WILD SWIMMING in Ireland’s county WESTMEATH

Lough Owel is a popular spot for wild swimming, especially at the Portnashangan area near Mullingar, featuring clear water, a concrete jetty with a diving board, and facilities like parking, with Westmeath promoting it as a designated bathing area alongside Loughs Ennell & Lene for refreshing open-water dips.
Lough Lene (Collinstown): Lough Lene, near Collinstown, is one of Westmeath’s two designated bathing area, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and sandy bays. It’s a popular spot for wild swimming, kayaking, and family outings, often called the “Jewel of the Midlands.” A pristine lake with clear waters, sandy shores, and surrounding hills, offering a tranquil, almost Mediterranean-like setting with views of distant farmland. Clear, cold waters (10–15°C) with a gradual depth increase, ideal for all skill levels. Sandy bays allow easy entry, while deeper areas suit confident swimmers. Perfect for leisurely dips or longer swims. Parking, toilets, and changing areas at the main bathing spot. No lifeguards are present. Nearby Collinstown has cafés like The Woodpecker for post-swim refreshments. Water quality is rated “Excellent” (EPA, 2024). Swim with a companion, use a tow float for visibility, and check for algae or weeds, especially after rain. Avoid diving without checking depth.
Lough Ree (Coosan Point): Lough Ree, part of the River Shannon system, straddles Westmeath, Roscommon, and Longford. Coosan Point, near Athlone, is a favored wild swimming spot with a jetty and grassy shores, popular among local swimmers and triathlon groups like Athlone Triathlon Club. A wide, open lake with views of islands like Inchcleraun, surrounded by grassy banks and distant hills, offering a serene, expansive setting. Cold, clear waters (10–15°C) with easy jetty access, suitable for all levels. Shallow areas near the shore are beginner-friendly, while deeper waters suit longer swims. A buoyed course may be available during events. Parking at Coosan Point, but no lifeguards or changing rooms. Athlone town, nearby, offers cafés like The Fatted Calf for post-swim meals. Water quality is good (EPA, 2024), but not tested for bathing. Swim with a companion, use a tow float to avoid boat traffic, and check for algae or debris.
Lough Ennell (Lilliput): Lough Ennell, south of Mullingar, is a large lake known for its scenic beauty and recreational use. The Lilliput area, with its jetty and grassy shores, is a popular spot for wild swimming, especially among locals and visitors to Lough Ennell Amenity Park. A peaceful lake with wooded shores, views of rolling countryside, and occasional wildlife like swans or herons, creating a calm, natural atmosphere. Cold waters (10–15°C) with a gentle slope, ideal for cautious swimmers near the shore. Deeper areas suit experienced swimmers. Entry via jetty or grassy banks, with swim shoes recommended for pebbly patches. Parking and toilets at Lilliput Amenity Area, but no lifeguards. Mullingar, a short drive away, has cafés like The Snug for post-swim warmth. Water quality is not tested for swimming (EPA, 2024). Swim with a companion, use a tow float, and avoid boat traffic or fishing areas. Check for weeds or soft lakebeds.

Only Portnashangan on Lough Owel and Lough Lene are designated bathing areas with monitored water quality. Lough Ree and Lough Ennell are not tested for swimming, so check EPA updates (www.beaches.ie) (www.beaches.ie) and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Never swim alone, check for boat traffic or currents, and be aware of cold-water risks (hypothermia). Wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are essential. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.

Westmeath’s wild swimming is lake-based, with Lough Lene, Lough Ree, and Lough Ennell as the primary spots. Rivers like the Inny are less noted for swimming due to currents or access issues. The county’s swimming culture is more developed than in neighboring Offaly but less so than coastal Dublin or lakeland Fermanagh. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially in busier waters like Lough Ree.

Towns like Collinstown, Athlone, and Mullingar offer cafés and pubs for post-swim comfort. Check wildswim.ie or local X groups for community tips or group swims. Westmeath has an active wild swimming community, with groups like Athlone Triathlon Club organizing swims and events like the Lough Ree Monster Swim. Check wildswim.ie for updates or group dips. Westmeath’s lakes are ecologically sensitive. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife (e.g., birds, fish) and avoid littering.

County Westmeath:

Ireland’s county Westmeath offers a blend of lakes and historic charm, with Athlone Castle providing insights into medieval Ireland along the Shannon River. The Belvedere House and Gardens showcase Georgian elegance, while Lough Ree offers boating and fishing opportunities. Other attractions include the ancient Fore Abbey and its monastic ruins and traditional seven wonders. Westmeath is Ireland’s tenth smallest county by size (1,763 square km) and 11th smallest by population (96,221). Population peaked at 141,300 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 52,861 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Westmeath is Ireland’s 22nd most visited tourist county with around 95,000 international visitors per year.

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