More than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails give County Westmeath a strong thread of discovery. They are joined by a navigable canal, a converted railway line and places where monastic history and regional whiskey traditions come to life. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors can choose between a route with a clearly stated distance, waterside paths and a circular trail; those interested in history will find it at the Hill of Uisneach, in Fore and in Athlone. This makes it easy to organise your choices around your own interests.
Cycling and Water Routes with Different Character
If you’re looking for a route with a specific distance, you’ll find one on the Old Rail Trail: the 40-kilometre route runs from Athlone to Mullingar along a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal Greenway offers a different focus. It provides a scenic waterside route for cyclists and walkers, with no motorised traffic. The Old Rail Trail is defined by its distance, endpoints and former railway line; the Greenway by its waterside setting and freedom from motorised traffic.
The Royal Canal itself offers another perspective: in Westmeath, it is fully navigable and passes by Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you’re planning a boat trip, check the current navigation conditions in advance. Near the shore at Belvedere, a network of paths runs through woodland. Alongside the routes by the water and on the railway line, you can also explore woodland trails.
History Outdoors and in Exhibitions
The Hill of Uisneach brings together historical significance and a varied programme of themes. The site was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours of the Hill of Uisneach explore myths and legends, the High Kings, a large ringfort and historic monuments. If you’re especially interested in legends, the history of kingship and monuments, a tour like this brings these themes together in one place. Booking arrangements may change, so check the current options in advance.
Fore Abbey tells another story of early monastic life: St Feichin founded a Christian monastery here in the seventh century AD. St Feichin’s Way is a circular trail around Fore Abbey, offering a way to explore the site on foot. Trail conditions may change, so check them before setting out.
The Athlone Castle Visitor Centre also explores local history. Its eight modern exhibition rooms present the history of Athlone and the castle. At Fore Abbey, the monastery’s foundation and the circular trail shape the experience; in Athlone, the city’s and castle’s histories take centre stage in an exhibition. Check current visitor arrangements before you travel.
Kilbeggan: Whiskey History and Traditional Methods
Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath has been operating since 1757. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience showcases traditional methods of mashing in oak mash tuns and fermenting in Oregon pine vats, as well as its original waterwheel. Tours also include a masterclass featuring tastings of three different whiskeys. The experience brings together production history, craft processes and tasting. As the tasting format may change, check the latest booking details before planning your visit.
Leinster: More Perspectives Across the Wider Destination
In the wider destination of Leinster, BrĂş na BĂłinne offers a distinct glimpse into prehistory. The World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne; its prehistoric passage tombs at Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth were built around 3200 BC. The BrĂş na BĂłinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Check the latest visitor arrangements before travelling.
Glendalough in County Wicklow is also part of the wider destination of Leinster. The monastery was founded in a glaciated valley in the sixth century. The Monastic City includes a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses; from Glendalough, you can enjoy views of the site’s two lakes. The wider Leinster setting thus extends from prehistoric passage tombs to monastic history, while the trails, the Hill of Uisneach, Fore and Athlone form County Westmeath’s own thread of discovery.
Discover more destinations: Mullingar, Athlone, Glasson, Castletown Geoghegan, Moate, Kinnegad, Ballydavid, Kilbeggan, Rathowen, Drumcree, Castlepollard, Killinure, Multyfarnham, Killachonna, Crookedwood, Tang.
Back to the wider travel overview: Leinster.
