Discover Glasson: Bog Walks, Craftsmanship and Céilí Music

Set beside the picturesque River Tullaghan in County Westmeath, Glasson combines a village centre with bog and woodland trails and proximity to Lough Ree. The village lies north of Athlone, and the lake is just a few kilometres away. Glasson offers a range of options to help you plan your trip: a walking trail through bog and woodland, Irish crafts in the village centre and music on Friday evenings.

Bog Walk and Woodland Scenery

The Glasson Bog Walk is a 5 km walking trail through woodland, a bog lake and agricultural land. It follows a road before continuing along a trail through woodland and bog towards Glasson Village. Its length and changing scenery give the walk a clear framework for a stroll. If you enjoy spending your holiday outdoors, you can plan this trail as a separate outing in Glasson.

Portlick Millennium Forest is also near Glasson, on the Whinning Peninsula of Lough Ree. There is a 5 km trail there, with shorter options. It passes through wooded areas and agricultural land. This gives you two different routes to choose from: the Glasson Bog Walk, with its bog lake and woodland, and the trail in Portlick Millennium Forest, which has shorter options.

Local History and Crafts

The Glasson Community and Heritage Centre has a special place in local history: the building was constructed as a schoolhouse in 1844 and later restored by the Glasson community. Today, the centre is used for a range of social, cultural and educational activities for the local community. When it opened, it was intended to serve local residents, visitors to the village and active volunteer groups. The former schoolhouse thus links its original purpose with community life in Glasson.

In the village centre, the Glasson Craft Gallery showcases Irish crafts and original works of art. Its works and offerings include ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glassware and paintings; custom framing is also available. The variety makes the gallery a possible destination for anyone who would like to discover crafts and design alongside walks during their stay. For a holiday with a range of interests, you can alternate time outdoors with a visit to the village.

Pub, Food and Music

Grogan's of Glasson is a traditional family pub and restaurant with a history dating back to 1750. The menu includes steak and seafood specialities. A particularly distinctive musical feature is the traditional Céilí music on Friday evenings, played by three generations of the same family. Travelling musicians are also welcome. If you include Friday evening in your trip plans, this occasion brings together food and a local musical tradition, without making it a daily programme.

More Things to Do Nearby

Portlick is considered a late medieval tower house. If you are interested in historic buildings, you can add it to your list of places to visit. Glasson Golf Club is also in the area. It has an 18-hole championship course designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., with views of Lough Ree. Green fees are available to visitors year-round, and the course is suitable for beginners, intermediate players and experienced golfers. Golf thus adds to the choice of walks, local history, crafts and music.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Glasson, you can consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your stay: trails through bog and woodland, discoveries in the village centre or activities nearby. More town guides: Athlone, Castlepollard, Tang, Kinnegad, Ballydavid, Moate, Killachonna and Rathowen.

For the main travel overview: County Westmeath.