The Old Rail Trail

Eight things to do in Westmeath when visiting the Fleadh

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Close to 500,000 people are expected to visit the region for the Fleadh Cheoil and what an ideal opportunity to uncover more of what Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has to offer. The Royal Canal Greenway and Old Rail Trail Greenway in County Westmeath offer a fantastic cycling and walking experience. Cycle from the heart of Athlone town with its award-winning restaurants and cultural attractions to Mullingar to soak up the breathtaking lakeshore scenery and continue to Maynooth or Longford, without ever leaving these safe, off-road routes and discover many treasures and family fun activities along the way. Check out some options below while you’re at the Fleadh or see VisitWestmeath.ie for more treasures to uncover.

1. Belvedere House, Garden & Park | belvedere-house.ie

While you're at the Fleadh, why not pay a visit to Belvedere House, Garden & Park. Enjoy 10km of serene lakeshore and woodland walks, explore the beautiful Victorian walled garden and find out more about the fascinating history of Belvedere estate. Enjoy the lakeside cafe and play areas for children including one of the most magical fairy gardens in Ireland. Photo: Paul Moore Photpgraphy

Enjoy 10km of serene lakeshore and woodland walks, explore the beautiful Victorian walled garden and find out more about the fascinating history of Belvedere estate. Enjoy the lakeside café and play areas for children including one of the most magical fairy gardens in Ireland.

2. Athlone Castle Visitor Centre | athlonecastle.ie

Baron Etienne Fevre of the Society for Creative Anachronism from the Society for Creative Anachronism pictured with and Russell Tandy getting set to Storm the Castle for Heritage Week on August 16 from 10.30am to 5pm. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism will return to Athlone Castle with a re-enactment of a medieval town market with onsite demonstrations incorporating some of the traditional skills and crafts, such as herbology, cooking, needle-binding, embroidery . A selection of period costumes will be available for visitors to dress-up in throughout the day. A variety of traditional games will also be available for everyone to enjoy. Admission is FREE to visitors on the day. Photo by Picasa

Trace the footprints of the generations who shaped this place. From early settlements and warring chieftains to foreign invaders and local heroes. This castle stands proudly on the River Shannon banks in the heart of the town and the centre of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with breathtaking views from its keep.

3. Hill of Uisneach | uisneach.ie

Walk in the footsteps of High Kings, Gods & Goddesses across the ancient landscape that is the Hill of Uisneach.

4. Tullynally Castle & Gardens | tullynallycastle.ie

Although this is still lived in as a family home by the Pakenhams, you can enjoy a special guided tour of the historic Great Hall, Dining room, Drawing Room and Library as well as the Victorian Servants’ Quarters. Hear the stories and scandals of the family’s 370 years at Tullynally, and tales of life below stairs

5. Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery |kilbegganwhiskey.com

A guided wander through the old distillery and finish with mastering the art of making an Irish Coffee in our newly renovated Locke's Lounge or have a Distillery Experience with whiskey tasting.

6. Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park | dunnasi.ie

A popular option as it includes a pet farm, parklands, trails, heritage tours and outdoor art displays. Located on Old Rail Trail Greenway at Moate, this park also includes outdoor art displays, a sensory garden and a great children's playground overlooked by a locally run café . Enjoy a walk through planted parklands and observe the many species of wild birds on the disappearing lake or ‘turlough’ without disturbing their habitat at the specially constructed bird hide.

7. Take a spin The Royal Canal Greenway | VisitWestmeath.ie/get-outdoors

This 130km cycling and walking trail meanders along the banks of the picturesque 225-year-old canal through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford. The greenway features no less than 90 stone-arched bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours, four aqueducts and a number of pretty lock-keepers cottages. Not only Ireland’s longest greenway, it’s also known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and abundance of wildlife. The 165km self-guided National Famine Way shares the route, following the footsteps of 1,490 emigrants who walked from Roscommon to Dublin at the peak of the famine in 1847.

8. Experience the Old Rail Trail | VisitWestmeath.ie/get-outdoors

43kms in total, the Old Rail Trail greenway traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty stone arched bridges. From the Royal Canal in Mullingar to the River Shannon in Athlone, and over the new Greenway Bridge to Athlone Castle, it passes through areas of unique biodiversity and heritage. For rest and refreshments, there are great options in the bustling towns of Athlone, Moate and Mullingar, along withthe new Station House restored into Jack’s Stop café in Streamstown. Bike hire is available at Athlone and Mullingar and options for electric bikes, tandem and child friendly trailers are available. The Old Rail Trail is a must-visit for history buffs, as it features a plethora of information about the old railroad and its history. Entirely off-road and mostly flat, this greenway is very safe for families and perfect for a leisurely cycle or stroll.

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