There’s nothing like a good long stroll in the countryside to blow away the cobwebs, put some colour in the kids’ cheeks, and tire them out nicely for bedtime! If you’re looking for great family walks in Westmeath, you’re in luck — this county is packed with rivers, ruins, forests and lakeshores just waiting to be explored.
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Pack a picnic, bring wellies, and make the most of the unique sights on these ten diverse walks around Westmeath.
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Get Some Fresh Air With These Walks in Westmeath
#1. Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park
Image: Westmeath Co Co
The Amenity & Heritage Park at Dún na Sí is a fantastic spot for kids. Little ones can meet the ancient Irish warrior Lugh, who stands guard over Dún na Sí with his magic spear, before ambling through the parklands and wetland reserve, spotting art installations along the way.
There’s a children’s playground next to the café, which serves coffee and lunch.
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#2. Fore Abbey
© Westmeath County Council (Visit Westmeath)
Another favourite among family walks in Westmeath is the award-winning St Fechin’s Trail in Fore, near Castlepollard. This 3km looped walk winds through unspoilt countryside, taking in thousands of years of early Christian heritage.
The ruins of a Norman monastery sit on the site, making a fantastic backdrop for a family picnic. There are also a few nearby spots for refreshments if you’d rather sit down after your walk.
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#3. Mullaghmeen Forest
Mullaghmeen Forest, near Castlepollard, is the largest planted beech forest in Ireland, spread across more than 1,000 acres. Alongside the beech, you’ll find Sitka spruce, Scots pine, Noble fir and plenty of native species too.
There’s an extensive network of paths here to suit all abilities and ages, including a summit trail with views over Lough Sheelin and into County Cavan.
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#4. Belvedere House and Gardens
Belvedere House and Gardens is a truly magical spot, taking in 160 acres of grounds with 10km of serene trails along the lakeshore and through the woodlands. The trails are a lovely way to explore the flora and fauna at Belvedere, with some trees on the estate hundreds of years old. There’s also a walled garden and arboretum full of exotic plants, plus a fairy garden for the younger members of the family.
Belvedere House hosts nature-themed events throughout the year, including bat walks, dawn chorus walks and tree walks.
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#5. Royal Canal Greenway
© Westmeath County Council (Visit Westmeath)
The Royal Canal runs 145km from Dublin to the River Shannon, and the Greenway alongside it is a lovely waterside trail offering a safe, scenic route for cyclists and walkers.
The Westmeath stretch of the Greenway runs for around 32km, from the Meath/Westmeath border to Abbeyshrule in County Longford. You can walk or cycle for a full day out, or just enjoy a short stroll — there are several access points along the route from various public roads.
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#6. Westmeath Way
The Westmeath Way stretches for around 33km from Kilbeggan to Mullingar. The nicest stretch of this route follows a section of the River Brosna, then heads north to the townland of Lilliput on the shores of Lough Ennell.
The remainder of the route follows road, field and woodland path to the north end of the lake, then by road and canal towpath into Mullingar. The later stages follow busier roads, so this section may not be ideal for very young children.
#7. Donore Wood
Donore Wood, near Multyfarnham, sits on the southern shore of Lough Derravaragh and has a rich natural and human history behind it.
Donore is home to plenty of birds and wild animals, with badger, fox and grey squirrel among the more common sightings. The wood also has a rich variety of wild plants growing among its grasses and sedges.
#8. Tullynally Castle and Gardens
This privately owned castle and its grounds are well worth a visit, with more than 12 acres of garden divided between walled gardens, extensive woodland gardens and two ornamental lakes.
There are marked walking trails throughout, and it’s a perfect garden for children to explore — pick up the children’s treasure trail from the Tea Rooms and let the kids loose to hunt for excitement around the gardens.
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#9. Portlick Millennium Forest
Situated on the eastern shore of Lough Ree, roughly 5km northwest of Glassan and 8km north of Athlone, Portlick is a native hazel and ash woodland, with lesser amounts of oak, whitebeam, holly, alder, willow, birch and hawthorn. The forest floor is home to woodrush, bluebell, primrose, wood sorrel, violet, ivy, lords and ladies, and bramble — plenty for curious kids to spot along the way.
The main trail runs for about 5km, though shorter options are available too.
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#10. Athlone Town Walk
Set at the geographical heart of Ireland, Athlone has been the River Shannon’s main crossing point since medieval times. Its long history has given way to a busy midlands tourist hub, linking east and west and anchored by its handsome arched bridge.
Start at the quay wall by Athlone Castle, then follow the 5km looped trail in either direction to take in the sights and history of the town.
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More Ways to Explore Westmeath
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Bookmark this page or share it with a friend so you always have a fresh Westmeath walk ready for the next free afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family walks in Westmeath?
Westmeath has walks to suit every kind of family day out, from short amenity park strolls like Dún na Sí to longer looped trails like Fore Abbey’s St Fechin’s Trail, forest walks at Mullaghmeen and Portlick, and greenway routes along the Royal Canal. Most of the walks on this list are suitable for children, though a few later stretches (such as parts of the Westmeath Way) follow busier roads and are better suited to older kids.
Are these walks suitable for buggies or younger children?
Many of the shorter, park-based walks — such as Dún na Sí, Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle — have well-maintained paths suitable for buggies and younger children. The longer looped trails and forest walks involve more uneven ground, so they’re best suited to children who are confident walking longer distances.
Do any of these walks have places to stop for food?
Several locations have on-site cafés or tea rooms, including Dún na Sí and Tullynally Castle. Fore Abbey has a few nearby options for refreshments too. It’s always worth checking current opening days before you travel, as these can change seasonally.
Is there an entry fee for any of these walks?
Some locations, such as Belvedere House and Tullynally Castle, charge an entry fee for the wider gardens and estate, while the walking trails themselves are generally free to access. Check directly with each site for current pricing before your visit.
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Not sure which walk to try first? Save this list of great family walks in Westmeath so it’s ready whenever you fancy a day outdoors, or browse our other Westmeath and Ireland-wide adventure ideas for more inspiration.
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