Mullaghmeen, Co. Westmeath

When the urge to walk around Ireland’s biggest beech plantation kicks in (and you just know it will), then you’ll need to get yourself to Mullaghmeen forest in Westmeath.

In fact, it’s the largest beech forest in western europe, not that this makes it any easier to find. On my drive to the park I severely doubted the wisdom of using my Nokia phone’s GPS feature as it took me down increasingly narrow roads. When grass started growing in the middle of the path and plants began trying to get in the window I really started to wonder if I was on the right track.  In the end though, the phone got me practically to the gates of the park, so I was duly impressed and won’t doubt the instructions again. As ever the wise course of action is to have maps along and know roughly where you are going – and where you are – so if the device packs in you aren’t completely lost.

Narrow backroads of Westmeath

At 258 meters Mullaghmeen is the lowest of Ireland’s county high points, so  I felt it would be suitable to bring my three-year old son along for the walk. During the drive down we were both delighted to see so many spring lambs and calves in the fields, not to mention our surprise at coming around a bend and sighting the wonderfully atmospheric Fore Abbey lying at the bottom a picturesque valley.

Fore Abbey

The park has a fine area for cars with a couple of picnic tables along with information boards outlining the routes that can be followed. We took the red route which forms a 45 minute loop that meanders over rolling hills and links off to several items of interest such as flax pits and famine fields. It all looks very pretty and I imagine a little later in the spring the forest will look even better with a fresh burst of flowers in bloom on the floor.

Beech trees, Mullaghmeen forest

A short detour takes you up clear of the forest to the summit cairn where fine views can be had to Lough Sheelin to the north, among other attractions.

View towards Lough Sheelin from Mullaghmeen

This was a pleasant walk which gave my son a great sense of achievement. He loved being the highest boy in Westmeath and can’t wait to go back. The path was accessible all the way with the buggy, which was just as well as the boy chose to enjoy the scenery while being pushed up some of the hills.

Don't be fooled. This child spent half the time being pushed in his buggy!

Map
If you only intend to walk in the park then you won’t need map sheet 41.

Reference
The Irish times recently did a piece on the park, you can read it here.

[October 2010 edit] – The Irish Independent have also written a piece on Westmeath’s highest point.

Here’s what Coillte says about Mullaghmeen, including downloadable map.

Finally, the lowdown from Mountain Views. (May require registration)

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