 to 13:30. Dates and times may change, so check the latest schedule if you plan to visit. Non-members can also play at Collinstown Pitch and Putt Club for a €5 green fee; green-fee details may change.
Nearby, 7 km from Collinstown, Fore Distillery offers group tours about the production of spirits, with tastings of spirits from the Fore Valley. Availability and booking arrangements may change. Check the market date, green fee and tour offering in advance.
Near Collinstown, The Cut at Lough Lene offers a bathing spot with a jetty, sandy bottom and clear water. It is 2 km from the junction on the lakeside road. Collinstown is also served by Bus Route 111A between Cavan and Athboy. As routes and timetables may change, check the current service before travelling.
County Westmeath: More Ideas for Your Trip
County Westmeath offers further cultural and nature-related experiences. The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours of the Hill of Uisneach explore myths and legends, the High Kings, an interconnected ringfort and historic monuments. Booking arrangements may change; check tour information before making plans.
Fore Abbey is also in County Westmeath. St Feichin founded a Christian monastery there in the seventh century AD. The St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the site; conditions on the route may change.
County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The Royal Canal Greenway offers a scenic waterside route for cyclists and pedestrians, free from motorised traffic. The Old Rail Trail is a 40-kilometre route from Athlone to Mullingar, following a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal is fully navigable through County Westmeath and passes Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. Check navigation status before taking a boat trip.
For whiskey enthusiasts, Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath has been operating since 1757. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience showcases traditional mashing in oak mash tuns, fermentation in Oregon pine vats and its original waterwheel. Tours include a tasting masterclass featuring three different whiskeys; the tasting format may change. Check the latest tour details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Laytown, Kells, Athboy, Slane, Kilbride, An Seanchaisleán, Ashbourne, Longwood
For the broader travel overview: County Meath.
