14 Best Things To Do In Mullingar, Ireland

1. Follow the Old Rail Trail

A biking enthusiast’s dream is the 40 km (24 miles) dedicated cycle trail that starts in Mullingar and ends in Greenway. The journey provides scenic views, fresh country air and a look at architectural highlights along the route. From arched bridges and tunnels through to the Irish countryside, the old rail trail is one we recommend for leisurely cyclists and serious bikers alike. You can enter and exit the trail at many different points along the route, making it ideal to explore the villages along the way.

Old Rail Trail

Address: Station Road, Moate, R01, Bridge House, Mullingar, Ireland

Website: Old Rail Trail

2. Get to know the local pub culture at Danny Byrnes Pub

The Irish are synonymous with laid back but enthusiastic pub culture. Take in the warm and welcoming atmosphere as if you were one of the locals when you visit the Danny Byrnes Pub. The pub plays sports games and is frequently considered a local town favourite. Enjoy warm meals during windy, rainy days while the pub is filled with cosy fires or sit outside to enjoy the Irish summer.

Danny Byrnes Pub

Address: 27 Pearse St, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 YT32, Ireland

Website: Danny Byrnes Pub

Opening hours: 10am - 2am (daily)

3. Visit the iconic Belvedere House Gardens & Park

Plan to keep half a day aside during your Mullingar visit to take in the landscapes and countryside manor of Belvedere House Gardens and Park. Located just outside the city centre, this country house was built in 1740 as a hunting lodge and designed by one of Ireland’s foremost Palladian architects, Richard Cassels. Walk through the walled Victorian gardens, admire the nineteenth-century architectural gems of the home and take the time to appreciate the Ireland of a different era.

Belvedere House Gardens & Park

Address: Belvidere, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF80, Ireland

Website: Belvedere House Gardens & Park

Opening hours: Mar & Oct: 9:30am - 5pm (daily); Apr & Sep: 9:30am - 7pm (daily); May - Aug: 9:30am - 8pm (daily); Nov - Feb: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD (adults), 5 USD (child)

4. Fulfil your appetite at Oscar's Restaurant

Oscar’s Restaurant is a firm local recommendation in Mullingar, with menu highlights including goat cheese crostini, duck with sweet potato mash amongst others, visit this Blackhall Street restaurant for convenient location, parking availability and accommodating service. Oscar’s would be a great pick to celebrate special events or dine in with kids and groups.

Oscar's Restaurant

Address: 21 Oliver Plunkett St, Commons, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 KR98, Ireland

Website: Oscar’s Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30pm - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 5:30pm - 10pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 2pm, 5:30pm - 8:15pm

5. Get spending at Harbour Place Shopping Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shopping is made convenient at Harbour Place Shopping Centre, located in the centre of town. Find fashion stores, department store brands, beauty options and many retail services at the Shopping Centre. In addition, locals frequently visit the space for its ample services on offer including pharmacies and health care stores, hairdressers and barbers as well as technology and sports outlets. Stop for a coffee or enjoy a meal at one of the many food and beverage outlets also on offer.

Harbour Place Shopping Centre

Address: 15 Harbour St, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Harbour Place Shopping Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 7pm; Thu - Fri: 8:30pm - 9pm; Sat: 8:30am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm

6. Find some peace at Cathedral of Christ the King

Cathedral of Christ the King is a Roman Catholic cathedral that can hold up to 5,000 people. Visit the cathedral as you stroll through the town centre as you cannot miss its beautiful exterior architecture and the peaceful ambience of its interior. This cathedral is an example of renaissance revival architecture and hosts artwork in the mosaics in the chapels of Saint Anne and Saint Patrick by Russian born mosaic artist Boris Anrep, whose work is also found at Westminster Cathedral.

Cathedral of Christ the King

Address: Bishop’s Gate St, Commons, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 EF82, Ireland

Website: Cathedral of Christ the King

7. Keep the children entertained at Mollie Moo's Pet Farm

You are sure to be a hit with the children if you organise an outing to Mollie Moo’s Pet Farm. Spend time with the animals, play in the playground and sandpit, get thrilled with the Go-Karts, Mini Tractors and Crazy Golf all in one location. Children will be able to interact with the animals, feed them as well as learn about their environment. Enjoy the picnic benches and lounge chairs whilst the kids entertain themselves when you visit Mollie Moo’s.

Mollie Moo's Pet Farm

Address: Tudenham, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 HY04, Ireland

Website: Mollie Moo’s Pet Farm

Opening hours: March - May & Sept - Dec: Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri); Jun - Aug: 11am - 5pm (daily) (closed from Jan - Feb)

Price: 10 USD

8. Take in a local performance at Mullingar Arts Centre

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Experience the best of the town’s performing arts including music, ballet, dance, drama and theatre when you visit the Mullingar Arts Centre. The Centre aims to be an educational enclave for performing arts and a focal point for adults, children, disadvantaged and those with special needs to access the various types of art. The theatre hosts a variety of shows and performances so check out their website to keep up-to-date on their latest offerings.

Mullingar Arts Centre

Address: Mount St, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Mullingar Arts Centre

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

9. Enjoy the beauty of O'Meara's Garden Pavilion

A winner of Ireland ‘Garden Centre of the Year’ award, this vast garden centre is a treat for locals and tourists alike. Spread out over 12 acres (4.8 hectares) there are a wide range of products and a beautiful range of flora to choose from. Take a shopping break and have an afternoon tea at Baker’s Garden tearooms or get a jar of their homemade jam’s to take home with you. With even a play area for children to keep themselves entertained, the garden centre is an ideal way to spend an afternoon in Mullingar.

O'Meara's Garden Pavilion

Address: Gaybrook Demesne, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 TW72, Ireland

Website: O'Meara’s Garden Pavilion

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

10. Experience the culture at Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club

Founded 1953, the Mullingar Shamrocks is a private sports club of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Full memberships start at €50.00 (55 USD) per person but visitors to Mullingar can also enjoy a Sunday roast and the ability to watch some of the sporting at the club. Mullingar Shamrocks is a child-friendly atmosphere and welcomes both locals and visitors alike.

Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club

Address: 105 Dalton Park, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 N6F8, Ireland

Website: Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club

11. Engage in fun activities at Ambushed Paintball and Laser Tag

Ideal for groups of friends or even corporate or family bonding, the Ambushed Paintball and Laser Tag game area is one of Ireland’s best paintball sites, set across 32 acres (13 hectares) and within a real forest. Games are played regardless of the weather because of the protection of the forest cover. Get into the zone when you wear your gear and amour and battle out your scenario in the forest area. Paint-balling and laser games provide ample entertainment and fun for the adults on holiday too.

Ambushed Paintball and Laser Tag

Address: Gaybrook Demesne, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Ambushed Paintball and Laser Tagn

Price: 34 USD

12. Hit the target at Lakeland Shooting Centre

The Lakeland Shooting Centre was opened in 1975 and provides a range of target practice options, individual lessons and training for experienced and novice shooters as well as a retail section selling equipment and accessories. The Clay Pigeon Shooting Centre can be used by beginners as well as those with more experience. Some people may enjoy watching the Irish High Performance Olympic Shooting Squad in training as well. The instructors provide all the training in gun safety and shotgun marksmanship and you are able to book sessions with them online.

Lakeland Shooting Centre Ltd

Address: Dalystown Lodge, Walterstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Lakeland Shooting Centre Ltd

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

13. Perfect your strokes at Mullingar Golf Club

The Mullingar Golf Club is a private golf club founded in 1894 and is located on Belvedere Estate. The Golf Club has had several homes previously, but none have compared to 120 acres (48 hectares) of greenery that are available at Belvedere. Designed by James Braid, the golf course itself is one to be admired and not to be missed by golfing enthusiasts. Visit the club to play a round of golf or dine at the clubhouse for a laid back evening.

Mullingar Golf Club

Address: Belvidere, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Mullingar Golf Club

Price: From 67 USD

14. Have a fun family meal at Rock ‘n’ Bowl

Rock ‘n’ Bowl Bowling Alley provides fun and games for the whole family. An ideal space for kids to run around and be entertained, the options seem endless here. The 10 bowling lanes are ideal for groups of children to play in, with ‘Glow in the Dark Bowling’ and 'Automated Bumpers’ on their lanes. Younger children may enjoy the 'Jungle Themed Kids Play Area’ with an indoor football pitch, rope bridges, punch bags, block climb, spider web net and an aerial runway to name just a selection of things that are available for their entertainment. A cafe and large screens are available too for those who want to sit back and relax whilst the kids entertain themselves.

Rock 'n' Bowl

Address: Lynn Rd, Ballinderry, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Website: Rock ‘n’ Bowl

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 11pm

Make the most of Mullingar

With endless pubs, beautiful rivers running through the city centre and endless family entertainment options available, Mullingar makes for a great city to visit. Organise outdoor activities to take in the best of Irish countryside or hide away from the sometimes temperamental weather and with a variety of activities for both adults and children to choose from. Pick from our recommendations for a well-rounded holiday in Mullingar, Ireland.