Old Rail Trail Westmeath

The Old Rail Trail begins in the bustling town of Athlone and ends in the elegant old market town of Mullingar, County Westmeath. Between these two cultural hotspots, you will hear nothing but birdsong and the whirr of the spokes on your bike as you lose yourself along the spectacular 43km cycle path. The Old Rail Trail is a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway carved through rich fertile farmland, the Old Rail Trail Greenway leads visitors through the very heart of Ireland. The route traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty stone arched bridges. Linking the mighty River Shannon in Athlone with the Royal Canal in Mullingar, it passes through areas of unique biodiversity and heritage along the way.

A Little Bit of Background to the Old Rail Trail
The Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) was the third largest railway company in Ireland in the mid-19th century with a railway network of 866 km across the midlands. The MGWR lines linked Dublin to both Galway and Sligo and in doing so brought an extensive railway network to Westmeath. The railway brought prosperity to the towns along the route, particularly the two largest – Mullingar and Athlone.

Due to the development of the road network, the railway line from Mullingar to Athlone was closed by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE) in 1987. As part of the works for the Old Rail Trail, Westmeath County Council carried out conservation works to protected structures at both Moate and Castletown Stations. Some of the wonderful stone arch bridges along the Old Rail Trail are protected structures, where these are crossed by the Trail they can be identified by the newly erected old style parapet railings.
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Sections of the Old Rail Trail
Athlone to Moate

14.5 km – Mostly flat surface. Suitable for family groups of all ages and all types of bikes. Beginning in the bustling town of Athlone, the The Old Rail Trail Greenway traverses Crosswood Bog’s natural heritage area and through lush green landscapes, before reaching the restored Railway Station buildings in Moate. Why not take a break along the route at Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park, where history and nature collide? Unwind in Moate; this hidden gem of a town provides refreshments, accommodation and the Tuar Ard Arts Centre.

Moate to Castletown

16.3 km – Mostly flat surface with gentle slopes. Suitable for family groups of all ages and all types of bikes. Journey through stunning countryside on the way to the preserved historic Castletown Station building. Opened in 1851, it was in use for more than 100 years. Pass under the iconic three arched bridge at Streamstown. A short diversion from Castletown will allow you to savour the majesty of Uisneach, once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the burial site of the Earth Goddess Ériu and the Sun God Lugh.