Greek heritage seminar hears Fore has something special

Europa Nostra (‘Our Europe’), a body that aims at preserving the cultural heritage of forgotten or little-known areas of special interest across Europe, reckons north Westmeath has something special going for it.

And just quite how special the tract of land from Multyfarnham over to Delvin is was spelt out for Europa Nostra members recently at an international conference held in Greece.

A presentation centring on Fore, and taking in Multyfarnham, Coole, Castlepollard, Finea and Delvin, was given to the Europa Nostra members by conservation architect Philip Geoghegan, from Wicklow, who was engaged several years back by Westmeath County Council to look at ways of identifying and maximising the potential of the north Westmeath area.

What started off as – and remains – a paid project, has, however, become also something of a labour of love for Mr Geoghegan, who lights up with enthusiasm when talking about an area that has a Viking history, a religious history, a civil history a Cromwellian history – and which is one of the most scenic parts of the midlands.

However, he reveals, work actually began far earlier than the time of his involvement, and he credits Cllr Frank McDermott with having done a lot of the legwork in terms of the negotiation on issues such as rights of way.

“Much of that was done in the 1980s, establishing the rights of way, but it has taken 30 years for that foresight to become a reality, and now, money is being spent on it,” says Mr Geoghegan.

The formal project began back in 2004, when the North Westmeath Strategy was drawn up.

Recalls Cllr McDermott: “Two things were decided: we needed factory units; and that we should grow tourism in north Westmeath.”

Five advance units were provided at Mergon – and they’ve been a runaway success he says, adding that there is now full occupancy.

“[Westmeath County Council] hired Philip Geoghegan to do a study in relation to Fore and its environs, and he happened to be vice-president of Europa Nostra as well, and he fell in love with Fore and the area,” says Cllr McDermott.

Planning for a push on north Westmeath’s tourism future is ongoing, Frank explains, although he hastens to add that people won’t see changes overnight.

“This is a long-term project. It’s not going to happen tomorrow, but at least with Europa Nostra recognition, we’re in more of a position to push for funding,” he states, explaining that the Fore area is, as a result of the recognition, “in top priority category” for funding assistance.

One of the most tangible outcomes to date of the work being quietly undertaken in north Westmeath is the creation of a 3km walking trail, which is “almost complete”.

Creating a walking trail is expensive: the cost of this initial trail has come to around €125,000, much of which has gone on works such as repairs to bridges along the route, and fencing off agricultural land.

“The next one after that will be a 5km and then an 8km, and we want to combine that with attractions such as Mullaghmeen, Tullynally, the cairns at Lough Crew, Derravaragh and the Children of Lir story, and Delvin – which are all more or less within three miles of the trails,” he says.

“In the long-term, this has huge potential.”

The county council is looking at having a phone app available for users of the walks.