Overview
Mullaghmeen sits at the northern edge of County Westmeath, just across the border from County Meath. At 258 m (894 ft) it is the highest point in Westmeath and, by a technicality, the lowest county top in Ireland. The hill is the centrepiece of Mullaghmeen Forest, a 400-hectare (roughly 1,000-acre) Coillte estate that holds the title of Ireland’s largest planted beech forest and, according to forestry records, the biggest of its kind in Europe. While European beech dominates the canopy, the grounds also host Sitka spruce, Scots pine, noble fir and a curated collection of native species, making the site as much a living arboretum as a walking destination.
History & Landscape
The land was originally an out-farm belonging to Lord Gradwell of Dowth Hall. In the 1930s, the Department of Agriculture acquired the estate and began transforming the limestone-rich soil into a commercial and educational woodland. Trees were sourced from across Scandinavia and Central Europe, and over the decades the plantation evolved into a mixed-species forest.
The surrounding landscape carries visible traces of Ireland’s agricultural and industrial past. As you walk, you’ll pass the stone relic walls of old famine fields, a restored famine garden that demonstrates 19th-century subsistence farming, and the remains of flax pits that once fed the local linen trade. Just off the Red Trail sits a reconstructed Booley Hut – a traditional stone and turf shelter used by herders during seasonal transhumance, when livestock were moved to higher ground in summer. It offers a quiet, tangible connection to centuries of Irish farming practice.
Walking the Trails
The forest’s trail network is colour-coded and clearly signposted, making it straightforward to plan a route that matches your pace and fitness level.
| Trail | Length | Approx. Time | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Multi-Access | 0.2 km | 15 min | Easy (all-terrain) | Flat, graded path ideal for wheelchairs, prams and limited mobility |
| Yellow Loop | 1.5 km | 50 min | Moderate | Dappled woodland, bluebell hotspots in spring |
| Red Loop (Summit Trail) | 3 km | 1 h 20 min | Easy | Summit cairn, open views north across Lough Sheelin |
| Blue Loop | 4.5 km | 1 h 45 min | Moderate | Booley Hut, historic flax pits, native tree sections |
| White Loop | 8 km | 2 h | Moderate | Famine garden, field walls, seasonal turloughs in the southeast corner |
The Red Loop is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. It climbs steadily to the summit cairn, where the canopy breaks and you get a clear sightline north into County Cavan. For a more relaxed outing, combine the Pink and Yellow loops. If you’re after history and varied terrain, the Blue and White loops link up most of the archaeological features and native woodland patches.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (March–May) – Native bluebells carpet the forest floor, particularly along the Yellow and Red trails. The light is soft, and bird activity peaks.
- Summer (June–August) – Longer days make the full 8 km White Loop comfortable. The weekend café-van typically operates during this period, and the grassy clearings are popular for picnics.
- Autumn (September–November) – Beech foliage shifts to gold and copper, contrasting sharply with the grey limestone outcrops. Trails can be damp, so waterproof footwear is essential.
- Winter – The forest remains open year-round. The Pink trail offers a sheltered, quick walk, while the summit provides crisp, unobstructed views on clear days.
Accessibility & Facilities
Mullaghmeen is designed to be welcoming to a wide range of visitors. The Pink Multi-Access trail is flat, well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. All other loops follow natural forest tracks with roots, stones and occasional mud, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
There is a free car park at the forest entrance with space for cars and small coaches. A picnic area sits near the trailheads, and a small takeaway café-van operates on weekends during the warmer months. Please note: there are no public toilets or visitor centre on site, so plan accordingly. Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control, particularly near wildlife and livestock gates.
Getting There
Mullaghmeen is well-signposted and easily reached by car:
- From Oldcastle: Follow the R154 west for 1.8 km, continue onto the L6813 for 6.3 km, then turn right after 300 m for the forest entrance.
- From Castlepollard: Head north on Water Street, pass the local schools, and follow the signposted rural route to the main gate on the left.
GPS coordinates for the car park are 53.74695, -7.27186. Mobile signal can be patchy in the deeper woodland, so download the official trail map before you arrive: Mullaghmeen Trail Map (PDF). For digital navigation, the ActiveME app includes GPS overlays for each colour loop.
For queries or reporting trail issues, contact Coillte on 1890 367 378 or email tony.quinn@coillte.ie.
Nearby Attractions
If you have extra time in North Westmeath, these sites pair well with a walk at Mullaghmeen:
- Belvedere House Estate and Jealous Wall – An 18th-century country house with formal gardens and a striking neoclassical folly.
- Fore – Abbey and Seven Wonders – A medieval monastic settlement surrounded by a ring of ancient standing stones and stone circles.
- Hill of Uisneach – A mythic site traditionally regarded as the spiritual centre of Ireland, featuring burial mounds and a cross on a limestone ridge.
Each is within a short drive and offers a distinct layer of Westmeath’s heritage. Download the trail map, pack a snack, and aim for a morning start to enjoy the forest before the weekend crowds arrive.