OLD RAIL TRAIL WESTMEATH

The Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) was the third largest railway company in Ireland in the mid-19th century with a railway network of 866 km across the midlands. The MGWR lines linked Dublin to both Galway and Sligo and in doing so brought an extensive railway network to Westmeath. The railway brought prosperity to the towns along the route, particularly the two largest – Mullingar and Athlone.

Due to the development of the road network, the railway line from Mullingar to Athlone was closed by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) in 1987. As part of the works for the Old Rail Trail, Westmeath County Council carried out conservation works to protected structures at both Moate and Castletown Stations. Some of the wonderful stone arch bridges along the Old Rail Trail are protected structures, where these are crossed by the Trail they can be identified by the newly erected old style parapet railings.

Athlone to Moate

14.5 km – Mostly flat surface. Suitable for family groups of all ages and all types of bikes. Beginning in the bustling town of Athlone, the The Old Rail Trail Greenway traverses Crosswood Bog’s natural heritage area and through lush green landscapes, before reaching the restored Railway Station buildings in Moate. Why not take a break along the route at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, where history and nature collide? Unwind in Moate; this hidden gem of a town provides refreshments, accommodation and the Tuar Ard Arts Centre.

Moate to Castletown

16.3 km – Mostly flat surface with gentle slopes. Suitable for family groups of all ages and all types of bikes. Journey through stunning countryside on the way to the preserved historic Castletown Station building. Opened in 1851, it was in use for more than 100 years. Pass under the iconic three arched bridge at Streamstown. A short diversion from Castletown will allow you to savour the majesty of Uisneach, once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the burial site of the Earth Goddess Ériu and the Sun God Lugh.

Castletown to Mullingar

11.4 km – Mostly flat with gentle slopes. Suitable for family groups of all ages and all types of bikes. From Castletown, the Greenway follows the old railway through sheltered countryside, surrounded by trees and birdsong. After passing under a tunnel, it meets the Royal Canal and follows its path before linking with the Royal Canal Greenway at Newbrook. From here, it’s just a stroll into Mullingar, or you can continue on this Greenway all the way to the River Shannon in Longford or Dublin City (from 2019).

Athlone Castle

Before you hop on a bike, take a stroll along the Shannon Banks to the magnificent Athlone Castle! Climb the steps to the castle keep and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the majestic River Shannon. Or climb higher still to the castle battlements and look across the rooftops of the entire town. Take a step back in history and discover the ancient stories through swords, cannon balls, stunning sculptures and the fantastic interactive displays at the Visitor Centre. www.athlonecastle.ie

Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park

Directly accessible from the Old Rail Trail at Moate, Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park should not be missed. Features include a fantastic playground, outdoor art displays, guided heritage tours and genealogy as well as a great locally run café with outdoor seating overlooking the park and play areas. Enjoy the walking and cycling trails through a wetland nature reserve and planted parkland or unwind with traditional Irish music and dance. www.dunnasi.ie

Streamstown Bridges

Feel dwarfed by the majesty of the iconic stone arch bridges at Streamstown and soak up the railway heritage as you cycle along! Here the Old Rail Trail passes under some of the most extraordinary examples of masonry stone arched bridges on the trail.

Castletown Station

Opened in 1851, the now restored Castletown Station once catered for both passenger and goods transport before closing in 1963. Today, it is the turn off point for the quaint village of Castletown Geoghegan, a short 3km from the station by public road, providing access to refreshments.

Hill of Uisneach

As Ireland’s mythological and sacred centre, the Hill of Uisneach captivates visitors with its huge significance that pre-dates recorded history. It’s a must-visit when exploring Ireland’s Ancient East and a short 6km diversion from Castletown Station will take you there. Guided tours are available daily by passionate locals who will send you away dreaming of these enigmatic and sacred lands.
www.uisneach.ie

Royal Canal Greenway

The Old Rail Trail meets the Royal Canal Greenway at Ballinea and Newbrook. From here it’s just a short spin into Mullingar for a rest, refreshments, culture and craic. The Blueway Activity Zone at Mullingar Harbour offers multiactivity exploration of the Royal Canal, including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

How long will it take me to cycle the Old Rail Trail Westmeath? 

The Old Rail Trail is 43km, so the average cyclist would need to give themselves about 6 hours to do the complete trail. But there’s so much to see in the surrounding area, we suggest staying the night in Westmeath – do the Trail in sections and take in the great attractions along the way at your leisure!

Where can I rent a bike to do the Old Rail TrailGreenway?

There are numerous outlets renting bikes along the Old Rail Trail – See the Bikehire and Tours section above.

I haven’t cycled a bike in years, can I still do the trail?

Yes! The trail is mostly very flat and easy to cycle, so is manageable for anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy.

Can I do the trail with young kids?

Yes! Kids can do the Trail on their own bikes, in a child-seat, in a tow-along or on an adult/ child tandem which most bike rental outfits should be able to provide.

Should I use an electric bike?

Electric bikes will add about 30% extra power to your cycle so will certainly make the journey faster and more comfortable! Please note that the pedals on an electric bike still need to be peddled so is not suitable for users with problematic knees.

Can I rent an electric scooter for trail?

Electric scooters are not regulated in Ireland currently so they are not available to hire.

Access onto the Greenway from Athlone

Whitegates, at junction of Ballymahon Road and Beechpark.

History

The name Athlone derives from the Irish, ‘Áth Luain’ – meaning ‘the Ford of Luan’. Luan is said to have been an innkeeper who guided people across the treacherous waters of an ancient fording point across the River Shannon where the centre of Athlone is today. The inn, said to be Ireland’s oldest, can still be found on Main Street and is known today as Sean’s Bar.

A settlement grew around this crossing point and King Turlough O’Connor built the first wooden castle where Athlone Castle stands today in 1129. The first stone castle, built in 1210, was a free-standing tower (which still exists today) designed to defend this important crossing point and to facilitate the Anglo-Norman advance into Connaught. During the Williamite Wars of the late 19th century, Athlone was besieged twice. The town was attacked by 20,000 men and 12,000 cannon balls that reduced the west town to rubble. However, throughout the wars Athlone contained the vital, main bridge over the River Shannon into Connacht.

During the 19th century, three factors contributed to the growth of Athlone – the founding of Athlone Woollen Mills, the Shannon Navigation works of the 1840s and the arrival of the railway in 1850. Athlone today still enjoys its central location making it a great base for Shannon holidays and an ideal place for meetings, seminars and conferences.

Accommodation

Athlone has many top-quality 4 star hotels in and around its centre, including a Sheraton Hotel, Raddison Blue, Hodson Bay and the Athlone Springs.
For something a little different try the Magical Lakeside Yurt – a beautiful hand-crafted wooden yurt just four miles outside Athlone town and right beside Lough Ree. The Bastion Bed & Breakfast is perhaps Athlone’s most stylish place to stay – eclectic style and quirky spaces – this place really stands out from the rest.

Airbnb
The Bastion