Kinnegad: Walking Trails and Architectural History

Kinnegad combines a circular walking trail through the town with remarkable architectural history and nearby bogland. This gives you a clear question to consider when planning your holiday: would you like to explore Kinnegad itself, or include destinations in the surrounding area too? This may influence where you look for a holiday rental.

A circular walk from the centre to the Bog of Kinnegad

An Boreen Bradach is a circular walking trail that passes through a variety of settings. It starts at the church in the town centre, runs through Kinnegad and the Bog of Kinnegad, and also passes an ancient burial ground. The trail is about 5 km long. Take this distance into account when planning your day; the length alone does not indicate a walking time or difficulty level. If you like to include a walk in your stay, this is a specific route that starts in the town. The bog and burial ground also give the route natural and historical interest.

Bogland, woodland and the Royal Canal Greenway

Nearby nature destinations include Mount Hevey Bog, about 4 km northeast of Kinnegad. This raised bog is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. For a different landscape, visit the Milltownpass Woodland and Bog Trail, about 10 km from Kinnegad. The trail is 1.5 km long and passes through bog and woodland landscapes that are protected for their natural heritage value and high biodiversity. Four wooden sculptures by local artist Richie Clarke depict a hare, an owl, a curlew and a snipe. These motifs add an artistic dimension to the nature trail.

Thomastown Harbour, about 5 km from Kinnegad, is an option for walks and cycle rides along the Royal Canal Greenway. The options described here are therefore quite distinct: An Boreen Bradach is a circular route through Kinnegad and the Bog of Kinnegad; the Milltownpass Trail passes through bog and woodland; and the Greenway offers walks and cycle rides along the canal.

Buildings and traces of the town’s history

Kinnegad’s buildings also tell stories of different periods. The former Church of Ireland cemetery dates from around 1760 and contains a collection of carved stone headstones. It recalls a thriving Church of Ireland community in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. Kinnegad Bridge retains three arches of a bridge built in the 17th century, around 1665. Together, these two places reveal different aspects of the town’s history.

Kinnegad National School was built around 1893. Its projecting gabled fronts create an H-shaped floor 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 schoolmaster’s house retains its original form and character and is part of the local architectural heritage. Another protected building is the former Master's House on Mullingar Road.

The Catholic Church of the Assumption was built between 1904 and 1909 and has stained-glass windows by Mayer of Munich. If you are interested in church architecture and stained glass, these windows add another chapter to Kinnegad’s older cemeteries, bridge and school buildings. Kinnegad Library also offers lending and reading services.

More places to visit

RathowenRathowen, TangTang, Castletown GeogheganCastletown Geoghegan, MullingarMullingar, KillachonnaKillachonna, MoateMoate, GlassonGlasson and MultyfarnhamMultyfarnham.

For the main travel overview: County Westmeath.