Walking routes through woods, bog and waterside

Glasson lies on the picturesque River Tullaghan, north of Athlone and just a few kilometres from Lough Ree. There are several interests to consider when choosing a place to stay: a walk through woods and bog, crafts in the village centre, and pub and music traditions. The Glasson Bog Walk is five kilometres long and passes through woodland, a bog pool and farmland. The route initially follows a road, then continues through woodland and bog towards Glasson Village. For current walking information, contact a local provider in Glasson.

Another option nearby is Portlick Millennium Forest, which has a five-kilometre trail with shorter alternatives through wooded areas and farmland on the Whinning Peninsula of Lough Ree. Both main trails are five kilometres long; the Portlick route also has shorter alternatives. The Glasson Bog Walk’s route profile includes a bog pool and a stretch towards Glasson Village, while Portlick’s landscape is defined by woodland, farmland and its position on a peninsula. Portlick is considered a late-medieval tower house in the Glasson visitor area.

History, crafts and Céilí music

The Glasson Community and Heritage Centre was created when the Glasson community restored the old schoolhouse, which was built in 1844. In the village centre, the Glasson Craft Gallery showcases Irish crafts and original artworks. Its offerings include ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glassware, paintings and bespoke framing. This brings together two distinct cultural highlights: the history of the community-restored schoolhouse and the crafts at the gallery.

Grogan's of Glasson is a traditional family pub and restaurant dating from 1750. Menu specialities include steaks and seafood; menu details may change. Céilí music is traditionally played there on Friday evenings by three generations of the same family, and visiting musicians are also welcome. Check before travelling whether the music programme is taking place on your dates. If you want to consider food and music as well as walking routes when choosing where to stay, this gives you some further specific points to consider.

County Westmeath as part of a wider travel itinerary

You can extend your plans beyond Glasson to County Westmeath, which has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. One example is the 40-kilometre Old Rail Trail from Athlone to Mullingar, which follows a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal is fully navigable through County Westmeath and passes Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you are planning a boat trip, check the navigation status again in advance.

County Westmeath also offers destinations for a broader historical perspective. The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours there explore myths and legends, the High Kings, an intact ringfort and historic monuments. If you plan to book a tour, check the current booking arrangements.

Discover more destinations

Tang, Killinure, Killachonna, Drumcree, Athlone, Castlepollard, Ballydavid, Mullingar

For the broader travel overview: County Westmeath.