Belvedere House Gardens & Park — Attraction in County Westmeath

Today’s walk brought me full circle in a place that has been part of my life’s story from very early. Belvedere House and Gardens on the shores of Lough Ennell has carried me through every season of life.

As a boy, I walked these paths hand in hand with my grandmother. Later, I returned here with the girl who would become my wife, dreaming of our future together. Years rolled forward and I walked here again with our children, and now, with our grandchildren. Generations carried through the same gates, under the same trees, along the same lakeshore.

This place has also been the stage for so much of my work, hundreds of weddings captured over 22 years, portraits, music, and art festivals. Belvedere has been both a backdrop and a character in countless stories, each moment filled with light, laughter, and memory.

And yet, after all that time, I never tire of what it gives me. The stillness, the beauty, the quiet medicine of nature. Every walk here restores…

Jason Ó...

Well worth a visit. You can book your ticket online, choosing the time of arrival. There is plenty of parking. The folly itself is very impressive, with the visitor centre and cafe built into the folly. The story behind its construction is the most interesting part, one angry brother blocking a view towards another angry brother's house (you can't choose your family!!) There is plenty to do once you're inside, tho note the house itself is closed for renovations. There are a series of walks of varying lengths. For smaller kids there is a decent playground, a fairy garden and a woodland swing (literally one swing down by the lake). The walk along by the lake is worth doing, some lovely views and it eventually loops back around to the walled garden, fairy garden and restaurant. The walled garden was possibly a bit run down, but note we visited in winter. A lot of the signs were fallen and broken etc. We finished up with a bite to eat in the cafe....

We visited Belvedere House and Gardens with a group of 4 adults and 15 kids, and it was a fantastic afternoon out! Entry was excellent value at just €7 per adult, with all the kids going free. We ended up spending about 4 hours there, but honestly could have stayed much longer—there’s so much to see and do.

The staff at reception were absolutely amazing. They went out of their way to provide helpful information and engaged so well with the kids, which really set a lovely tone for the visit. The grounds themselves are beautiful and well-kept, with plenty of space for the kids to explore and play safely while the adults enjoyed the scenery.

We also made a stop for coffee, and it was genuinely great—well worth it! Between the stunning gardens, the welcoming staff, and the relaxed atmosphere, this is a spot we’d highly recommend for families or groups looking for a day out. We’ll definitely be back, and next time we’ll plan to stay...