Drumcree can be explored through its history of churches and country houses: architectural styles, tombs and traces of an agriculturally focused country estate give the place a distinct historical character.
Kilcumny Church and Graveyard
Saint John's Church (Kilcumny) is a detached Church of Ireland church, rebuilt around 1811. Its stained glass, interior plasterwork and carved stone details are of artistic significance. A distinctive landmark, the church recalls the once-thriving Church of Ireland community in North Westmeath. A 2004 survey described the building as a private residence.
Kilcumny Graveyard is no longer in use and lies within an early medieval monastic complex. The pre-1700 church and the site are of archaeological significance. Family vaults and Smyth family tombs point to the family's connection with the estates of Glananea and Drumcree. At Kilcumny, archaeological history and the history of local estates can thus be seen side by side, without treating the individual buildings as one and the same.
Country Houses and Estates
Glananea House was built to designs by Samuel Woolley for Ralph Smyth and was originally known as “Ralphsdale” after its commissioner. The Neoclassical country house dates from around 1795: it is two storeys over a basement and has six bays. The associated gate lodge dates from around 1850 and features Gothic Revival architecture, with decorative bargeboards and dressed limestone details. The gate lodge is unoccupied.
Glebe House is a former Church of Ireland rectory and a private residence. Built around 1811, it lies southeast of Drumcree in extensive, mature grounds. Together with the former Church of Ireland church in Drumcree, it forms a historic architectural ensemble. Its history adds a former religious use to the story of the country houses.
At Drumcree House, the layout reveals another side of estate life. The outbuildings offer insight into 19th-century agricultural activity. A vaulted, barrel-shaped service tunnel built around 1800 connected the main house with the farmyard to the northwest. Drumcree House also has a cast-iron water pump: an early surviving example of industrially manufactured cast-iron goods, which is no longer in use.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
The R395 regional road runs through Drumcree between Delvin, Castlepollard and Edgeworthstown. It is a useful reference point when planning your journey to Drumcree. The local architectural and church histories offer a different focus from the trails and attractions spread across County Westmeath.
More to Explore in County Westmeath
The wider destination of County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The Old Rail Trail runs for over 40 kilometres from Athlone to Mullingar along a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal Greenway is a scenic waterside route for cyclists and pedestrians, free from motorised traffic. The waterway itself is separate: the Royal Canal is fully navigable through County Westmeath and passes by Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. Check the navigation status before setting out by boat.
Cultural and historical attractions are also spread across County Westmeath. The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met; guided walking tours explore its myths and legends, the High Kings, an intact ringfort and historic monuments. It is worth checking the latest booking details before taking a tour. At Fore Abbey, St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the 7th century AD; St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around the abbey. Take local trail conditions into account when planning your visit.
For a culinary and historical highlight, visit Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath, which has been in operation since 1757. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience showcases traditional methods: mashing in oak mash tuns, fermentation in Oregon pine vats and its original waterwheel. The tours include a tasting masterclass featuring three different whiskeys. As the tasting format may change, check the latest details in advance.
Explore destinations: Castletown Geoghegan, Rathowen, Kinnegad, Mullingar, Multyfarnham, Ballydavid, Castlepollard, Moate.
For the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.
