Collinstown: Churches, History and Activities at Lough Lene

When planning a trip to Collinstown, there are several themes to choose from: churches and local history in the village, the fortnightly Farmers Market, and activities at Lough Lene and attractions in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Collinstown, you can then decide whether architecture, history, a swimming spot or pitch and putt is of particular interest to you.

Churches and local history

The Catholic church of St. Mary’s is an important part of Collinstown’s architectural heritage and social history. Its features include impressive, colourful figurative stained-glass windows from the 1880s and an elaborately designed natural stone façade made of dressed limestone. The church also houses a replica of the Lough Lene Bell. The windows, stonework and bell replica each highlight different aspects of the village’s history.

St. Feighin’s Church is also part of Westmeath’s architectural heritage and adds to Collinstown’s village setting. It complements the history of St. Mary’s with another ecclesiastical landmark. When planning your trip, you can consider architectural history and the village setting as separate themes alongside outdoor activities.

Older traces can be found in the townland of Ranaghan, west of the village, where the remains of several ringforts lie. At least one of them is associated with the Viking chieftain Turgesius.

Market and activities in the surrounding area

The Collinstown Farmers Market takes place every two weeks from 11:30 to 13:30 at Collinstown Village Hall. Check the latest dates before your visit so you can include the market in your plans.

The Cut at Lough Lene is close to Collinstown. This swimming spot has a jetty, a sandy bottom and clear water. The distance from the crossroads on the lakeside road to The Cut is 2 km.

Nearby, Fore Distillery offers group tours. Visitors can learn about the production of spirits and sample spirits from the Fore Valley. Tour availability and booking conditions may change; check the latest dates and booking options before planning a tour.

There is also a specific option for a round of pitch and putt: Collinstown Pitch and Putt Club allows non-members to play for a €5 green fee. As the fee may change, check the current amount if you plan this activity.

Travelling by bus

Collinstown is served by bus route 111A between Cavan and Athboy. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable for your travel dates; routes and departure times may change.

More to explore in County Westmeath

County Westmeath offers a wider regional setting for trip planning. The county has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. One specific route is the 40-kilometre Old Rail Trail from Athlone to Mullingar, which follows a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway.

County Westmeath also has a rich monastic heritage: at Fore Abbey, St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. The St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the site. If you plan to follow this trail, take local conditions into account, as they may change.

The Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. As well as churches and monastic sites, the county’s historic landscapes offer another theme to explore.

Discover more destinations: Athboy, Donore, Duleek, Dun Buinne, Ratoath, Pelletstown, Longwood, Kells.

For the wider travel overview: County Meath.