Best Hiking Trails in Westmeath: Your Complete Guide to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Westmeath sits quietly in Ireland's heart, earning its nickname as the Lake County through a landscape dotted with pristine waters and ancient pathways. This is where St. Patrick lit his paschal fire on Uisneach Hill in 433 AD, establishing Ireland's mythological center. Unlike the crowded trails of Wicklow or Kerry, Westmeath offers something rare in modern Ireland – space to breathe and trails where you might walk for hours without seeing another soul.

The county's relatively flat terrain masks an extraordinary concentration of historical significance. You'll follow towpaths that carried barges between Dublin and the Shannon, trace railway lines that connected Ireland's east and west, and climb hills where High Kings once ruled. Westmeath's hiking trails are living history lessons, threading through working farmland that has shaped Ireland's agricultural identity for centuries.

Westmeath Greenway Adventures

Old Rail Trail Greenway

This spectacular 43km trail runs from Athlone to Mullingar along the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, passing restored station houses and under stone arched bridges. The entire route is off-road and mostly flat, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. The trail takes about 6 hours to complete for the average walker, but there's so much to see that staying overnight in Westmeath is recommended. Unlike more demanding mountain trails elsewhere in Ireland, this greenway lets you focus on the scenery and heritage without worrying about technical terrain.

Start in Athlone and work your way through Moate, Streamstown, and Castletown before reaching Mullingar. Stop off along the way for refreshments in the welcoming cafés and fantastic restaurants in each town. The trail connects directly with the Royal Canal Greenway at Mullingar, allowing you to extend your hiking adventure across multiple counties. Visit during weekdays for the quietest experience, though weekend coffee vans and increased activity create their own appeal.

Royal Canal Greenway

Stretching 130km alongside the historic 225-year-old canal, this is Ireland's longest greenway, known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and abundant wildlife. The Westmeath section runs for 46km from the Meath border to Longford, following restored grassy towpaths once used for canal transport. From Mullingar to Coolnahay Harbour takes 10.5km, or continue to Thomastown Bridge for 17.8km.

The route passes Mullingar Harbour where you can access the unique 22km Royal Canal Blueway, developed in 2018, offering paddling experiences alongside your walking adventure. Watch for herons and kingfishers along the water, particularly in early morning or late afternoon. The flat, well-maintained towpath provides year-round hiking opportunities, though spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions.

Westmeath Way

This 33km linear route connects Kilbeggan to Mullingar, though recent reports suggest significant maintenance issues with overgrown paths, particularly along river sections. However, the sections around Lough Ennell remain worthwhile, offering magnificent vistas across the lake, particularly at Lilliput. Local hikers recommend focusing on specific sections rather than attempting the full route until maintenance improves.

Westmeath Forest Trails

Mullaghmeen Forest

Located 8km west of Oldcastle, this isolated 400-hectare forest is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland. Four color-coded trails offer options from 1.4km (Yellow Loop) to 8km (White Loop), each showcasing unique historical and landscape features. The Red Trail leads to Mullaghmeen summit, providing magnificent views north across Lough Sheelin and into County Cavan.

The forest walk offers spectacular views from the county's highest point at 261m – Ireland's lowest county top, but the flat midland countryside around makes the views particularly dramatic. Visit in early May for the best bluebell displays carpeting the forest floor. Weekend visitors will find a mobile cabin selling drinks, ice cream and treats at the car park.

The forest contains fascinating historical remnants including Booley Huts (summer grazing shelters), flax pits showing where linen industry crops were processed, and famine field walls. Plan 2-3 hours for the longer circuits, though the shorter yellow trail suits families with young children perfectly.

Hidden Westmeath Hiking Spots

Hill of Uisneach Guided Walks

Standing 596ft above sea level, this ancient ceremonial site commands views of 20 counties on clear days and serves as Ireland's mythological center. The hill contains monuments spanning five millennia, from Neolithic burial chambers to medieval structures. Access requires joining guided tours that begin at Lunestown House Lodge (Eircode N91 R6C9).

This is where Irish High Kings once "married" the sovereignty goddess Ériu in ceremonial rituals, and where the first great Bealtaine fire was lit to kindle flames across Ireland. The 3km guided route reveals the Stone of Divisions where ancient provincial boundaries met. Tours run regularly throughout the year, with special Celtic calendar celebrations at Imbolc, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.

Lough Owel Forest Walks

A 4km spur trail leads north from the Royal Canal Greenway at Mullingar to the picturesque shores of Lough Owel. This mesotrophic lake has a maximum depth of 21 metres and feeds water to the Royal Canal. The forest walks around the lake provide excellent bird watching opportunities and peaceful woodland hiking away from the busier greenway routes.

Local fishing enthusiasts know these paths well, but tourists rarely discover them. The combination of water views and mature woodland makes this one of Westmeath's most underrated hiking experiences. Access the trail from Mullingar Harbor or the designated parking area near the N4.

Dún na Sí Heritage Park Trails

This remarkable heritage park combines planted parkland, wetland reserves, and reconstructed historical sites with walking trails through various habitats. The park sits along the Old Rail Trail, making it an ideal stopping point for longer greenway hikes. Family visitors can explore the heritage trail, vintage museum, genealogy center, and petting farm alongside the hiking routes.

The wetland reserve includes bird watching hides overlooking the lake, where you can spot various waterfowl species throughout the year. The park's position along the old railway line provides historical context for the broader greenway network that defines Westmeath hiking.

Event Calendar

Spring (March-May)

The Hill of Uisneach comes alive with Imbolc celebrations in February and preparation for the major Bealtaine Fire Festival in May. Spring also brings the best bluebell displays in Mullaghmeen Forest, typically peaking in early May. Local walking groups organize heritage walks during this period, taking advantage of comfortable temperatures and fewer midges.

Summer (June-August)

The annual Bealtaine Fire Festival in May continues the tradition of lighting the sacred fire at Uisneach, drawing visitors from around the world for this sustainable, organic gathering. Summer weekends bring coffee vans to popular trailheads like Mullaghmeen Forest. The longer daylight hours make evening walks along the canal greenways particularly enjoyable.

Autumn (September-November)

Lughnasadh celebrations in August and Samhain festivals in November mark important Celtic calendar dates at Uisneach. October brings spectacular autumn colors to the beech forests of Mullaghmeen. This season offers ideal hiking conditions with cooler temperatures and dramatic skies over the lake landscapes.

Winter (December-February)

Winter hiking remains viable on the canal greenways, which provide reliable all-weather surfaces. Imbolc celebrations in February mark the beginning of spring in the Celtic calendar. The bare trees in winter reveal landscape features and distant views that summer foliage obscures.

Family Activities

Mullaghmeen Forest Family Circuits

The Yellow Loop at 1.4km suits families with toddlers, while the 3.5km Red Loop challenges older children without overwhelming them. All four trails are clearly marked and the weekend mobile refreshment cabin provides treats for tired walkers. The varied terrain includes gentle hills and level forest paths, keeping children engaged throughout the hike.

Royal Canal Towpath Walks

The flat, wide towpath from Mullingar Harbor toward Coolnahay provides perfect family hiking terrain. The 10.5km section to Coolnahay Harbour can be tackled in shorter segments, with multiple access points for turning back. Canal boats passing through locks provide entertainment for children, and the abundant wildlife includes easily spotted herons and swans.

Old Rail Trail Family Sections

The flat terrain makes this trail excellent for families and novices, with the option to cycle between Castletown and other stations. The Rustic Inn adjacent to the cycle path in Abbeyshrule provides excellent homemade soup for refueling. Restored railway stations along the route offer historical interest and convenient rest stops.

Dún na Sí Family Adventure

This heritage park combines hiking with hands-on activities at the petting farm, genealogy center exploration, and interactive museum exhibits. The varied trails suit different age groups, from toddler-friendly paths to longer circuits for energetic teenagers. Toilet facilities and indoor backup activities make this ideal for unpredictable weather.

Lough Ennell Shoreline Walks

The accessible paths around parts of Lough Ennell provide gentle family hiking with swimming opportunities during summer months. This beautiful lake near Mullingar has large areas of shallow water, with nearly two-thirds less than 25 feet deep. Picnic spots along the shore create perfect family day out destinations.

Local Business Highlights

The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule

Located adjacent to the Old Rail Trail, this welcoming establishment serves excellent homemade soup and has become a legendary stopping point for greenway hikers and cyclists. The pub maintains detailed local knowledge about trail conditions and often hosts impromptu gatherings of outdoor enthusiasts comparing notes on their adventures.

Mullingar Bike Hire, Mullingar Harbor

Located at the Blueway Activity Zone in Mullingar Harbor, this facility offers bike rental alongside the towpath access point. They provide excellent local advice on combining walking and cycling routes, plus equipment for families including child carriers and helmets. The harbor location makes it ideal for starting canal or rail trail adventures.

Hill of Uisneach Tours

Professional guided tours operate from Lunestown House Lodge, providing the only access to this sacred site. The guides combine archaeological expertise with storytelling skills, bringing five millennia of Irish history to life during the 3km walking tour. Special events celebrating the Celtic calendar provide unique hiking experiences throughout the year.

Seasonal Considerations and Practical Tips

Westmeath's inland location and relatively low elevation create mild hiking conditions year-round, though each season brings distinct advantages. Early May offers the best bluebell displays in Mullaghmeen Forest, while late spring provides comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. Summer brings the longest days but also peak visitor numbers at popular spots like Uisneach Hill.

Ireland's climate remains influenced by the North Atlantic Drift, keeping temperatures mild with summer averages of 15-20°C and generally drier conditions. However, Westmeath's position away from coastal moderating influences means more variable weather than western counties. Always pack waterproof layers even for day hikes.

Good footwear is advised as forest trails can get muddy during wetter months, particularly in Mullaghmeen, where beech leaf litter creates slippery conditions when wet. The canal towpaths remain accessible in most weather, though flooding occasionally affects low-lying sections during heavy winter rains.

Mobile phone coverage varies significantly across the county. The main greenway routes maintain good signal strength, but downloading offline maps before setting out is advised for forest trails with many adjoining paths. GPS accuracy can suffer under heavy tree cover, making traditional map and compass skills valuable backup tools.

Getting Around and Access

Free dedicated car parks are located at Newbrook Roundabout in Mullingar center, providing access to both Royal Canal and Old Rail Trail greenways. Mullaghmeen Forest offers ample parking at the forest entrance, though weekend visits may require arriving early during peak seasons.

Public transport serves Mullingar and Athlone regularly from Dublin, making the greenway network accessible to car-free visitors. Bike rental providers operate in both Athlone and Mullingar for those wanting to combine walking with cycling sections. The integrated greenway system allows creative itineraries mixing different transport modes.

Most Westmeath trails connect logically, enabling multi-day hiking holidays that explore different aspects of the county's landscape. Accommodation ranges from basic B&Bs to luxury hotels, with many establishments specifically catering to greenway users with secure bike storage and trail lunch preparation.

Hiking Trails in Westmeath

Westmeath's hiking trails offer something increasingly rare in modern Ireland – genuine solitude combined with rich historical context. While other counties draw crowds to dramatic mountain scenery, Westmeath rewards hikers with intimate landscapes where ancient and recent history interweave along every path. The county's greenway network provides Ireland's finest example of how historical transport infrastructure can gain new life as recreational assets.

The relatively gentle terrain shouldn't fool you into thinking these trails lack character. From the mythological significance of Uisneach to the industrial heritage of the canal system, every Westmeath hike connects you directly to Ireland's evolving story. Whether you're seeking a gentle family outing along the Royal Canal or a more challenging forest circuit in Mullaghmeen, the Lake County delivers authentic Irish experiences without the crowds that define more famous destinations.

Westmeath's hiking future looks bright as new greenway connections develop and existing trails receive ongoing improvements. Yet the fundamental appeal remains constant – these are working landscapes where hiking provides privileged access to Ireland's agricultural heartland and archaeological treasures, all within easy reach of Dublin and the wider Leinster region.

Now, check out our guide about the best hiking spots in County Wicklow.

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