The best walks and hikes around Oldcastle

The trails around Oldcastle cater to a range of fitness levels. The area has over 60 routes, with most being classified as easy or moderate. You'll find gentle forest paths and leisurely lake walks, as well as more challenging hill climbs with rewarding views. There are only a few trails rated as difficult, making the region very accessible for most hikers.

Yes, Balrath Woods is a great option for families. It's a highly-regarded local spot with several flat, easy-to-follow paths that are perfect for all ages. The trails are mostly wide, and you can complete a full loop of the woods in under 4 kilometers.

Many trails in the area are suitable for hiking with dogs, but policies can vary, especially around farmland and heritage sites. In forested areas like Mullaghmeen Forest, dogs are generally welcome but should be kept on a lead to protect wildlife. Always check local signage at the trailhead for specific rules, particularly at the Loughcrew Cairns where livestock may be grazing.

Absolutely. Many of the best walks in the area are loops, meaning you can start and finish in the same place without retracing your steps. For a shorter but scenic option, the Seank – View from Bickerton Hill loop from Bickerton is a great choice. If you're looking for something longer, the Big Mere – Hadley Covert loop from Marbury offers a more substantial moderate hike.

Most popular trailheads have dedicated parking. For the Loughcrew Cairns, there is a car park at the base of the hill. Mullaghmeen Forest also has an official car park near the main entrance. For other spots like Deerpark Forest, be aware that some access points are informal, so it's best to navigate to the main entrance for more reliable parking and information boards.

For panoramic views, the hike to the Loughcrew Cairns (also known as Slieve na Calliagh or the Hills of the Witch) is unmatched, offering vistas across the surrounding counties. Another excellent choice is the summit trail in Mullaghmeen Forest, which takes you to the highest point in County Westmeath with views over Lough Sheelin.

Yes, a sunrise hike at Loughcrew is a popular and memorable experience. The site is particularly significant during the spring and autumn equinoxes when the rising sun illuminates the passage and art inside Cairn T. Access to the site is generally open, but for specific information on dawn access to the tomb's chamber during the equinox, it's best to check with Heritage Ireland.

Mullaghmeen Forest, the largest planted beech forest in Ireland, offers a variety of well-maintained walking trails. You can expect wide forest roads and narrower woodland paths under a dense canopy of trees. The terrain is generally moderate with some inclines, especially on the 8-kilometer summit trail. It's a great place for a sheltered walk on a windy day.

For a truly unique experience, the Girley Bog Eco Walk is an excellent choice. This trail loops through a raised bog ecosystem, allowing you to walk on a boardwalk over a landscape that is thousands of years old. It's a fantastic opportunity to see distinctive flora and fauna not found on typical forest or hill walks.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible blend of history and nature, especially the experience of walking among the ancient Loughcrew Cairns. The tranquility and scale of Mullaghmeen Forest are also consistently highlighted as a major draw for visitors.

Reaching the main trailheads like Loughcrew and Mullaghmeen Forest via public transport can be challenging as they are in rural locations. Bus services typically run to the town of Oldcastle itself. From there, you would likely need to arrange a local taxi to get to the start of your hike. It's recommended to check bus schedules and taxi availability in advance.

While most routes are easy to moderate, there are options for those seeking a challenge. The Malpas Castle Hill loop from Malpas is a longer, moderate walk of over 14 km that involves varied terrain and some navigation. Combining several trails in Mullaghmeen Forest can also create a full day of strenuous hiking.