Glasson: Trails, Crafts and Céilí Music

Glasson brings together nature trails, a community-shaped local history and Irish crafts. There is also traditional Céilí music at Grogan's of Glasson. If you choose the village as a travel destination, these themes offer different perspectives: exploring woodland and bog, a restored schoolhouse with a community history, and a gallery showcasing Irish work.

Location and trails around Glasson

Glasson lies beside the scenic River Tullaghan, north of Athlone and a few kilometres from Lough Ree. The Glasson Bog Walk is 5 km long. Its landscape includes woodland, a bog lake and agricultural land. The route first follows a road and then a stretch of trail through woodland and bog towards Glasson Village.

The Portlick Millennium Forest is close to Glasson. On the Whinning Peninsula beside Lough Ree, a 5 km trail passes through wooded areas and agricultural land; shorter options are also available. Portlick is considered a late-medieval tower house in the Glasson visitor area.

Local history and crafts

The Glasson Community and Heritage Centre is housed in a schoolhouse built in 1844. The Glasson community restored the old schoolhouse; the centre is used for various social, cultural and educational activities in the local community. As programmes and access arrangements may change, check the latest information before visiting.

In the village centre, the Glasson Craft Gallery showcases Irish crafts and original artworks. The range includes ceramics, jewellery, textiles and glassware, as well as paintings and bespoke framing. Alongside the history of the former schoolhouse, the village’s creative work is also in the spotlight.

Food and music at Grogan's of Glasson

Grogan's of Glasson is a traditional family pub and restaurant dating back to 1750. Specialities on the menu include steaks and seafood; menu details may change. Traditional Céilí music is played on Friday evenings by three generations of the same family. Visiting musicians are also welcome. If music is important to your plans, check the current schedule before travelling.

County Westmeath in regional perspective

County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The 40 km Old Rail Trail runs from Athlone to Mullingar along a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. This regional route length offers a different scale from the 5 km trails in the Glasson area: both the distance and the route’s endpoints are clearly specified here.

The Hill of Uisneach is also in County Westmeath. It was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours there cover myths and legends, the High Kings, an interconnected ringfort and historic monuments. If you plan to take a tour, check the current booking arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Castletown Geoghegan, Ballydavid, Killinure, Drumcree, Kilbeggan, Tang, Kinnegad, Crookedwood.

For the broader travel overview: County Westmeath.