Mullingar: Canals, Trails and History

Mullingar brings together trails with historical significance, a distinctive cathedral and waterside landscapes. The town makes a good base if you’re interested in history and longer walking or cycling routes; destinations elsewhere in County Westmeath can also complement your trip. When looking for a holiday rental, it’s helpful to consider whether you want to focus on Mullingar itself or explore more of the county.

Trails between history and water

The 165 km National Famine Way is a waymarked walking and cycling trail that passes through Mullingar. It commemorates the forced emigrant march of 1847, at the height of the Irish Famine. The route brings two scales together: its considerable length and a specific historical connection that is also present in Mullingar.

The Royal Canal Greenway is 32 km long. It runs from the Meath border through the Westmeath countryside to Mullingar, then continues west to Coolnahay Harbour. This route follows the canal, while the National Famine Way recalls a particular historical event. The initial development phase of the Royal Canal Greenway included an 18 km shared walking and cycling path on the towpath of the Royal Canal, from Boardstown Bridge, east of the N52 junction in Mullingar, to the Westmeath–Meath border.

County Westmeath also offers more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling trails. The Old Rail Trail is a 40 km route from Athlone to Mullingar, following a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. This gives you a choice of regional routes with a historical theme and a trail along a former railway line.

The cathedral and landscapes around Mullingar

The imposing Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King was completed in 1936 and designed in the Renaissance style. It is built as a basilica and has two towers and a dome. These architectural features shape the character of the building and create a distinct contrast with the trails and canal landscapes.

The cathedral’s Ecclesiastical Museum houses historical artefacts: vestments worn by St. Oliver Plunkett, a ring once worn by Marie Antoinette, and models of the area’s church buildings from the 17th century to the present day. The collection brings together liturgical objects and an account of regional church architecture spanning several centuries.

About 8 km from Mullingar, the Tudenham Park Trails run along the shore of Lough Ennell and through the grounds of historic Tudenham House. The trails offer scenic lake views. This landscape differs from the linear canal paths: here, the lakeshore and historic estate provide the setting.

Mullingar also has a three-acre dog park between the Royal Canal and the former Mullingar–Athlone railway line. It is accessible via the Royal Canal and Old Rail Trail Greenways. When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose your focus: Mullingar, with its cathedral and trails passing through the town, or a trip that takes in other places in County Westmeath.

More to discover in County Westmeath

According to tradition, the five kingdoms met at the Hill of Uisneach in County Westmeath, which was their centre or “Omphalos.” Guided walking tours explore the site’s myths and legends, High Kings, a large ringfort and historical monuments. For early monastic history, visit Fore Abbey, where St. Feichin founded a Christian monastery in the seventh century AD. The St Feichin’s Way is a circular trail around the abbey; check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Kilbeggan Distillery in County Westmeath, established in 1757, offers a different kind of cultural experience. The Kilbeggan Distillery Experience includes a masterclass tasting of three different whiskeys. It also showcases traditional methods: mashing in oak mash tuns, fermentation in Oregon pine vats and the original waterwheel. As tours and tasting options may change, check the latest information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Killinure, Tang, Castletown Geoghegan, Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Multyfarnham, Killachonna, Ballydavid.

For the broader travel overview: County Westmeath.