New website launched to highlight Westmeath as a filming location

Westmeath County Council's Arts Office has launched a new website designed to showcase the county as a filming location.

The Arts Office said FilmingWestmeath.ie was created to highlight "the abundance of Westmeath's landscapes, architecture, and urban infrastructure," and that it aimed to "promote filmmaking activity in Westmeath and help productions to find a location ideal for their shoot".

The site shows a number of specific locations in the county which may be suitable for filmmaking projects, listing them under headings such as 'Architecture', 'Boglands', 'Bridges', 'Canals', 'Castles', 'Cemeteries', 'Lakes', 'Period Houses' and 'Pubs', among others.

Possible filmmaking locations in Athlone and South Westmeath which are highlighted on the site include the Athlone Railway Bridge, the Old Abbey Cemetery on Abbey Road, Lough Ree, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Ballinahown House, Athlone's Franciscan Friary, the village of Rosemount, Egan's pub in Moate, and Sean's Bar in Athlone.

The county's Arts Office has also launched the 2025 Westmeath Film Award.

This €10,000 award is aimed at emerging filmmakers who are looking to produce a short 10-15 minute fiction or documentary film.

Westmeath Arts Office said it was seeking "innovative, entertaining stories by talented filmmakers who, if selected, must shoot their project in County Westmeath."

The county council will offer location support and guidance to the award recipient, especially in relation to accessing locations and local resources. The award is open to filmmakers habitually residing in Ireland.

Acting Arts Officer Laura McCormack commented: "This is an opportune moment for filmmaking in the county, and we are hopeful that this award will empower local filmmakers to advance in their craft and career.

"Westmeath as a location also boasts rich landscapes, we are excited see the county showcased through filmingwestmeath.ie."