In Crookedwood, creative activities meet local history passed down through generations and a landscape that extends to nearby Lough Derravaragh. Devine Art Studios offers a starting point for exploring art and workshops; historical stories and nearby destinations round out the picture of the area.
Art, Workshops and Retreats
Devine Art Studios in Crookedwood offers art and craft workshops as well as art retreats. A gallery displays original art. Courses and workshops are led by professional instructors. Chocolate workshops are also available, giving the programme a culinary focus alongside visual art. After workshops, a homemade lunch, dessert and light refreshments are offered.
The wellness retreats have a different focus: they centre on relaxation, yoga, Tai Chi and meditation. This means that different interests sit side by side in Crookedwood—creative work of your own, art in the gallery, chocolate and wellbeing activities. When planning, you can consider the different formats separately rather than seeing them as a single programme.
Traditional Customs and Local History
Folklore also offers insight into Crookedwood’s history. Historical records report that large crowds gathered in the town on Cora Sunday. Another custom is recorded for St Stephen’s Day: boys, girls and adult men went from house to house carrying either a dead wren or a feather on a stick. Both stories concern customs passed down through generations and are distinct from today’s art and workshop activities.
Another historical account links Crooked Wood with carrier pigeons: people kept pigeons that flew to Faughalstown, where the fair was held, and to the chapel in Knockion. Together with the customs associated with Cora Sunday and St Stephen’s Day, this shows how closely local history passed down through generations is linked to feast days and religious destinations.
Lough Derravaragh and St Munna’s Church
Devine Art Studios is close to the shores of Lough Derravaragh and surrounded by rolling hills and lush woodland. The nearby lake is designated a Ramsar site and is of national importance for pochard, mute swan, little grebe and coot. Lough Derravaragh is also associated with the legend of the Children of Lir—a different way to experience the area from its natural landscape and birdlife.
St Munna’s Church, also known as Taghmon, is 1.8 kilometres east of Crookedwood. The state-owned National Monument is in the care of the Office of Public Works. The slopes by the church offer views of Lough Derravaragh. Thus, at the lake, nature and legend take centre stage, while at the church, the focus is on a designated monument with views of the same landscape.
Walking Route and Fishing Nearby
A marked circular route up Knockeyon starts near Crookedwood, at the R394. The route is approximately 5.5 kilometres long. As some land is privately owned, check access conditions locally. There are no toilets, cafés or shops on the hill; check these details before your hike.
For anglers, Irish Angling Safaris offers a complete package for visiting anglers at Lough Derravaragh. The Crookedwood-based operator also arranges accommodation in hotels, guesthouses or self-catering holiday homes. As these arrangements may change, confirm what is currently available before making plans. Clintons Bay near Crooked Wood was described in 2015 as an access point for anglers at Lough Derravaragh. Check access information before travelling.
More to Explore in County Westmeath
County Westmeath offers its own regional setting for broader travel planning. There are more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. 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 navigable throughout County Westmeath and passes near Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon; check its navigation status again before boating.
History and guided tours are also among the things to explore in County Westmeath. The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walks there cover myths and legends, the High Kings, an interconnected ringfort and historical monuments. These regional activities represent County Westmeath as a distinct area of interest, while Crookedwood’s local highlights are Devine Art Studios, its folklore and the area around Lough Derravaragh.
Discover more destinations: Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Castlepollard, Moate, Killinure, Rathowen, Athlone, Multyfarnham
For the broader travel guide: County Westmeath.
