Kinnegad: Walking Trail, Bogland and Architectural Heritage

Kinnegad offers plenty to explore for visitors interested in walking trails and architectural history. The approximately five-kilometre An Boreen Bradach walking trail passes through the town, the Bog of Kinnegad and an ancient burial ground. The area also features historic buildings in Kinnegad and bogland and woodland landscapes nearby. The River Kinnegad has formed the boundary between County Westmeath and County Meath since 1543.

Walking Trails and Bogland

An Boreen Bradach starts at a church in the centre of Kinnegad. The walking trail passes through the town and takes in both the Bog of Kinnegad and an ancient burial ground. At around five kilometres long, it combines a connection to the town with its surrounding landscape. Its length provides a practical guide when planning time for a walk.

For a shorter walk, try the Milltownpass Woodland and Bog Trail: it is 1.5 kilometres long and lies about ten kilometres from Kinnegad. The trail passes through bogland and woodland landscapes that are protected for their natural heritage value and high biodiversity. Along the trail are four wooden sculptures by local artist Richie Clarke: a hare, an owl, a curlew and a snipe. The two trails differ in both length and the landscapes described.

Mount Hevey Bog, an upland bog designated as a Special Area of Conservation, lies about four kilometres northeast of Kinnegad. Another option for walks and cycling is the Royal Canal Greenway at Thomastown Harbour, about five kilometres from Kinnegad. These places complement the walking trail with different landscape and route features; the distances given are approximate.

Architectural History in Kinnegad

At the eastern end of Kinnegad, Kinnegad Bridge retains three arches from a bridge built in the 17th century, around 1665. Kinnegad National School is another feature of the town’s historic architecture: built around 1893, its projecting gabled fronts form an H-shaped plan. Together with the former schoolmaster’s house, the school forms a significant group of buildings that makes a positive contribution to the townscape.

The former schoolmaster’s house of Kinnegad National Schools has retained its original form and character and is considered an important part of the local architectural heritage. It is a private residence. The former Master's House on Mullingar Road is listed as a protected structure under reference 027-008. The Catholic Church of the Assumption was built between 1904 and 1909; its features include stained-glass windows by Mayer of Munich.

History and Local Orientation

The former Church of Ireland cemetery dates from around 1760. Its collection of carved stone headstones recalls a thriving Church of Ireland community in the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. The cemetery is overgrown, and the headstones are in poor condition. Southwest of Kinnegad is the ruin of Rattin Castle, a building constructed as a fortified tower in the 16th century.

For a different kind of local service, Kinnegad Library offers lending and reading services. If you plan to use them, check the latest information before your visit. When choosing a hotel in Kinnegad, you can tailor your stay to your interests, whether that means the walking trail, bogland and woodland landscapes, or the town’s architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Glasson, Castlepollard, Killachonna, Moate, Multyfarnham, Tang, Ballydavid, Kilbeggan.

For the broader travel overview: County Westmeath.