Overview
Nestled in north County Westmeath, the market town of Castlepollard (Irish: Cionn Toirc) is centred on a triangular village green framed by Georgian façades, a historic market house and a sculpture retelling the Children of Lir legend. The town is a natural gateway to the surrounding lakes, forested hills and the grand Tullynally estate, while just south of the green the imposing Kinturk House crowns its own demesne.
History & Background
- Early settlement – The Pollard family arrived in the early‑17th century when English army captain Nicholas Pollard was granted lands after the Nine Years’ War. He built a fortified manor that gave the village its name, Castlepollard.
- Georgian development – Throughout the 18th century the Pollards laid out the triangular green, secured market rights and encouraged the construction of Georgian townhouses that still dominate the square.
- Tithe War tragedy – On 23 May 1831 a Royal Irish Constabulary detachment opened fire on a fair crowd, killing 13 people. The event is commemorated locally.
- War of Independence – The IRA burned the RIC barracks and the market house; the latter was rebuilt in 1926 and later served as a fire station and library.
- Kinturk House – Built c. 1760 as a five‑bay, three‑storey over‑basement country house. In 1821 William Dutton Pollard commissioned London architect Charles Robert Cockerell to remodel it, adding single‑storey wings and the striking tetrastyle Ionic portico that dominates the façade. Interior highlights include a soaring Portland‑stone stair hall, brass balustrade and rococo plasterwork.
- 20th‑century uses – The house remained in Pollard hands until the mid‑1930s, when the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary ran a mother‑and‑child home there. In 1971 the Midlands Health Board acquired the property; today it operates as St Peter’s Centre, a health‑service office. The surrounding demesne still retains its walled garden and farmyard.
- Religious heritage – Castlepollard has a Roman Catholic church (St Brigid’s) and a Church of Ireland building on the green, both dating from the 19th century.
- Archaeology – The high ground around the town holds several ringforts, notably Randoon near Lough Lene, and Turgesius Island on Lough Lene, linked to the Viking leader Turgesius.
- Modern amenities – The town now hosts Castlepollard Community College (opened 2004) and a Westmeath County Council office on the Mullingar Road.
What to See & Do
Tullynally Castle & Gardens (2 km west)
- Gardens: 12 ha of terraced lawns, two ornamental lakes, a Chinese pagoda, a Tibetan waterfall garden and an avenue of 200‑year‑old Irish yews. An Adventure Trail winds to the lower lake, perfect for families.
- Castle tours: Guided tours of the main rooms run Thursday‑Saturday at 11:00, 12:30 and 14:00.
- Facilities: Tearooms and summer houses provide refreshments and quiet spots.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours (Gardens & Tearooms) | 09:00‑17:00, Thursday‑Sunday, April – End September |
| Guided Tour Times (Castle) | 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 – Thursday‑Saturday |
| Admission (Gardens) | Free entry; tour fees apply |
| Contact | 044 966 1856 |
| Website | Tullynally Castle |
Lakes and Waterways
- Lough Derravaragh (5 km north‑west): famed in the Children of Lir legend; ideal for reflective walks along its tranquil shoreline.
- Lough Lene (≈10 km drive): designated bathing spot with swimming, paddle‑boarding and picnic areas. The lake also gives access to Turgesius Island, a small island with Viking‑era folklore.
Mullaghmeen Forest Trails
- Ireland’s highest natural point, Mullaghmeen, crowns the country’s largest planted beech forest. Well‑marked trails of varying length wind through the canopy, offering panoramic views and opportunities for bird‑watching.
Kinturk House (south of town)
- Exterior: The tetrastyle Ionic portico with unfluted limestone columns, ashlar chimneystacks, cast‑iron rainwater goods and moulded cornice provide a textbook example of Cockerell’s neoclassicism.
- Interior (where accessible): A soaring Portland‑stone stair hall, brass balustrade and surviving rococo plasterwork illustrate high‑quality 19th‑century craftsmanship.
- Current use: Operates as St Peter’s Centre, a health‑service office for the Midlands Health Board. The public can admire the façade and demesne from the road; occasional heritage open‑days are announced locally.
Nearby Heritage Sites
- Belvedere House Estate and Jealous Wall – A short drive north‑east, offering formal gardens and a striking 18th‑century folly.
- Fore – Abbey and Seven Wonders – The surrounding countryside contains the ancient ringforts of Randoon and other archaeological sites worth a short detour.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Castlepollard lies on the N4 between Dublin and Sligo. The town is served by regular Bus Éireann services (routes 111 and 447) from Mullingar and Dublin. The nearest train station is Mullingar (≈15 km), with frequent Irish Rail connections to Dublin.
- Parking: Free on‑street parking is available around the green. A larger car park serves Tullynally Castle (pay‑and‑display during the summer months).
- Accommodation: Several B&Bs and guesthouses operate in the town; the Tullynally estate also offers seasonal holiday lets (check the estate website).
- Dining: Traditional Irish pubs and cafés line the green, serving locally sourced dishes and a range of craft beers.
- Accessibility: Tullynally Gardens have paved paths suitable for wheelchairs; the castle interior has limited access due to historic staircases.
- Seasonal tips: Gardens are at their best from late spring to early autumn; Mullaghmeen’s forest trails are especially vibrant in autumn foliage. Check local notices for any heritage open‑days at Kinturk House.
Enjoy a day that blends Georgian heritage, neoclassical architecture and the natural splendor of Westmeath’s lakes and forests—all within easy reach of Castlepollard’s welcoming market town.