Newcastle Wood Walk
This circular loop walk explores Newcastle Wood near Ballymahon in County Longford. The walk also includes a waterside stretch along the river and canal.
The trails wind through the extensive woodland, which was once part of the Newcastle Estate, owned by the influential Shuldham family. Remnants of this history can still be seen in the estate walls, gates, and old pathways that crisscross the woods. The walk is well-marked and caters to various fitness levels, with gentle gradients and well-maintained paths. Visitors can explore different sections of the wood, including dense forest areas, open clearings, and the banks of the River Inny, which flows through the woodland.
The walk is particularly atmospheric, with the dappled light filtering through the trees and the soothing sounds of birdsong and the river. The trails offer an opportunity to enjoy moments of tranquillity, making it a popular spot for walkers, families, and nature enthusiasts. Seasonal changes add to the charm, with vibrant greens in spring and summer giving way to stunning autumnal colours later in the year.
You can extend your walk along the Royal Canal to the east of the woods.
Newcastle Wood Open Street Map 
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Newcastle Wood Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
You can continue your walking on the Corlea Trackway. Here you will find the fascinating Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, which houses an 18-meter stretch of a preserved Iron Age roadway, constructed in 148 BC from heavy oak planks. Near here there's Longford you can pick up the Longford Canal Branch of the Royal Canal and enjoy an easy waterside walk.
Head south to pick up the Lough Ree Park Walking Trail. There's some lovely views across the expansive lough from this pretty waterside park.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Stone Bridge over Inny. Newcastle Wood is home to diverse flora and fauna. The forest is predominantly composed of native tree species such as oak, ash, and hazel, alongside conifers like Scots pine. The understorey is rich with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, including primroses, wood anemones, and bluebells in spring. Along the riverbanks, reeds and water-loving plants create a lush habitat for various species. Wildlife in the wood includes foxes, badgers, and squirrels, with red squirrels occasionally spotted due to ongoing conservation efforts. Birds such as robins, wrens, and thrushes are common, while woodpeckers and jays add to the vibrant avian life. The river provides a habitat for kingfishers, herons, and, occasionally, otters. Butterflies like the speckled wood can be seen on sunny days, flitting through the clearings. The blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical context makes Newcastle Wood a captivating destination for a walk.
Royal Canal from Guy's Bridge in Kilcurry, Co. Longford