Because of its proximity to Lough Kinale and Lough Derragh, with a plentiful supply of trout, tench, bream and pike, Abbeylara attracts anglers and local angling clubs hold regular competitions.
The Supreme Court of Ireland found the Oireachtas did not have an inherent power to conduct inquiries, and that it overstepped its jurisdiction when it set up the Abbeylara inquiry into the shooting of John Carthy in Abbeylara, County Longford, in 2000.
Bus Éireann route 111 serves Castlepollard eight times a day (less often at weekends) linking it to Dublin, Trim, Athboy, Delvin, Abbeylara, Granard and Cavan.