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A good portion of the interest of Westmeath lies in the northeast, around the Fore Valley, Lough Lene and Lough Derravaragh. Certainly this is the most beautiful part of the county by some way. It's easily approached from Meath, from the area of Oldcastle and the Loughcrew cairns, or from Mullingar. Coming from Mullingar you'll pass through CROOKEDWOOD , near the scenic lower end of Lough Derravaragh , set among steep wooded hills that stand out immediately in such flat country. There are two main attractions to detain you here: an excellent restaurant and a fine church, St Munna's . This beautifully restored fifteenth-century tower-fortified church lies a mile and a half up the road to the right of the village pub; fifty yards before is a butterscotch-coloured bungalow on the left belonging to Seamus O'Simon, who has the key. From the church you can spot a motte on the hill slope, behind which is the Georgian house whose rustic cellar contains the superlative restaurant , Crookedwood House (closed Mon & Sun eve; tel 044/72165; GBP40-55/?50.79-69.84), which is far better than you would normally hope to find in such an obscure location, and which also offers equally impressive accommodation. While in the area, it's worth visiting the village of MULTYFARNHAM ( Muilte Farrannain "Farrannan's Mills") where there is a Franciscan friary and two excellent pubs, Weir's and Conor Mutagh's , both of which have music sessions most weekends. B&B accommodation can be found at the Schoolhouse (tel 044/71153; GBP33-40/?41.90-50.79); follow the signs out of the village, take a right at the fork and turn left at the T-junction. The village's restaurant , An Tintain ("the fireplace"), is a restored, cut-stone cottage that offers a good menu and homely accommodation (main courses around GBP10/?12.70; tel 044 71411; GBP40-55/?50.79-69.84).
Your Tip for Northern Westmeath
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