Overview
The Westmeath Way is a National Waymarked Trail that stretches roughly 28.3 km (about 33 km according to some sources) across the heart of County Westmeath. Designated as a moderate‑grade walk, it is typically completed in two days, though ambitious walkers can attempt the whole route in a single long day. The trail begins in the historic market town of Kilbeggan, famous for its whiskey distillery and horse‑racing heritage, and finishes in Mullingar, the county’s administrative centre. Along the way you follow the gentle flow of the River Brosna, skirt the literary‑famed shores of Lough Ennell at Lilliput, and travel a short distance on the tow‑path of the Royal Canal before reaching Mullingar.
The route forms part of the larger Dublin‑Galway Greenway and also contributes a segment to EuroVelo 2, the European cycle network that links Dublin to the Atlantic coast. Waymarking is simple – a yellow arrow on a black background – and the trail is managed jointly by Westmeath County Council and the Westmeath Way Committee.
History & Background
The Westmeath Way was officially recognised as a National Waymarked Trail by the Irish Sports Council’s National Trails Office in the early 2000s. Its creation was intended to showcase the county’s natural beauty, historic sites and literary connections. The name Lilliput for the lakeside townland comes from Jonathan Swift, who is said to have stayed with friends on the lake’s shore and later used the name for the tiny island in Gulliver’s Travels.
In 2010 a national review highlighted the trail’s low usage and recommended improvements, such as reducing the proportion of traffic‑heavy roads (which make up about 41 % of the route) and adding looped side‑walks. Subsequent upgrades have introduced better signage, repaired sections of the tow‑path and improved access points, helping the trail to become a more attractive option for both locals and visitors.
What to See & Do
| Section | Highlights | Landscape |
|---|---|---|
| Kilbeggan to Ballinagore | Kilbeggan Distillery information board, River Brosna banks | River‑side paths, occasional overgrown sections |
| Ballinagore to Lilliput (Lough Ennell) | Lilliput – Swift’s literary link, panoramic lake vistas | Lakeshore walk with open water views |
| Lilliput to Bellmount Bridge | Historic Bellmount Bridge, Royal Canal tow‑path | Canal banks, flat, easy walking |
| Bellmount Bridge to Mullingar | Disused Mullingar‑Athlone rail‑trail, final approach to town | Mixed road, field and woodland sections |
Key points of interest
- River Brosna – Quiet river corridor, good for spotting waterfowl.
- Lough Ennell – Southern shore at Lilliput offers sweeping views and a chance to imagine Swift’s fictional island.
- Royal Canal – Flat, traffic‑free tow‑path linking the lake to Mullingar.
- Mullingar town centre – After the walk, explore Mullingar’s cafés, the Cathedral of Christ the King, and the nearby Belvedere House & Gardens.
Suggested Itineraries
- Two‑day walk – Day 1: Kilbeggan to Lilliput (≈ 18 km, 6 h). Overnight in Lilliput (there are B&Bs and the Lilliput Adventure Centre). Day 2: Lilliput to Mullingar (≈ 14 km, 5 h). Finish with a visit to Belvedere House.
- One‑day challenge – Fit the whole 28 km into a long day (≈ 10 h). Start early, carry plenty of water and be prepared for mixed surface types.
Getting There & Practical Details
Access points
- Start – Kilbeggan Information Board (grid reference N 331 355, 53.36866 ‑7.50268). Parking is available in the town centre and at the Kilbeggan Distillery car park.
- Finish – Mullingar town centre (grid reference N 436 534, 53.52874 ‑7.34245). Mullingar railway station provides regular services from Dublin and Galway; a short walk or local bus can bring you to the trail end.
Public transport
- The nearest active train station is Mullingar (Iarnród Éireann). From Dublin Connolly the journey takes about 1 h 15 min.
- Bus Éireann routes connect Dublin, Athlone and Mullingar; local services also run between Kilbeggan and Mullingar.
Parking
- Kilbeggan: free town‑centre parking and a designated car park beside the distillery.
- Mullingar: several municipal car parks near the town centre; a short walk brings you to the trail’s terminus.
Dog policy
- Dogs are not allowed on farmland sections to protect livestock and walkers.
- Dogs are permitted on the tow‑path and river‑bank sections where no livestock grazing occurs.
Waymarking & Navigation
- Look for the distinctive yellow arrow on a black background. In overgrown areas markers can be obscured, so carry a printed or downloaded map.
- Official maps are available from Sport Ireland (see links below).
Road sections
- Approximately 41 % of the route follows local roads; some carry faster traffic. Exercise caution, especially in poor visibility.
Accessibility
- The trail is not wheelchair‑friendly; sections involve uneven ground, field paths and road walking.
Maps & Resources
- Overview map: Westmeath Way – Overview Map.pdf
- Detailed stage maps (PDF):
Nearby Attractions
- Kilbeggan Distillery – Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery, offering tours and a visitor centre.
- Belvedere House Estate and Jealous Wall – 6 km of landscaped woodland walks just outside Mullingar.
- Dysart – A quiet village on the edge of Lough Ennell, ideal for a coffee break.
- Fore – Abbey and Seven Wonders – A short drive north, featuring historic ruins and scenic walks.
- Athlone Castle – About 15 km west, perched on the River Shannon.
Seasonal & Weather Tips
The trail is open year‑round, but:
- Winter – Wet and windy conditions can make river‑bank sections slippery; sturdy boots are advisable.
- Spring & Summer – Longer daylight hours make the full‑day option more feasible; the lakeshore is popular for picnics.
- Autumn – Colours around Lough Ennell are at their best, but fallen leaves can obscure waymarks.
Current Status
The article notes that the Westmeath Way was closed in October 2024 for maintenance. Trail status can change, so visitors should verify the latest information on the official Sport Ireland page before setting out.