Old Rail Trail Greenway
43 km one-way to Mullingar; shorter sections rideable or walkable from Athlone · Mostly flat with gentle slopes throughout elevation
About
The Old Rail Trail Greenway follows the old Midlands Great Western Railway line for 43 km between Athlone and Mullingar, linking the Shannon at Athlone to the Royal Canal at Mullingar. The route is family-friendly, mostly flat with gentle slopes, and runs in three rough sections: Athlone to Moate, past Crosswood Bog and the Dún na Sí Heritage Park; Moate to Castletown, past the iconic three-arched Streamstown Bridge; and Castletown to Mullingar, through sheltered countryside to the Royal Canal Greenway. Most visitors based in Athlone will walk or cycle a section rather than the full length, and it is a genuinely well-regarded local amenity, growing in popularity as more of it is upgraded. Bikes can be hired in the town.
Highlights
- ✓A 43 km traffic-free former railway line to Mullingar
- ✓Links the Shannon at Athlone to the Royal Canal at Mullingar
- ✓Passes Crosswood Bog, Dún na Sí Heritage Park and the Streamstown Bridge
- ✓Suitable for families, casual cyclists and e-bikes
Tips
- →Bikes and e-bikes can be hired in the town; confirm current operators locally.
- →Most visitors do a section rather than the full 43 km; the Athlone to Moate stretch is a good half-day taste.
- →The trail starts near Athlone railway station on the Whitegates access point.