Old Rail Trail Greenway
Westmeath · Greenway · Ireland · Best: April to October
About this trail
Old Rail Trail Greenway — Trail Guide
The Old Rail Trail Greenway between Athlone and Mullingar is a stunning 42km point-to-point route that follows a disused railway line through the heart of County Westmeath. This flat, well-maintained tarmac trail offers exceptional scenery with views across boglands, woodland sections, and charming rural villages including Glasson and Tyrellspass. The gradient is virtually non-existent, making it accessible for all abilities, while the continuous smooth surface ensures a comfortable ride. Key landmarks include the historic Athlone Castle at the start and the impressive Mullingar town arrival. Best visited April to October when weather is optimal. Practical tip 1: Start early to avoid afternoon fatigue on the longer stages and to ensure you reach facilities before closing. Practical tip 2: Bring plenty of water and snacks as village stops can be sparse in the middle sections, particularly between Glasson and Tyrellspass.
Ebike Suitability
The Old Rail Trail Greenway is absolutely perfect for ebikes thanks to its flat terrain, absence of technical sections, and long distance coverage that benefits hugely from electric assistance. Mid-range hardtail ebikes with 250-500W motors are ideal for this route, though any quality ebike will perform excellently. A 400-600Wh battery is recommended to comfortably manage the full 42km journey with assist engaged, particularly helpful when riding into prevailing winds across the exposed bogland sections. Electric assistance truly shines on the longer middle stage between Glasson and Tyrellspass, where the consistent flat terrain allows you to maintain steady pace with minimal effort, making the whole experience more enjoyable and allowing riders to focus on the spectacular scenery rather than physical exertion.
What Riders Say
Riders consistently praise the Old Rail Trail Greenway for its outstanding scenery, with many highlighting the peaceful bogland vistas and unexpected woodland beauty. The tarmac surface receives universal approval for being smooth, well-maintained, and perfect for comfortable riding all day. Signposting is excellent throughout, giving riders confidence to navigate without constant map checking. The route passes through welcoming villages with good facilities, particularly Athlone and Mullingar at each end. Memorable experiences frequently mentioned include the sense of tranquility, abundant birdlife, and the unique Irish landscape that feels remote despite being easily accessible. Many riders describe it as a meditative ride that offers both challenge and relaxation in perfect balance.
Trail Highlights
Plan Your Trip
Choose how many days you have and we'll show you the best way to experience this trail.
Official Trail Website →Waterside Wonder: The Glasson Loop
Athlone to Glasson Village · 14
This gentle 14km route follows the scenic former railway line with stunning views of the River Shannon and Lough Ree. The flat terrain makes it perfect for cyclists of all abilities seeking a relaxing riverside experience. Glasson Village offers charming waterside pubs and restaurants to celebrate your ride.
Trail Stages
Where You Are
Begin your journey at Athlone Castle, a iconic starting point rich in history. The trail immediately becomes peaceful and immersive as you leave the town behind, following the perfectly flat former railway corridor through open bogland and occasional woodland. This opening stage is relatively easy paced, allowing you to warm up and settle into a comfortable rhythm. The landscape opens dramatically with wide horizons and excellent sightlines across the Westmeath countryside.
What You Will See
You will encounter Glasson village approximately halfway, a charming riverside settlement where the Royal Canal intersects with your route. This is an ideal spot to take a rest, visit the local cafe, and recharge both yourself and your ebike battery if needed. The tarmac is consistently excellent throughout this stage, with minimal elevation changes and clear signposting.
Where You Are
This middle stage represents the longest section between settlements and is where ebike assistance truly earns its value. Leaving Glasson, the trail enters more extensive bogland scenery with fewer trees and wider open vistas that are particularly impressive during golden hour. The flatness remains absolute, but the exposure to weather means you may encounter headwinds, especially from westerly directions.
What You Will See
The surface remains pristine tarmac throughout, and the route maintains its excellent standard of maintenance. Tyrellspass is a small historic village that once served as an important military post, and you will notice the elevated terrain as you approach, though the trail itself remains level. This is another good refreshment stop with basic facilities. Signposting continues to be clear and reassuring throughout this potentially lonely-feeling middle section.
Where You Are
The final stage builds momentum as you approach Mullingar, with increasing woodland coverage providing welcome shade and shelter. The landscape gradually becomes more inhabited and developed as you move toward the larger town, though the trail environment remains peaceful and separated from traffic. The gradient remains perfectly flat throughout, making this a strong finishing section where you can enjoy the sense of journey completion.
What You Will See
Mullingar gradually reveals itself as you approach, with the trail eventually connecting to town amenities. The arrival in Mullingar town centre marks the end of your journey, where you will find numerous cafes, restaurants, shops and services to celebrate your achievement. The entire final section is exceptionally well signposted with clear directions into the town.
Trail Details
| County | Westmeath |
| Distance | 42km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Type | Greenway |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| Start Point | Athlone Castle |
| End Point | Mullingar Town Centre |
| Best Months | April to October |
| Ebike Suitable | No |
What to Bring
Getting Here
From Dublin: Take M4/M6 west towards Athlone (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). From Cork: Take N8 north to N7, then N4 east to Athlone (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes). From Galway: Take M4 east to Athlone (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Nearest airports: Shannon Airport (90 minutes), Cork Airport (2 hours 15 minutes). Athlone has good rail connections from Dublin on Irish Rail. Mullingar has public transport links back to Athlone or onward destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Old Rail Trail Greenway suitable for families with children?
Yes, absolutely. The completely flat terrain, smooth tarmac surface, and absence of traffic make this an ideal family ride. Children can ride independently or be assisted depending on age and confidence. Many families break the 42km into manageable sections over two days, staying overnight at Glasson or Tyrellspass.
What is the best time of day to ride the trail?
Early morning (7-9am) is ideal to avoid afternoon crowds and ensure all village facilities are open. The light is excellent for photography, and temperatures are cooler for comfortable riding. Avoid late afternoon departures as you may miss closing times for village cafes.
Are there accommodation options along the route?
Yes. Athlone and Mullingar have extensive accommodation options. Glasson village has a small hotel and guesthouses. Tyrellspass has basic facilities but is best used as a day-visit stop. Most riders complete the full route in one day or split it across two days using Glasson as an overnight base.
What is the weather typically like on the trail?
April to October offers the best conditions with mild to warm temperatures. The exposed bogland sections mean wind can be significant, particularly from the west. Bring waterproof gear as Irish weather is unpredictable. The open landscape provides little shelter, so sun protection and layers are essential.
Is there a cafe or food option at the midpoint?
Glasson village (14km) has a cafe and small shop. Tyrellspass (29km) has basic refreshment options. For the full 42km journey, it is essential to carry sufficient water and snacks, as the middle section between Glasson and Tyrellspass (15km) is quite exposed with limited facilities.
Can I return to Athlone from Mullingar by public transport with my ebike?
Yes. Irish Rail services operate between Mullingar and Athlone. Buses also operate this route. Most services allow ebikes to be transported, though advance confirmation is recommended. Alternatively, you can cycle back for a full out-and-back experience using the same route.
What makes this trail perfect for ebikes compared to regular bikes?
The 42km distance and consistent exposure mean ebike assist helps maintain pace and energy throughout the day. Battery range is sufficient for the full distance with assist enabled. The flat terrain means motors work efficiently, and you can enjoy the scenery without physical exhaustion. Ebikes make this accessible to more riders and abilities.
Quick Facts
| Distance | 42km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Surface | Tarmac |
| County | Westmeath |
| Best Months | April to October |
Nearby Bike Hire
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