Westmeath, Old Rail Trail Greenway & Uisneach

 

Presenter
Bláthnaid Treacy

Featuring: Dessie Dolan & Justin Moffatt.

About

Bláthnaid Treacy starts her visit to the tracks and trails of Westmeath by taking a bike ride from outside Mullingar to Athlone along the 42km Old Rail Trail Greenway.  She actually starts on the Royal Canal Greenway which runs along the Rail Trail for a short time before she joins the Old Rail Trail at Ballinea .  This is the route of the old Midlands Great Western Railway and is a lovely, flat, easy cycle perfect for families.  She passes through the original and renovated stations of Castletown, Streamstown and Moate, under railway arches and stone bridges and through farmland and disused level crossings.  Bláthnaid meets local GAA All Star Dessie Dolan who accompanies her for some of the route before she takes a pitstop for a breather at Dun na Sí Amenity and Heritage park before she re joins the Greenway passing Crosswood Bog on her way to Athlone.  

The next day Bláthnaid leaves her bike behind to take a 3km route around the Hill of Uisneach.  Local guide Justin Moffatt takes her on a magical tour of this ancient and sacred hilltop site which is the geographical centre of Ireland.  They finish their tour at the famous Catstone where the goddess, Ériu, after which Eire is named, is reputedly buried.  

Distance
Various distances from 1km - 40km.

Estimated Time
Various cycling and walking trails of 1hr or more.

Where to Start
Mullingar, Athlone, Ballinea, Dun na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park or Hill of Uisneach

Terrain underfoot
Greenway, Park & Paths.