Overview
Mullaghmeen sits at the northern tip of County Westmeath, just inside the border with County Meath. At 258 m (894 ft) it is the highest point in Westmeath – and, intriguingly, the lowest county top in Ireland. The hill crowns the Mullaghmeen Forest, a 400‑ha (≈1,000 acre) plantation that is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland and, according to Coillte, the biggest of its kind in Europe. Alongside beech the forest hosts Sitka spruce, Scots pine, noble fir and a curated native‑tree collection, making it a living arboretum as well as a popular walking destination.
History & Landscape
The site was originally an out‑farm belonging to Lord Gradwell of Dowth Hall. In the 1930s the Department of Agriculture acquired the land and, recognising the limestone‑rich soil, planted a mix of deciduous trees sourced from Norway, Sweden and Germany. Over the decades the forest has become a showcase of both planted and native species, while the surrounding landscape bears the scars of Ireland’s past – relic walls of famine fields, a restored famine garden, and the remains of flax pits that once supplied the linen industry. A small summer‑grazing shelter, the Booley Hut, sits just off the Red Trail, offering a glimpse of traditional transhumance practices.
What to See & Do
Mullaghmeen’s trail network is colour‑coded and designed for a range of fitness levels. Below is a quick reference:
| Trail | Length | Approx. Time | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pink Multi‑Access | 0.2 km | 15 min | Easy (multi‑access) | Gentle woodland stroll, ideal for limited mobility |
| Yellow Loop | 1.5 km | 50 min | Moderate | Bluebell‑rich spring, woodland bathing |
| Red Loop (Summit Trail) | 3 km | 1 h 20 min | Easy | Summit cairn, panoramic Lough Sheelin views |
| Blue Loop | 4.5 km | 1 h 45 min | Moderate | Booley Hut, Flax Pits, varied native tree sections |
| White Loop | 8 km | 2 h | Moderate | Famine garden, historic field walls, turloughs in SE corner |
The summit cairn marks the county top and rewards walkers with sweeping vistas north across Lough Sheelin into County Cavan. In spring the forest floor is carpeted with bluebells, while autumn paints the beech canopy in gold and amber. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot grey squirrels, jays, badgers, foxes, pheasants, rabbits and hares, as well as a chorus of songbirds.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (March–May) – The forest is a carpet of native bluebells, making the Yellow Loop especially photogenic.
- Summer (June–August) – Longer daylight hours allow the full eight‑kilometre White Loop to be tackled comfortably; the café‑van is usually on site.
- Autumn (September–November) – Beech leaves turn a rich gold, providing striking contrast against the limestone outcrops.
- Winter – Trails remain open, though weather can be brisk; the pink multi‑access trail is suitable for a quick, sheltered walk.
Accessibility
The pink multi‑access trail is flat, well‑graded and suitable for wheelchair users and prams. All other loops have uneven surfaces typical of forest tracks, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. There is a free car park at the forest entrance, a picnic area, and a small takeaway café‑van on weekends. No public toilets are available, so plan accordingly.
Practical Information
Mullaghmeen is easily reached by road. From Oldcastle, follow the R154 west for 1.8 km, then continue on the L6813 for another 6.3 km before turning right for 300 m to the forest entrance. From Castlepollard, the route runs north on Water Street, past the local schools, and follows a series of sign‑posted turns to the main gate on the left. GPS coordinates for the car park are 53.74695, ‑7.27186.
A free car park sits just beyond the forest entrance, providing ample space for cars and a small takeaway café‑van that appears on weekends. On‑site facilities include a picnic area, a car‑park, and basic walking‑trail signage. There are no admission fees and no additional amenities such as toilets or a visitor centre, so plan accordingly.
For detailed route maps download the official PDF from Coillte: Mullaghmeen Trail Map (PDF). The map shows the four colour‑coded loops, the multi‑access trail and points of historic interest.
If you prefer digital navigation, the ActiveME app offers GPS‑enabled trail overlays for each loop, and the Irish Road Trip blog provides a handy Google‑Maps link to the car‑park location.
Contact: For any queries, call 1890 367 378 or email tony.quinn@coillte.ie. The forest is managed by Coillte, Ireland’s state‑owned forestry company.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider adding one of these Westmeath highlights to your itinerary:
- Belvedere House Estate and Jealous Wall – a grand 18th‑century house with formal gardens and a famous folly.
- Fore – Abbey and Seven Wonders – historic monastic site and a series of ancient stone monuments.
- Hill of Uisneach – often described as the spiritual centre of Ireland, offering panoramic views and mythic lore.
Each is within a reasonable driving distance and provides a different slice of Westmeath’s cultural and natural heritage.