Things to Do in Mullingar: The Westmeath Wonder You Need to Explore

Mullingar sits proudly in County Westmeath, one of Leinster's most historically significant towns. Unlike many neighbors, Mullingar boasts royal connections dating back to 1207 when King John of England ordered a royal castle built here, establishing it as an administrative center that outranked nearby settlements. 

This royal favor shaped the town's development, giving it wider streets and grander buildings than you'll find in comparable Leinster towns.

The town's name "Mullingar" derives from the Irish "An Muileann gCearr," meaning "the left-handed mill" – referring to an unusual mill that once operated here with its wheel turning in the opposite direction to most mills in Leinster. This peculiarity became a navigational landmark for travelers in medieval times.

Mullingar Attractions

Belvedere House, Gardens & Park

This stunning 18th-century estate offers more than just a grand house. The infamous "Jealous Wall" (Ireland's largest folly) tells the scandalous story of Earl Robert Rochfort who imprisoned his wife for 31 years on suspicion of infidelity with his brother.

Visitor info: Allow 3-4 hours to fully explore the house, gardens and woodland walks. The walled garden peaks in June-August, while autumn brings spectacular colors to the beech trees. Unlike Powerscourt in Wicklow, Belvedere feels more intimate and less crowded, giving you a more personal experience of a historic Irish estate.

Belvedere House hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor theater and concerts.

Royal Canal Greenway

This 130km trail follows the historic Royal Canal, with Mullingar serving as the midpoint. The stretch from Mullingar to Coolnahay (about 10km) is particularly scenic, passing through the Westmeath countryside and lush green valleys.

Visitor info: Rent bikes in town or bring your own. Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely cycle to Coolnahay and back. Morning visits (before 11am) mean fewer fellow cyclists, especially on summer weekends. Unlike the Grand Canal in Dublin, the Royal Canal around Mullingar has fewer locks but more wildlife.

Mullingar Cathedral

The Cathedral of Christ the King dominates the town's skyline with its Renaissance-style architecture and impressive 60-meter dome. Built between 1933 and 1939, it's one of the most impressive ecclesiastical buildings in the midlands.

Visitor info: Visit during morning hours for the best light through the stained-glass windows. Allow 45 minutes to explore the interior and its artistic details. Unlike St. Mel's Cathedral in Longford, Mullingar's cathedral retained its original features without needing restoration after fire damage.

Lake Owel

Lake Owel offers crystal-clear waters that are popular for swimming, fishing, and water sports, just a few kilometers north of town. The lake's spring-fed waters make it notably clearer than many other Leinster lakes.

Visitor info: Summer evenings (6-8pm) bring spectacular sunsets across the water. Anglers prize this lake for its trout fishing, with the northwest shore offering the best spots. Unlike the busier Lough Ennell, Lake Owel tends to be quieter and more peaceful.

Mullingar Arts Centre

This cultural hub hosts a variety of performances, from local theater productions to touring shows and music concerts. The center has played a key role in nurturing local talent, including some of Mullingar's famous musical exports.

Visitor info: Check their schedule in advance and book tickets online. Productions typically run Thursday through Saturday evenings. The intimate 400-seat theater offers better viewing angles than many larger venues in Leinster's bigger towns.

Hidden Mullingar Treasures

The Downs Crossroads Standing Stones

Few tourists ever discover these ancient standing stones just outside Mullingar at The Downs. Dating back to the Bronze Age, these megaliths were once part of an ancient route marker system across the midlands.

Local lore claims that if you walk between the stones at midnight during a full moon, you'll temporarily gain the ability to see fairy paths - but you'll also risk being led astray by them! The crossroads here has historically been important as the meeting point of ancient routes between the Hill of Uisneach and Tara.

Old Rail Trail's Secret Tunnel

Most visitors cycle the main sections of the Old Rail Trail, but few discover the hidden tunnel about 2km west of the town. This beautifully preserved piece of railway engineering once allowed trains to pass under a country estate without disturbing the landowner's view.

Local railway workers used to tell stories of a ghostly signalman who would appear in the tunnel on the anniversary of a long-forgotten accident. The tunnel's acoustics create an unusual echo effect that seems to follow cyclists as they pass through.

Grange Stone Circle

Just outside the town lies this relatively unknown stone circle that predates many of Ireland's more famous megalithic sites. What makes it special is the unusual arrangement of the stones, which ancient astronomers used to track specific star movements.

Few people know that local farmers would bring sick livestock here until the 1940s, walking them in a specific pattern between the stones as a healing ritual that dated back to pre-Christian times.

Event Calendar

Spring Events

Mullingar Agricultural Show (May) - This traditional agricultural show brings together farmers, craft makers, and food producers. Beyond the expected livestock competitions, traditional skills demonstrations like dry stone walling and sheep shearing contests showcase rural heritage.

Westmeath Bachelor Festival (April) - A tongue-in-cheek festival seeking to match eligible local bachelors with potential partners. Featuring speed-dating events, traditional matchmaking, and céilí dances, it's a uniquely midlands take on rural matchmaking that harks back to the matchmaking traditions of the past.

Summer Events

Mullingar Bike Fest (June) - Celebrating the town's position at the heart of the Royal Canal Greenway, this festival includes guided heritage cycles, stunt shows, and family cycling events that connect various historical sites around the town.

Lough Owel Open Water Swim (July) - Drawing swimmers from across Ireland, this 2km open water challenge occurs in one of Ireland's clearest lakes. The post-swim barbecue has become legendary among swimming communities nationwide.

Autumn Events

Mullingar Scratch Cup (September) - This prestigious golf tournament at Mullingar Golf Club attracts top amateur golfers from across Ireland. The event has launched several professional careers and has a reputation for spotting rising talent.

Westmeath Food Festival (October) - Showcasing local producers, this festival turns Mullingar's town center into a food lover's paradise. The whiskey and cheese pairing masterclass featuring local Kilbeggan whiskey is particularly popular.

Winter Events

Joe Dolan Winter Music Festival (December) - Celebrating Mullingar's most famous musical son, this festival brings live music to venues across town. The festival culminates in a tribute concert that regularly features surprise appearances from well-known Irish musicians.

Mullingar Christmas Market (December) - Transforming the Market Square, this traditional market features local crafts, food, and a distinctly midland atmosphere less commercial than Dublin's equivalent events.

Family Activities

Belvedere House Adventure Playground

The extensive woodland playground at Belvedere House features timber structures, ziplines, and climbing walls suitable for children from toddlers to teens. The adjacent fairy trail keeps younger kids entertained with whimsical woodland characters.

Age suitability: 2-14 years

Mullingar Swimming Pool & Leisure Center

This modern facility includes a 25m swimming pool with dedicated children's area, water slides, and splash features. During school holidays, they run structured swim camps and water confidence sessions.

Age suitability: All ages All-weather option: Yes

Crazy Golf at Rockwood Park

This 18-hole crazy golf course includes Westmeath-themed obstacles, including miniature versions of local landmarks. The adjoining playground and picnic area make it a full day out.

Age suitability: 5-15 years

Lilliput Adventure Centre

Located on the shores of Lough Ennell, this outdoor adventure center offers kayaking, archery, orienteering, and team challenges. Their "Mini Explorers" program introduces younger children to outdoor skills in a safe environment.

Age suitability: Programs for ages 6-17 All-weather option: Some indoor activities available during inclement weather

Mullingar Equestrian Centre

Mullingar Equestrian Centre is One of Ireland's premier equestrian facilities offers pony rides and beginner lessons for younger children. At the same time, older kids can participate in structured riding lessons and pony camps during school holidays.

Age suitability: 4-18 years All-weather option: Indoor arena available

Local Mullingar Business Highlights

Wholesome Kitchen

This locally-owned café specializes in dishes made from Westmeath producers. Their signature breakfast includes black pudding from a butcher who's been using the same recipe for three generations. The café's "Lake District" coffee blend is specifically roasted to pair with the local water chemistry.

The Chambers

Located in a converted bank, this pub retains many original features including the vault door leading to private dining areas. Their specialty is the "Midlands Platter" featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and house pickles. The whiskey selection includes rare bottlings from the nearby Kilbeggan distillery, including some pub-exclusive casks.

Clarke & McDonald

Operating since 1890, this general store has evolved into a specialized gift shop while maintaining its traditional exterior. They're known for collecting locally crafted woolen goods, including blankets from sheep raised in north Westmeath's upland pastures.

Mullingar Pewter

This workshop produces handcrafted pewter items using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase unique pieces that aren't available through their international distribution channels. Their "Leinster Collection" features designs inspired by ancient artifacts found in the region.

Visit Mullingar

Mullingar offers visitors a perfect blend of well-known attractions and hidden treasures that even many Leinster locals haven't discovered. From royal connections to musical heritage, ancient mysteries to modern amenities, this Westmeath town deserves more than just a passing visit.

Whether you're cycling the Greenway, exploring historic estates, or simply enjoying the local food and drink scene, Mullingar rewards those willing to venture beyond the usual tourist trails. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider midlands, but the town itself holds enough secrets to fill several days of exploration.

Don't make the mistake of treating Mullingar as just another stop on the way to somewhere else – this is a destination that deserves your full attention.

Check out our guide about things to do in Navan.