Overview
Glasson calls itself the Village of the Roses, and the floral displays that have earned it Tidy Towns recognition are real enough. But the two things most likely to bring you the 10km north from Athlone are a Christy O’Connor Jnr golf course and the shore of Lough Ree. The village itself is small — two pubs, a restaurant, a heritage centre in the old schoolhouse, a shop and petrol station, and a scattering of B&Bs — so treat it as a base rather than a day out in its own right. If you have one afternoon, spend it by the water: a table at Wineport Lodge or Killeen’s beats an hour walking the village streets.
History & background
Glasson began as an estate village for the Waterston estate, and the former big house now stands in ruins. The name comes from the Irish Glasán, ‘little green’ or ‘small stream’ — a nod to the River Tullaghan, still known locally as the Glasson River, which runs down to Lough Ree. Local tradition ties the surrounding countryside to Oliver Goldsmith, who grew up nearby and is said to have drawn on it for The Deserted Village. The roses came later, the product of decades of community planting that turned a quiet crossroads village into a regular Tidy Towns contender.
The wider area has older layers still. Portlick Castle, a 13th-century tower house, sits on the shore of Lough Ree, and the Lough Ree Distillery — the revived name of the old Kilbeggan operation — produces whiskey and gin in the district. The area also keeps a strong equestrian tradition, with several riding schools and stables nearby.
What to see and do
Glasson Golf Club
The golf course is the main draw. It’s an 18-hole parkland layout designed by Ryder Cup player Christy O’Connor Jnr, opened in 1993, running alongside Lough Ree and Killinure Bay. Water comes into play on several holes, and the par-three that carries over the bay is the one people remember. Four tee positions spread the difficulty across handicaps, and there’s a golf academy with coaching and a driving range for practice rounds or winter sessions. A jetty lets you arrive by boat if you’re already out on the lake.
The course is now part of Glasson Lakehouse, a four-star resort hotel with a spa, a pool and its own dining, so a round pairs easily with a night’s stay.
Where to stay
- Glasson Lakehouse: The four-star hotel wrapped around the golf course, with a spa, pool and lakeside dining. Featured in the Irish Independent’s Hot 100 hotels for 2024.
- Wineport Lodge: A lakeside restaurant and rooms on the shore of Lough Ree, about 2km from the village.
- Glasson Stone Lodge: A family-run B&B with self-catering suites, a minute’s walk from the pubs and the café at the Centra shop.
- Carnakilla Lakeshore Cabins: Timber cabins on the Lough Ree shoreline for those who’d rather cook for themselves.
Where to eat
For a proper meal, Killeen’s at Glasson Lakehouse is the fine-dining option, overlooking the water. Wineport Lodge is the other lakeside table, and the one most locals name first. In the village itself, Grogan’s of Glasson and The Villager are the two pubs, both walkable and both doing food. In warmer months the shoreline paths and marina are good for a gentle walk, some birdwatching, or a picnic.
Lough Ree also draws anglers, with both coarse and game fishing on the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Glasson’s location makes it a practical hub for day trips across Westmeath and into neighbouring counties:
- Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens: A short drive north, featuring themed displays, a historic walled garden, and seasonal plant sales.
- Killinure Lough: The sheltered bay adjacent to the village, used for recreational boating, angling, and quiet shoreline walks.
- Athlone Castle: A 12th-century fortress on the River Shannon, reachable in under 15 minutes by car, with guided tours and interactive exhibitions.
- Athlone: The nearby town offers a full range of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, plus easy access to the Shannon Way walking trail.
Practical information
- Getting there: Glasson is on the N55, 10km north of Athlone, and about 90 minutes from Dublin via the M4/M6. It’s part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region, and well signposted from Athlone.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for golf and lakeside walks. May and June are the months for the roses; September brings quieter fairways and often the steadiest weather.
- Booking ahead: Tee times and rooms fill on summer weekends and during tournament weeks — book both well in advance.
If you only do one thing, book a lakeside table at Wineport Lodge for the evening and time it for sunset over Lough Ree — it’s the view the whole village is built around.