- Brinsley MacNamara (1890–1963): Born in Delvin, Co. Westmeath. A novelist and playwright, MacNamara is best known for his novel The Valley of the Squinting Windows (1918), a satirical depiction of small-town life in rural Ireland, specifically inspired by his hometown of Delvin. The novel caused significant controversy for its critical portrayal of local society, leading to its burning in Delvin. His other works include The Clanking of Chains (1920) and The Mirror in the Dusk (1921). MacNamara’s writing reflects the social and cultural tensions of early 20th-century Ireland.
- John Broderick (1924–1989): Born in Athlone, Co. Westmeath (Athlone spans Westmeath and Roscommon). A novelist and literary critic, Broderick is known for his novels exploring Irish provincial life, social repression, and psychological complexity. Notable works include The Pilgrimage (1961), The Waking of Willie Ryan (1965), and An Apology for Roses (1973). His writing often drew on his experiences growing up in Athlone, offering a sharp critique of Irish society. Broderick’s works are noted for their depth and literary craft.
- Patricia Gibney is a bestselling Irish crime novelist born and based in Mullingar, County Westmeath. Known for her Detective Lottie Parker series—set in the fictional town of “Ragmullin” (an anagram of Mullingar)—her debut novel, The Missing Ones (2017), became a major bestseller. She has written over 15 books in the series.
- Nicole Flattery (1989–): Born in Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath. A novelist and short-story writer, Flattery’s debut novel Nothing Special (2023) demystifies Andy Warhol’s Factory through a young woman’s perspective, exploring female agency and cultural clashes. Her sharp, contemporary style is noted for its dark humour and originality, as seen in her collection Show Them a Good Time (2019).
Novelists
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Writers
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
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.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
