Tang: River, church and architectural history

Location and connection to the water

Tang lies on the N55 national secondary road between Athlone to the southwest and Ballymahon to the northeast. The River Tang flows into the River Inny, which reaches Lough Ree 3 km downstream. The road and the river provide two different perspectives: one places Tang between two towns, while the other describes a waterway connection.

Church and bell tower

St Mary’s Church in Tang is a detached Roman Catholic church with a T-shaped plan. It was built around 1830; side aisles were added to the north and south around 1850. Its design and extension therefore belong to two distinct periods. Northeast of the church stands a detached bell tower on a small circular earthwork. It contains a bronze bell in a modern metal frame. The church and tower offer different architectural points of reference, without the tower being described as part of the church.

Bridge, meadow and stories

Tang River Bridge is located within the village and is of archaeological significance. During field visits in 2022, a species-rich meadow with numerous grasses, wildflowers and herbs was recorded at the bridge. This brings an archaeological subject and a nature observation together in one place. On a Memory Trail page about Tang, users can listen to and read stories and contributions about the place and its surroundings. Check whether the page is currently accessible before travelling.

A visit to the surrounding area

Noughaval Cemetery is nearby. In 2022, access was via a private field with wet grassland and yellow flag iris, which was grazed by horses; a mown grass path ran around the cemetery. This past situation is relevant to planning a visit: check the current access arrangements before visiting.

The wider picture: County Westmeath

In the wider destination of County Westmeath, the focus is on other routes on a different scale. The county has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling routes. The Old Rail Trail is a 40-kilometre route from Athlone to Mullingar along a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The figures describe different things: a county-wide network of routes and a single, clearly named trail. The Royal Canal is fully navigable through County Westmeath and passes through Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you are planning a boat trip, check the navigation status in advance.

The regional cultural attractions also differ in focus. The Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath was the centre, or “Omphalos,” where the five kingdoms met. Guided walks there cover myths and legends, the High Kings, an interconnected ringfort and historic monuments; check the current booking arrangements in advance. At Fore Abbey, St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the abbey. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Castlepollard, Rathowen, Kinnegad, Moate, Glasson, Drumcree, Crookedwood, Athlone.

For the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.