Castletown Geoghegan: Greenway and local history

Castletown Geoghegan connects a section of the Old Rail Trail with local history that can be traced through its churches, graveyards and a motte. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether your trip will focus on the Greenway, historic sites or both. These themes reflect different aspects of the town.

The Old Rail Trail and railway heritage

The Old Rail Trail is a 43 km-long Greenway from Athlone to Mullingar that passes through Castletown Geoghegan. This places the town on a route connecting both endpoints. If you choose the trail as the focus of your trip, you can explore its route and the historic traces of the railway together.

The trail follows the historic route of the Midlands Great Western Railway. Along the route are restored station buildings and stone arch bridges. These structures give the Greenway a special connection to the former railway line: the route, railway houses and bridges each tell a different part of the same transport history. The Old Rail Trail also connects Athlone Castle and the River Shannon with the Royal Canal in Mullingar. Areas of particular biodiversity and cultural heritage lie along the route.

Churches, graveyards and a motte

St Michael’s Church in Castletown Geoghegan was built in the Gothic Revival style in 1885 and opened for worship on 12 September that same year. Its design and opening date highlight two different aspects: the Gothic Revival design and the start of worship.

The old graveyard beside the village includes the ruins of an old church, as well as monuments, crosses and old burial sites. St Brigid’s Church stands south of this old graveyard. Together, the churches and the various features of the graveyard offer distinct insights into local history, without requiring you to choose a single historical focus.

The graveyard in Castletown Geoghegan contains the graves of members of the McGeoghegan family. These include the grave of David McGeoghegan, who died in 1778. His name and year of death provide a specific personal and historical point of reference for the family connection.

The motte of Castletown Geoghegan is a grass-covered earthen mound with a flat top. It is visible from the road, but visitors cannot access it. As access arrangements may change, check again before you travel.

County Westmeath in a regional context

The wider destination of County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The Royal Canal Greenway offers cyclists and pedestrians a scenic waterside route with no motorised traffic. The Royal Canal is fully navigable in County Westmeath and passes through Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. If you are considering a boat trip, check the navigation status in advance.

County Westmeath’s cultural heritage offers further themes to consider when planning your trip. The Hill of Uisneach was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours on the Hill of Uisneach cover myths and legends, High Kings, an intact ringfort and historic monuments. If you are planning a tour, check booking arrangements in advance.

Fore Abbey in County Westmeath is where St Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. The St Feichin’s Way is a loop trail around Fore Abbey. County Westmeath therefore also offers monastic history and a loop trail as distinct themes alongside the routes along the Royal Canal and the Old Rail Trail.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tang, Ballydavid, Killachonna, Kilbeggan, Drumcree, Mullingar, Castlepollard, Crookedwood

To the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.