Overview
Most people come to Castletown Geoghegan for the Old Rail Trail, the 43-kilometre greenway between Athlone and Mullingar, and the village’s restored railway station is the natural stopping point on it. A word of warning before you set your satnav, though: the station sits about 3 km from the village centre by road, so the two are not quite the same place. The village itself (Irish: Baile Chaisleáin Mag Eochagán) is a small one – 141 people at the 2016 census – a few kilometres south-west of Lough Ennell in the flat country between Mullingar and Athlone. It rewards a slow half-day: a ride on the greenway, a paddle on the lake, and a look at the Geoghegan motte.
History & Heritage
The village takes its name from the Geoghegan (Mac Eochagáin) family, a Gaelic lineage that once controlled the Barony of Moycashel, tracing its ancestry back to Fiacha, son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. The name most often attached to it is Conall Mag Eochagáin, who in 1627 translated the Annals of Clonmacnoise into the Elizabethan English of his day – a translation that matters because the Irish original is lost, and Conall’s version is all that survives. Later, the 18th-century historian Abbé James MacGeoghegan, from the nearby Uisneach district, drew on the family’s history to write a celebrated account of Ireland while exiled in France.
Though the original Geoghegan castle was dismantled centuries ago, a prominent earthen motte remains visible along the main road. This grassy mound marks the site of the fortified tower that once overlooked the settlement. Public access to the mound itself isn’t permitted, but it is a quiet reminder of how far the area’s history reaches back.
The Midland Great Western Railway reached the area in the 19th century; Castletown station opened in 1851 and closed in 1963 when the line shut. The building has since been restored and is now a feature on the greenway that runs along the old track bed, platform edges and period detail intact.
The Old Rail Trail Greenway
The Old Rail Trail is a 43-kilometre off-road greenway following the former railway between Athlone and Mullingar, surfaced with compacted gravel that suits hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and walking alike. The restored Castletown station sits roughly midway along the route and makes a natural stopping point for a photo or a rest, about 3 km out from the village proper.
Cyclists and walkers will appreciate the gentle gradients and the variety of scenery the trail offers. The route passes through quiet country lanes, crosses stone-arched bridges, and cuts through stretches of native woodland. It’s a family-friendly route that avoids busy roads, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for riders of most fitness levels. A few of the historic stone bridges are narrow, so cyclists should dismount if sharing the path with walkers. The trail links directly to the urban greenways in Mullingar and finishes near Athlone Castle in Athlone.
Watersports & Lough Ennell
Just a short distance from the village centre, the waters of Lough Ennell provide a natural playground for summer visitors. The nearby Lilliput Adventure Centre is a well-established hub for watersports, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided lake tours. It’s a popular spot for families and beginners, with equipment hire, safety gear, and on-site instruction available during the warmer months.
Beyond the activity centre, the shoreline and surrounding wetlands support a healthy population of waterfowl, kingfishers, and reed warblers. The calm waters are also ideal for leisurely boat trips, and several local operators provide small craft hire for exploring the lake’s inlets and islands. Dogs are generally welcome on the boats and along the greenway, making it easy to bring your pet along for a day out.
Village Life & Local Amenities
For its size the village punches hard at one thing: hurling. The GAA club plays at Páirc Mhic Eochagáin and has taken 14 Westmeath Senior Hurling Championship titles – a game said to have been introduced locally by a Kilkenny railway employee, which tells you something about what the railway brought besides trains. The other local claim to fame runs on four legs: Airborne, winner of the 1946 Epsom Derby, was bred just outside the village in 1943, and there is still a point-to-point racecourse here that hosts the Barbour Cup. For food, The Forge Pizza and Cafe is the go-to in the village, with Cedarwood House among the B&Bs nearby.
For those interested in local history, a short drive takes you to Fore, known for its early Christian abbey and the “Seven Wonders” of ancient folklore, or to the Hill of Uisneach, traditionally regarded as the spiritual centre of Ireland. Both make excellent additions to a day trip based in Castletown Geoghegan.
Getting There & Practical Information
The village is easily reached by car via the N52, with free parking available near the village centre and at the greenway trailhead. For public transport users, the nearest railway station is in Mullingar, approximately 13 km away, with regular Irish Rail services to Dublin and Galway. Local bus routes connect the village to Mullingar on weekdays.
- Old Rail Trail: Open year-round, free to use. No booking required.
- Watersports: Seasonal operation, typically April to October. Check individual providers for current hours and weather-dependent closures.
- Accessibility: The greenway’s compacted gravel surface is suitable for most cyclists and walkers. Wheelchair users may find the narrow stone bridges challenging, but the main route between stations is largely manageable.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable weather for cycling and watersports, though the greenway is popular year-round for winter walks.
The easy day here is a morning on the greenway, a coffee at the restored station, and an afternoon paddle at the Lilliput Adventure Centre on Lough Ennell, less than 5 km away – and the boats there take dogs, if yours has come along for the ride.