Mullingar combines a striking cathedral with two very different routes. The National Famine Way passes through the town; the Royal Canal Greenway runs through the Westmeath countryside to Mullingar and onward west. Their themes and lengths offer two different ways to explore: historical remembrance on one route, and a Greenway connection across the region on the other.
Walking and Cycling with a Historical Connection
The National Famine Way is a 165-kilometre signposted walking and cycling route. It commemorates the forced migration march of 1847, at the height of the Irish Famine. The Royal Canal Greenway is 32 kilometres long and runs from the border with Meath through the Westmeath countryside to Mullingar and onward west to Coolnahay Harbour. The route descriptions make it easy to distinguish whether you are more interested in commemorating a specific historical event or in a longer Greenway connection.
An earlier project phase of the Royal Canal Greenway included an 18-kilometre shared walking and cycling path along the Royal Canal towpath. It ran from Boardstown Bridge, east of the N52 junction in Mullingar, to the border between Westmeath and Meath. These 18 kilometres refer to the project’s initial implementation; the Greenway is described as being 32 kilometres long in total.
Cathedral and Ecclesiastical Museum
Mullingar’s imposing Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King was completed in 1936 and is built in the Renaissance style. Designed as a basilica, it has two towers and a dome. These features give the building a distinctive architectural profile and make it a notable cultural feature of the town.
The Ecclesiastical Museum is located in the cathedral. Its historical artefacts include vestments worn by St Oliver Plunkett and a ring once worn by Marie Antoinette. The collection also includes models of the area’s church buildings, from the 17th century to the present day. The cathedral and museum thus offer two different perspectives on history: the building itself and a collection of religious objects and regional church models.
Green Spaces and Surroundings
Mullingar has a three-acre dog park between the Royal Canal and the former Mullingar–Athlone railway line. It can be reached via the Royal Canal and Old Rail Trail Greenways. For travellers with a dog, it is a specific point to consider when planning a visit, while the two Greenways also serve as important landmarks in the town.
About eight kilometres from Mullingar, the Tudenham Park Trails lie on the shores of Lough Ennell. They offer picturesque lake views and are located on the grounds of historic Tudenham House. This lakeside setting complements the routes and buildings in the town; the approximate distance helps place it in the area around Mullingar.
More Perspectives in County Westmeath
The wider destination of County Westmeath has more than 100 kilometres of walking and cycling routes. These include the 40-kilometre Old Rail Trail from Athlone to Mullingar, which follows a converted section of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The Royal Canal is fully navigable through Westmeath and passes by Mullingar on its way to the River Shannon. Check the navigation status again before setting out on a boat trip.
The Hill of Uisneach also broadens the cultural perspective on County Westmeath: it was the centre, or “Omphalos”, where the five kingdoms met. Guided walking tours explore the site’s myths and legends, the High Kings, a connected ringfort and historical monuments. Booking arrangements may change, so check them in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ballydavid, Killachonna, Glasson, Athlone, Tang, Castlepollard, Kilbeggan, Rathowen.
For the wider travel overview: County Westmeath.
