The Old Rail Trail Greenway: Athlone to Mullingar
43 km of flat former railway between Athlone and Mullingar, split into three sections. Bike hire, Athlone Castle and pacing it with children.
Introduction
Nothing on the Old Rail Trail will hurt you. It runs 43 km from Athlone on the Shannon to Mullingar, on the bed of the old Midland Great Western Railway line. Railway engineers did not build gradients if they could avoid them, so the whole thing is close to level and the surface is good. That combination makes it one of the few routes in the country a seven-year-old can do end to end.
Bike hire is available at both ends and at Moate in the middle. The rest of this page covers where to stop, what to bring, and how to split the trail if you would rather take two days over it.
Overview of the Old Rail Trail
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 43 km (26.7 mi) |
| Surface | Compact gravel / fine tarmac, suitable for hybrid, mountain, road or e-bikes |
| Difficulty | Easy, mostly level with gentle slopes; perfect for all ages |
| Access points | Whitegates (Athlone), Tully, Moate, Castletown Station, Newbrook (Royal Canal link) |
| Year opened | 2022 (fully paved in 2023) |
| Highlights | Restored stone-arch bridges, Crosswood Bog nature reserve, Hill of Uisneach, Royal Canal Greenway connection |
The trail follows the River Shannon at its western end and the Royal Canal at its eastern end, weaving through farmland, wetlands and small villages. Because the route is traffic-free, children can ride safely on their own bikes, in child seats or on tow-along trailers.
Planning Your Family Adventure
Choosing the Right Bike
| Rider | Recommended Bike |
|---|---|
| Adults | Hybrid or gravel bike (wide tyres for comfort on gravel) |
| Teens | Mountain bike or road bike (if comfortable on mixed surface) |
| Young children | Balance bike, junior hybrid, or a sturdy child-seat/tow-along trailer |
E-bikes are welcome and make the 43 km feel effortless, especially on a warm day or when carrying a child. Most local hire shops provide helmets and child seats free of charge.
Bike Hire Options
| Location | Contact | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Buckley Cycles, Athlone | +353 90 64 78989 | Wide range of hybrids, e-bikes, child seats |
| Moate Bicycle Hire | +353 87 982 4082 | Small-town base, easy drop-off at Moate access point |
| Outdoor Escape, Mullingar | +353 44 933 5351 | Offers touring bikes and guided rides |
| Mullingar Bike Hire | +353 44 933 6014 | Convenient for the final leg to the town centre |
| Midland Cycling Tours | +353 87 125 8462 | Guided family tours, bike-packing options |
Most shops allow a full-day hire for €20-€30, with discounts for families or groups of three or more.
Packing Checklist
- Clothing: Waterproof jacket, layered layers, bright high-vis vest, cycling gloves, hat for sun/rain.
- Footwear: Closed, sturdy shoes (cycling shoes optional).
- Safety gear: Helmet (mandatory for children), eye protection, bike lock.
- Extras: Refillable water bottle (≥1 L), energy bars, sunscreen, basic bike repair kit (spare tube, tyre levers, pump).
- Family items: Picnic blanket, portable games or a nature-identification guide for kids.
Weather & When to Go
Westmeath weather is changeable; the best months are May-September when daylight exceeds 14 hours and temperatures range 15-20 °C. Even in summer, pack a raincoat, showers can appear quickly. Spring offers wildflowers and fewer crowds, while early autumn provides brilliant foliage.
Breaking the Trail into Sections
1. Athlone → Moate (14.5 km)
- Terrain: Flat, smooth surface, perfect for a warm-up ride.
- Highlights: Crosswood Bog nature reserve, River Shannon views, Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park (playground, café, wetland walks).
- Pit-stop: Grab a snack at the park café or pack a picnic to enjoy by the water.
2. Moate → Castletown (16.3 km)
- Terrain: Gentle undulations, still family-friendly.
- Highlights: Restored Castletown Station (1851), the three-arch Streamstown bridge, optional detour to Hill of Uisneach (6 km loop, Ireland’s mythic centre, great for a short hike and story-telling).
- Pit-stop: Visit the Castletown Arts Centre or refill at the local shop.
3. Castletown → Mullingar (11.4 km)
- Terrain: Mostly flat with a short tunnel.
- Highlights: Merge with the Royal Canal Greenway at Newbrook, scenic canal tow-path, final approach into Mullingar town centre.
- Pit-stop: Refresh at a café near the canal or explore Mullingar’s Belvedere House before ending the ride.
Attractions Along the Way
Athlone Castle
The castle sits on the Shannon bank and has interactive displays and a kids’ trail. Worth half an hour before or after the ride.
Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park (Moate)
A family-friendly hub with a playground, outdoor art, and a café. The park’s wetland boardwalk is perfect for spotting birds and dragonflies.
Streamstown Stone-Arch Bridges
Three masonry arches spanning the old railway line. Nearly everyone stops here, and the children will want to know what ran underneath.
Hill of Uisneach
Just a short side-track from Castletown, this ancient ceremonial site is steeped in myth. Bring a picnic and let the children explore the cairns and stone circles.
Royal Canal Greenway (Mullingar)
At Newbrook the trail joins the Royal Canal Greenway. Rent a kayak or paddleboard for a few hours, or simply stroll along the water’s edge before heading back to town.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Nature scavenger hunt: Create a list of birds, insects and plant species to spot in Crosswood Bog and the canal tow-path.
- Storytelling at Uisneach: Share legends of the High Kings and the goddess Ériu. It also buys everyone ten minutes of sitting down.
- Picnic challenges: Each family member prepares a snack; the most creative dish wins a “greenway badge.”
- Bike-maintenance workshop: Many hire shops offer a quick tutorial on fixing a flat, a useful skill for young riders.
Where to Stay & Eat
Athlone
- Radisson Blu Hotel: modern rooms, riverside location.
- Athlone Springs Hotel: spa facilities for post-ride relaxation.
- The Magical Lakeside Yurt: unique glamping beside Lough Ree.
Moate
- Annebrook House Hotel: cosy B&B with garden views.
- Café Dún na Sí: light meals, kid-friendly menu.
Mullingar
- Bloomfield House Hotel: lakeside luxury, spa, family suites.
- Old House Restaurant: fine dining in a 17th-century manor.
- Weirs Bar & Restaurant: relaxed pub food, great for children.
All venues accept credit cards and many offer breakfast packages that include fresh fruit and pastries, ideal fuel for a day on the trail.
Safety, Etiquette & Practical Tips
- Helmet on at all times: many hire shops provide them free of charge.
- Wear high-visibility clothing: even though the greenway is traffic-free, cyclists travel at speed, especially e-bikes.
- Stay on the path: respect the protected stone bridges and wildlife habitats.
- Leave no trace: take all litter home; use designated bins at villages.
- Follow the sign-posting: distance markers are in kilometres; note the nearest access point in case of fatigue or a change of plans.
- Emergency contacts: 999/112 for emergencies; local Garda stations in Athlone and Mullingar for non-urgent assistance.
- Bike lock: most villages have secure bike racks; lock your bike when stopping at cafés or attractions.
Sample Itineraries
A One-Day Family Loop (Athlone → Moate → Castletown → Return)
- 08:00: Pick up bikes in Athlone, helmet check.
- 08:30: Start cycling to Moate (14.5 km, ~1 h).
- 09:45: Picnic at Dún na Sí, playground time.
- 10:45: Continue to Castletown (16.3 km, ~1 h 15 m).
- 12:15: Lunch at Castletown Station café.
- 13:00: Short detour to Hill of Uisneach (6 km round-trip, ~1 h).
- 14:30: Return to Castletown, head back to Athlone (30 km total, ~3 h 30 m ride time, plus stops).
- 16:30: Return bikes, enjoy an evening at Athlone Castle.
Two-Day Relaxed Adventure
Day 1, Athlone to Moate
- Ride the first 14.5 km, explore Crosswood Bog.
- Check into a B&B in Moate, dinner at the local café.
Day 2, Moate to Mullingar
- Continue to Castletown, visit Streamstown bridges.
- Detour to Uisneach, then finish at Mullingar.
- Celebrate with dinner at Old House Restaurant, stay overnight at Bloomfield House.
Conclusion
The Old Rail Trail is not a challenge, and that is rather the point of it. Flat gravel and fine tarmac, no traffic, bike hire at both ends and at Moate, and a playground or a café roughly every hour of riding.
Take two days over it if you have small children and want the Hill of Uisneach detour as well. One day is plenty otherwise, though a 43 km out and back is a long way for young legs. Book hire ahead in July and August.