While the east of the county was in the English Pale, the west was Gaelicised in the fourteenth century and outside the control of the sheriff of Meath.

Westmeath's proximity to Dublin, with good motorway facilities and frequent rail service, has made commuting popular.

County Westmeath's population fell in the century following the Great Famine, with many leaving for better opportunities in America.

Important commercial and marketing centres include Moate, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Ballinahown, Delvin, Rochfortbridge, Killucan and Castlepollard.

Athlone developed due to its military significance, and its strategic location on the main Dublin–Galway route across the River Shannon.

Athlone and Mullingar expanded further with the coming of the Midland Great Western Railway network in the nineteenth century.

The River Shannon (Ireland's key tourism waterway) has a modern inland harbour in Athlone.

In 2017 the largest employment sectors within Westmeath were:[22] Two major "Greenway" projects are intended to improve cycling facilities.

Those wishing to use the Dublin-Galway Greenway can transfer from the Royal Canal route to the old rail corridor onwards towards Athlone.

The eastern part of the county is home to commuters, many of whom work at the technology parks on the western side of Dublin.

Weaned cattle from the west of the Shannon are fattened for market on the lush grasslands of Meath and Westmeath.

The plains of Westmeath, covered in calcium-rich marl, contribute significantly to calcification of foal bones during their formative years.

As part of the Transport 21 infrastructure programme undertaken by the government, both the N4 and N6 roads have been upgraded to motorway or dual carriageway standard.

The Westmeath senior hurling team has enjoyed much recent success winning the Christy Ring Cup in 2005, 2007 and 2010.

Athlone Institute of Technology boasts a €10 million international athletics arena, which opened in early 2013.