Discover County Westmeath: Routes, Water and History

There are many ways to discover County Westmeath: a former railway line is now a long cycling route, the Royal Canal offers both a perspective from the water and a waterside route, and historic sites tell stories of monasteries, kingdoms and whiskey-making traditions. County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling routes. To plan your trip, you can focus on the themes that matter most to you, from outdoor activities to history and culture.

Cycling, walking and waterside routes

The Old Rail Trail is a 40-kilometre route from Athlone to Mullingar. It follows a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway, combining cycling with the history of a former railway line. With its two named endpoints and stated length, the Old Rail Trail offers a clearly defined way to experience the region along a longer route.

The Royal Canal is fully navigable in County Westmeath and passes by Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you are planning a boat trip, check the current navigation status beforehand. Along the banks, the Royal Canal Greenway offers a scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians; motorised traffic is not permitted there. This lets you choose between a trip on the water and a waterside route on foot or by bike.

There are also opportunities to explore on foot along the waterfront at Belvedere, where a network of paths runs through wooded areas. Together with the county’s other routes, this offers different perspectives on the landscape without requiring you to stick to just one way of getting around.

Historic sites and circular walks

The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “omphalos”, where the five kingdoms came together. Guided walking tours cover the site’s myths and legends, the High Kings, an intact ringfort and historic monuments. The tour therefore brings together several historical themes in a single guided visit. As booking arrangements may change, it is worth checking the options before your trip.

At Fore, St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. St Feichin’s Way is a circular route around Fore Abbey, combining a walk with a visit to the historic site. As ground conditions may change, check the current conditions on the route before setting out.

Exhibitions and whiskey-making traditions

The Athlone Castle Visitor Centre presents the history of Athlone and its castle across eight modern exhibition rooms. It offers a distinct way to explore the area’s history, different from walks and outdoor routes. Check current access to the visitor centre before your trip.

Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath has been operating since 1757. At the Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, you can see traditional mashing in oak mash tuns and fermentation in Oregon pine vats, as well as the original waterwheel. The tours include a tasting masterclass featuring three different whiskeys; the format may change. Check what is currently on offer before visiting.

Plan your stay around your interests

County Westmeath offers everything from cycling and walking routes to historic sites and a whiskey experience. When planning your stay, first decide which of these options matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Multyfarnham, Killachonna, Crookedwood, Mullingar, Athlone, Glasson, Castletown Geoghegan, Moate, Kinnegad, Ballydavid, Kilbeggan, Rathowen, Killinure, Drumcree, Castlepollard, Tang.

View the regional travel overview: Leinster.