Mullingar
Mullingar (Irish: An Muileann gCearr) is the county town of County Westmeath in the midlands of Ireland.[1] With a population of 22,667 recorded in the 2022 census, it ranks as the third-largest urban center in the Midland Region and the fastest-growing such area in the region between 2016 and 2022.[2][3] Established by Norman settlers over 800 years ago as a fortified manor and borough featuring a castle and parish church, Mullingar has evolved into a regional hub for administration, commerce, and industry, bolstered by its strategic position along the Royal Canal and rail connections.[1] The town hosts significant cultural and historical sites, including Belvedere House and Gardens—a neoclassical estate with expansive parklands—and the Cathedral of Christ the King, a prominent 1930s ecclesiastical structure symbolizing local Catholic heritage.[4][4] Its economy emphasizes modern manufacturing and services, positioning it for continued growth under Ireland's Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy.[5]