Walk The Westmeath Way - 33km Way Marked Walking Route
The Route can be comfortably walked in two days
County Westmeath, one of Ireland’s smaller counties, is in the midlands, and the Hill of Uisneach in the county is considered the geographical centre of the country. The Westmeath Way is a 33km-long low-level linear walking route from the town of Kilbeggan, famous for its whiskey distilling and horse racing, to the town of Mullingar, the administrative centre of the county. The route follows a section of the River Brosna and then public roads northwards to the townsland of Lilliput on the shores of Lough Ennell: Jonathan Swift is said to have stayed with friends on the lake’s shore, and used the name for his fantasy island in Gulliver’s Travels.
The route then continues by road, fields and woodland path to reach the north end of the lake, and from there it goes by road and canal tow path into Mullingar. Apart from pleasant river-bank stretches (which may be a little wet and overgrown), woodland sections and canal bank, much of this route is on road, some sections of which carry fast traffic.
Start to Finish: The starting point for the Westmeath way is at Locke’s Distillery museum, Kilbeggan. From Locke’s distillery follow the road towards the business estate. At the main gate turn right & follow the path over to the canal. You will reach the River Brosna & will follow the path upriver. You will get to a bridge called Coola bridge, which has an Old mill building adjacent to it. Follow a farm road from here. You will reach two gates and you will return to the path along the River bank. Continue on to the quaint village of Ballinagore & the on to the peaceful setting of Lough Ennell at Liliput. From here you will be walking cross country towards Dysart village. On the bog road you will reach a bend. Turn right along a muddy track. You will reach the ruins of an old farmhouse. Keep to the right down through the fields to reach a footbridge on the Dysart River. Continue through Dysart village. Outside the village you will reach a stile, cross this & descend through fields until you reach an old track that leads down to another footbridge. Cross over into fields & enter the Keoltown woods. Follow the route to Bellmount Bridge, follow the right hand bank of the Royal Canal all the way to Mullingar town. The Westmeath way finishes at the Harbour Bridge, Mullingar.
For more information and a FREE Map contact: Tourist Office, Dublin Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath
Tel: +353 (0)44 9348650
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