Last weekend en route to Athy for my brother and future sister-in-laws hen/stag parties (I’m sorry, I really hate the terminology…) we stopped at Belvedere in Mullingar. It is such a gorgeous place- even though we arrived late (what’s new?!) and the light was fading. It has an extraordinary history, recently (in the past 20 years) being purchased by Westmeath County Council for the people of Westmeath, which I must say is a very far-sighted move!!
We were greeted by this fantastic sculpture at the gate- from the road it didn’t look that big, but when we stopped we were dwarfed beside it! Our boys (and wee girl) climbed (helped) up onto the stone horseback and the large woven baskets were much admired by all us basket-making fanatics.
There is a lovely visitor centre with a huge atrium space that houses the cafe (didn’t get a chance to do a taste-test this time) and we went through, out to the gardens,
and up to the house where we wandered around (there were no tours at that time)
The views were breathtaking- and there was plenty to do and see, with playgrounds, forest paths,
a fairy garden
and a walled garden
(isn’t the glasshouse just gorgeous?)
After meeting Leanne from HipBaby (check out her website that has really gorgeous organic cotton clothing and accessories for babies and children) we had tea and sandwiches in the car before continuing our journey.
We will definitely be back for a full day out soon!