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Local Studies

In recent years there has been a great interest in local history.

Whether your interest is in researching your family history in Westmeath; the history of your parish or townland; or perhaps some specialised study on writers or artists from Westmeath, the history of sports and pastimes or even the folklore of your local area, we provide access to a wide range of material.

North Westmeath resources and General Material on Westmeath are held in our Library in Mullingar. The Aidan Heavey Public Library in Athlone holds South Westmeath resources. Small collections of local interest are held in all our libraries.

Before your visit, contact us by e-mail or with a phone-call to make an appointment. Browse our Westmeath in the Past section to see a snapshot of the history and images relating to Westmeath.

Local Studies Department,
Mullingar Library,
County Buildings,
Mount Street,
Mullingar,
County Westmeath.

Tel. 044 9332161
email: library@westmeathcoco.ie

Local Studies Department,
Aidan Heavey Public Library,
Athlone Civic Offices,
Church Avenue,
Athlone,
County Westmeath.

Tel. 090 6442157
email: athlib@westmeathcoco.ie
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Genealogy

Key sources available when trying to trace your ancestors in Westmeath

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Newspapers

Newspapers available in your local library

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Studies

Key titles dealing with Westmeath's History

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Folklore

Folklore relating to Westmeath, collected by the Folklore Commission of UCD

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Argentinian Connection

Explore the links between Westmeath and Argentina

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Archives

Primary sources related to Westmeath. Archival material may only be consulted by making an appointment with the Archives Department, 044-9332162

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Holdings Pre 1898

Archival holdings prior to 1898 If you would like to to consult this material you must first make an appointment with the Archives Department in Library Headquarters, Tel: 044-9332162

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Holdings Post 1898

Archival holdings post 1898 and the creation of a new system of County, Urban District, and Rural District Councils. Please contact the Archives Department to make an appointment & discuss your requirements. Tel: 044 9332162

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Special Collections

Special Collections include unique local history sources to Westmeath.

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eBooks for Local Studies

The Open Text Archive of The Internet Archive contains over one million full-text scanned books in the public domain. Some of these are of particular value to those interested in Westmeath's past.