
Old Rail Trail Greenway Mullingar-Athlone
A 40km flat, smooth greenway connecting Mullingar and Athlone, perfect for cycling and walking with scenic views and historical railway architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Smooth surface, scenic views

Old Rail Trail Greenway Mullingar-Athlone
Best Time
Smooth surface, scenic views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 40km flat, smooth greenway connecting Mullingar and Athlone, perfect for cycling and walking with scenic views and historical railway architecture.
"Fantastic fast smooth surface most of the way, loads of interesting old railway architecture, very well maintained."

🚴 Cycle the Full Length
The 40km Mullingar to Athlone Greenway is mostly flat and smooth, ideal for a full day's cycle.
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent! The trail can have many mosquitoes, especially during warmer times.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mullingar to Athlone Stretch
Entire 40km length
Experience the full 40km of the Old Rail Trail Greenway, a mostly flat and smooth path perfect for cycling or walking.

Railway Architecture
Along the trail
Discover fascinating remnants of old railway history, with well-maintained architecture dotted along the route.

Scenic Views
Various points
Enjoy lovely, scenic landscapes that make the journey from Mullingar to Athlone a visual delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bike Rental Logistics
Mosquito Defense
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚴 Cycle the Full Length
The 40km Mullingar to Athlone Greenway is mostly flat and smooth, ideal for a full day's cycle.
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent! The trail can have many mosquitoes, especially during warmer times.
🅿️ Easy Parking Available
Free public parking is available at the trail entrance in Mullingar, with adequate spaces.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 8 hours to complete the entire 40km length of the greenway.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚴 Cycle the Full Length
The 40km Mullingar to Athlone Greenway is mostly flat and smooth, ideal for a full day's cycle.
🦟 Pack Mosquito Repellent
Don't forget repellent! The trail can have many mosquitoes, especially during warmer times.
🅿️ Easy Parking Available
Free public parking is available at the trail entrance in Mullingar, with adequate spaces.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 8 hours to complete the entire 40km length of the greenway.
🚲 Check Bike Rental Hours
If renting bikes, confirm opening times with providers like OE Bikes beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Old Rail Trail Greenway for its excellent, smooth, and flat surface, making it ideal for both cycling and walking. The scenic beauty and interesting historical railway architecture are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some find the trail entrance a bit hard to locate, and a significant number of reviewers warn about the prevalence of mosquitoes.
"Nice greenway, plenty of parking available here. If you are renting bikes please make note of opening times of the bike rental place. We rented bikes from OE bikes and had a good time on the greenway. The total length of greenway from Mullingar to Athlone is 40km. Plenty of places to stop and relax along the way. Terrain is mostly flat so it is easy to walk or cycle. Need atleast 8 hours to complete the entire length ."
lahari anandur
"It’s a really nice trail to walk or to cycle. Very scenic. Wear a good layer of mosquito repellent because the walk has too many mosquitoes."
Chunmun Mudgal
"Fantastic fast smooth surface most of the way. Loads of interesting old railway architecture, very well maintained Greenway overall. Cycled from Mullingar to Athlone with the wind behind me, came back in a headwind but not too bad as a lot of the track is sheltered......if you enjoy cycling don't miss it...."
Peter B (V Eight)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail entrance and a free public car park are located in Mullingar. While well-maintained, some visitors find it a little tricky to locate if unfamiliar with the area. Look for signs indicating the greenway access.
Yes, there is a well-located, free public car park adjacent to the trail entrance in Mullingar with approximately 50 spaces. Portable toilets are also available and maintained.
While the primary access points and reviews often mention Mullingar, the greenway connects Mullingar to Athlone, suggesting access points are available from both ends.
The greenway itself is the best way to travel between Mullingar and Athlone if you're cycling or walking. For getting to the start point, driving and parking is recommended.
Information on direct public transport to the specific trailheads is limited in reviews. Driving to the designated parking areas in Mullingar is the most commonly mentioned approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Old Rail Trail Greenway is a free public amenity. There are no admission fees to walk or cycle the path.
As an outdoor public trail, the greenway is generally accessible at all times. However, specific facilities like bike rentals will have their own operating hours.
No booking is required to use the Old Rail Trail Greenway. It's an open public path for everyone to enjoy.
There are no specific time restrictions mentioned for accessing the greenway itself, though it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
OE Bikes is a mentioned provider for bike rentals. It's crucial to check their specific opening times and availability in advance of your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terrain is described as mostly flat with a fantastic, fast, and smooth surface, making it very easy for walking and cycling.
Completing the entire 40km length from Mullingar to Athlone typically requires at least 8 hours, especially if you plan to stop and relax.
Yes, there are plenty of places to stop and relax along the 40km route, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and take breaks.
The flat and smooth terrain makes it very suitable for families, including children, for both walking and cycling.
You can expect lovely, scenic views and interesting old railway architecture along the well-maintained path.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for remnants of old railway architecture, scenic stretches with open views, and any points where the path is sheltered by trees for varied photographic opportunities.
The smooth and wide surface makes it relatively easy to cycle. However, for safety, it's best to stop at designated rest areas or pull over to take photos.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Consider the wind direction if cycling.
Keep an eye out for old bridges, signal boxes, and station remnants – these historical railway structures offer unique photographic subjects along the route.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will suffice. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for capturing distant details of the architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as mosquito repellent, as these can be prevalent. The availability of parking in Mullingar makes it convenient to start your family adventure. Consider renting bikes if your children are comfortable cycling longer distances, but ensure you check rental shop hours beforehand.
🚴 Cyclists Seeking Smooth Trails
Cyclists should be prepared for potential wind conditions, as the open nature of the trail can expose you. However, many sections offer shelter, mitigating the impact. The historical elements, such as old railway structures, add a unique dimension to the ride. Planning your trip around bike rental availability and checking weather forecasts will enhance your cycling experience on this excellent path.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Old Rail Trail Greenway
For those planning a cycling trip, renting bikes from local providers like OE Bikes is an option, but it's crucial to check their opening hours in advance to avoid disappointment. The full 40km route can take a significant portion of the day, with visitors suggesting at least 8 hours to complete it comfortably, allowing for stops and relaxation. The scenic beauty of the route adds to the overall appeal, making it a memorable cycling adventure.
Walking and Nature on the Greenway
However, walkers should be aware of potential insect nuisances. Reviews frequently mention a high number of mosquitoes along the trail, particularly during warmer periods. It's highly recommended to pack effective mosquito repellent to ensure an uninterrupted and pleasant walking experience. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the greenway is a beautiful and worthwhile place to explore on foot.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit