Old Rail Line

Duration

5 hours

From

€45

Start/End

Athlone or Mullingar

Group size

Accessibility

E-bike and e-mobility friendly

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting Old Rail Trail, a scenic walking and cycling route meandering through the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This historic railway path offers a tranquil escape through picturesque countryside, charming villages, and lush woodlands between Athlone and Mullingar. Ideal for casual walkers, avid cyclists, and families alike, the Old Rail Trail provides a mostly flat and well-maintained surface perfect for an active day out or a multi-day adventure.

The Old Rail Trail is wellness, heritage, and adventure combined - a must experience for anyone wanting to connect with Ireland’s rural heartlands in an immersive, sustainable way.

Highlights include

Ride or walk the historic Old Rail Trail, a safe, flat, mostly off-road route connecting Athlone and Mullingar.
Explore vibrant villages enriched by local culture and hospitality.
Enjoy opportunities to spot native birdlife, peaceful lakes, and tranquil woodlands along the way.
Choose from modern electric bikes and traditional cycles, all expertly maintained and supplied with helmets and local route guidance.
Flexible tour durations available - from short day trips to extended scenic adventures with luggage transport support.

Accessibility

Ethical Tours is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can enjoy our eco adventures.
Our tours are designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities, with e mobility scooters and accessible cycling options available.
We provide accessible route options that are free from steps or uneven ground.
For additional assistance, contact us for more information on our guest experience services

Languages

Inclusions

Tour Gallery

FAQ’s

Can I choose between guided and self-guided tours?

Yes! We offer guided group tours with a knowledgeable local guide, as well as self-guided options for both bike and walking routes using Garmin GPS devices pre-loaded with routes and points of interest.

What is included with tours and hires?

Electric or manual bike or e-mobility scooter (for relevant tours)

Helmet, high-visibility vest, and all safety equipment

Garmin navigation device for self-guided bike tours

Reusable water bottle and homemade energy bar

Expert local guides for guided tours

What if the weather is poor?

Your safety is our priority. If weather conditions make walking, cycling, or water activities unsafe, we will work with you to reschedule or offer a refund.

How far can I go on an electric bike?

Our eBikes usually provide at least 90 km on a single charge, depending on the terrain and level of pedal assistance used—enough to comfortably complete any of our advertised experiences

What Others Say

James Proctor

12 Sep 2025

We had an excellent day out on the Guided E-Bike Tour of the Shannon Riverside Eco Adventure. The route along the quiet scenic country roads along the Shannon was stunning and so peaceful. Brendan was a fantastic guide - his passion for the area really shines through, and his local knowledge made the experience extra special. He even showed us where he grew up, which gave a lovely personal touch to the tour. We also had the chance to stop off at a local farm, which was interesting. This is a brilliant option if you’re looking for something different and a bit off the beaten track. Highly recommend!

Nora Kavanagh

May 2025

Our family of 6 adults spent a very enjoyable day over Easter Weekend 2025 on e-bikes with Ethical Tours Ballymahon. Brendan the owner was our guide for the day and he took us on a cycle through the forest near Centre Parks, along the canal and around Corlea Bog Trackway. We also visited Corlea Visitors Centre for a very interesting and informative talk on the Corlea Bog Iron Age Roadway. The cycle was easy for all of us and the e-bikes were top quality. Brendan was an excellent guide and allowed us to dictate the pace and the length of the trip. We finished the day with a tasty meal in The Jolly Boys Ballymahon made extra special by a pint of the locally brewed IPA. 5 stars to Ballymahon Ethical Tours. Definitely an experience worth trying. Dave and Nora Kavanagh.

Patrick McCann

12 Jul 2025

Brand new bikes with plenty of power and comfort. Brendan took us on a nice spin around the Newcastle Woodland and then we set out on our own down the Royal Canal to the Corlea Bog Walkway. An amazing and scenic day out. Pick up and drop-off were a breeze. Thank you Brendan

Denise Greene

May 2025

Our swim team had the absolute pleasure of joining Ethical Tours for a bicycle tour through stunning forests, peaceful boglands, and alongside a scenic canal – and it was nothing short of amazing! One of the highlights of the tour was our stop at the Corlea Visitor Centre, where we were treated to a fascinating and informative tour. The history and natural beauty of the area really came to life and gave us a deeper appreciation for the land we were cycling through. A huge shoutout to Brendan, our tour guide – he was outstanding! His knowledge of the environment, combined with his warm, approachable manner, made the whole experience incredibly enriching. He was clearly passionate about the area and truly made the journey special. This was hands-down one of the best team-building activities we’ve ever done. It struck the perfect balance between adventure, learning, and connection. We highly recommend Ethical Tours to any group looking for a unique and memorable day out. We’ll definitely be back!