Walking trail

Newcastle Woodland Trail

Trail Class 3

Trail Grade Easy

Newcastle Woodland is located in Newcastle, Ballymahon, County Longford. This Coillte-managed forest is a semi-mature mixed woodland of 325 hectares that extends to both sides of the River Inny, a main tributary of the River Shannon.

  • Distance: 14km of walkways, with routes of various lengths 
  • Parking available

Overall, there are 28 kilometres of forest roads, trails and walkways. 

This includes a 400m Access for All Walk, and a 1km wheelchair accessible pathway through woodland.

Illustrated map of the Newcastle Woodland Trail showing a looped walking route, local wildlife (such as squirrel and song thrush), trees, flowers, and nearby locations, with trail details and amenities highlighted.
A stone arch bridge crosses a calm river surrounded by green trees. In the foreground, a roadside sign and black bollards line the edge of the road leading towards the bridge. The sky is cloudy.
A young deer with white spots stands alert among tall trees in a dark, dense forest. The ground is covered with red and brown fallen leaves, and green moss grows on the tree trunks.
Walking Trail

Overview

Newcastle Woods surrounds Center Parcs, with walking routes all around its perimeter.

History of Newcastle Woods

Newcastle Wood was part of Newcastle Demesne, an estate of 11,000 hectares run by the King-Harman family in the 1800s. Nearby Newcastle House was where the King-Harmans lived, and there are many features and place names in the woodland which refer back to that time.

Explore the Biodiversity 

Signage throughout the woodland provides an interpretation of the area’s diverse flora and fauna. Walkers can meander at a leisurely pace through the diverse ecological woodland while enjoying the tranquillity and wilderness effect of the forest canopy.

Walking Trail

Nearby Attractions

Carriglas Manor in Killoe

While in the area, you can visit Carriglas Manor in Killoe. This Tudor-Gothic style house was built in 1837 and was the home of the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, Thomas Langlois Lefroy. The Lefroy family had literary connections with novelist Jane Austen. It is even believed that she based the character of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice on Thomas Lefroy.

Center Parcs

Nestled in 400 acres of beautiful historic forest just five kilometres from Ballymahon, Longford Forest is our first resort in Ireland. You’ll find plenty of activities, restaurants and accommodation options tucked away amongst the trees, offering everything you need for a perfect short break.

walking trial

Nearby Places to Eat

Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch, a freshly brewed coffee or a traditional Irish meal, the area offers plenty of options to suit every taste. The perfect way to round off a walk, these local eateries provide warm hospitality and a chance to experience the flavours of rural Longford.

Glenview Lounge

Corner house in Drumlish