Mullingar - A Great Place to Live
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Mullingar is a vibrant town that offers a harmonious blend of rich history, cultural attractions, and a welcoming community.
Whether you’re considering relocating or just curious about this charming locale, Mullingar has plenty to offer its residents and visitors alike.
Schools
Mullingar offers excellent schools including Scoil Holy Family Primary School which is within walking distance of Ardmore Hills.
Other schools in the vicinity include:
- St. Colmans Primary School
- Presentation Primary School
- Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn, Primary School
- Scoil Mhuire Christian Brothers Primary School
- Gaelscoil An Choillín, Primary School
- All Saints National School
- The Downs National School
- Mullingar Educate Together National School
- St Finian’s College Secondary School
- Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar Secondary School
- Loreto College, Mullingar Secondary School
- Mullingar Community College Secondary School
- Wilson’s Hospital Secondary School
- St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge
Maynooth University is a short commute away by daily train and bus links.
Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands is also nearby in Athlone.
Shopping
Mullingar offers a wide choice of shops, pubs and restaurants. Fairgreen Shopping Centre, anchored by Pennys contains a range of outlets including Costa Coffee and Tk Maxx.
There are also plenty of large retail outlets including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Lidl and Aldi.
O’Mearas is a gold medal award winning home and garden retail destination.
Harbour Place Shopping Centre is a popular retail hub in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, offering a variety of shops, services, and eateries. It’s located just off the main town square, making it easy to access. The centre is home to a mix of high street stores, local businesses, and specialty shops, catering to everything from fashion and groceries to tech and home goods.
Restaurants
There is a superb choice of top quality restaurants, bars and coffee shops to enjoy.
Greville Arms: Another iconic spot in Mullingar, the Greville Arms is both a pub and a hotel, so it’s ideal for grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a drink in a cozy environment. The food is great, and they often host events, making it a fun place to go with friends.
Mullingar Park Hotel: The Mullingar Park Hotel is a distinguished 4-star establishment located just outside Mullingar town in County Westmeath, less than an hour from Dublin. Easily accessible from the N4 The hotel features the award-winning Terrace Restaurant, known for its exceptional cuisine and elegant ambiance. For a more relaxed setting, guests can enjoy the Horseshoe Bar and Courtyard Lounge, both overlooking private landscaped gardens.
Annebrook House Hotel: The Annebrook House Hotel is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland. Overlooking 10 acres of parkland, it seamlessly blends 17th-century heritage with modern amenities. The Hotel offers a variety of dining experiences to suit different preferences.
Berty’s Bar: Ideal for a relaxed meal, Berty’s Bar serves breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, and a traditional Irish à la carte bar food menu in the evenings. It’s perfect for a quick lunch break or a family gathering.
The Old House Restaurant: Located in the cellar of the original 17th-century manor house, offers a unique dining experience with several interconnected dining rooms for private dining. The menu showcases the finest produce, complemented by an extensive wine and port selection.
Oscars: This is a fantastic restaurant, often regarded for its high-quality food and excellent service. It’s a bit more upscale compared to some of the other spots in town and is known for offering a variety of contemporary Irish and European dishes. Perfect for a nice dinner.
FYA Pizza in Mullingar is a popular spot for pizza lovers! It’s known for serving fresh, tasty pizzas with a wide variety of toppings. They focus on quality ingredients, and the atmosphere is often described as casual and friendly.
Coffee Shops
Coffee lovers will enjoy:
2210 Patissiere: If you’re into baked goods or a lovely spot for coffee and cake, the Patisserie in Mullingar is the place to go. Their selection of pastries and cakes is impressive, making it a popular stop for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Chocolate Brown: Chocolate Brown is a renowned coffee shop in Mullingar, County Westmeath, offering high-quality coffee and delectable treats. They have two locations in Mullingar: one on Dominick Street and another on Austin Friars Street.
Belly Cafe is a popular eateryThey specialize in serving real, fresh food daily, with options catering to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. The cafe is renowned for its breakfast and lunch offerings, including their highly praised “fry,” which has been voted the best in County Westmeath.
A Little Bird Told Me is a charming coffee shop that offers a cozy atmosphere with a backyard area, making it an ideal place to relax. Patrons praise the friendly staff, excellent coffee, and delicious pastries. Unique offerings include free bags of coffee compost for plant enthusiasts.
Pubs
Great Bars to enjoy with the Friends and Family:
Canton Casey’s – This is a lively, traditional pub known for its great pints and warm atmosphere. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for somewhere to settle in for a few drinks with friends. They’ve got a nice selection of whiskey, and the place usually has a good crowd.
Chambers – One of the more well-known spots in Mullingar, Chambers is famous for its buzzing vibe and lively music scene. It’s often packed, especially on weekends, and you can expect a great mix of live bands and DJs. It has a clubby feel but retains that cozy pub atmosphere.
Clarkes – Another local favorite with a more traditional pub setting. Clarkes is perfect for a relaxed drink, a chat with friends, and it has a solid reputation for friendly service. It’s a more chill spot if you’re looking for something a bit quieter but still with that classic Mullingar vibe.
Con’s Bar & Restaurant is a popular dining and social venue. The establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending traditional Irish pub charm with contemporary dining experiences.
Dolans Pub is a well-known establishment in the area. Owned by the Dolan family since the 1970s, the pub was built by musician brothers Joe and Ben Dolan. In 2003, they expanded by adding Mojo’s Nightclub, named in honor of Joe Dolan. In July 2024, Dolans Bar and Mojo’s Nightclub received the award for Best Nightclub in the Republic of Ireland at The Great Irish Hospitality Awards.
Transport
Mullingar provides an unparalleled combination of connectivity, amenity and open green spaces.
Mullingar is your gateway to Dublin and beyond. It is 45 minute commute from Liffey Valley (M50 junction 6) and just 30 mins from the Maynooth Park & Ride facility.
Catch the train or bus from Mullingar to Dublin; the thriving town is well served by an efficient and frequent bus and rail service with 9 return train services per day to Dublin Connolly.
Thriving Cultural Scene
Mullingar is a cultural hub, boasting a lively arts scene and numerous events throughout the year. Some highlights include:
- Mullingar Arts Centre: Hosting a variety of performances ranging from theater to music and dance.
- Annual Festivals: Including the popular Fleadh Cheoil, celebrating traditional Irish music and dance.
A Rich Historical Tapestry
Mullingar’s history stretches back centuries, with its name deriving from the Irish “An Muileann gCearr,” which means “the left-handed mill.” This history is evident in its well-preserved architecture and numerous historical landmarks, including:
- Belvedere House and Gardens: A stunning 18th-century estate set on the shores of Lough Ennell, offering breathtaking views and serene walking paths.
- Mullingar Cathedral: Known for its awe-inspiring architecture and intricate stained-glass windows, this cathedral is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
A Welcoming Community
One of Mullingar’s greatest assets is its friendly and inclusive community. The town offers a variety of amenities that cater to families, young professionals, and retirees
- Education: Home to several reputable schools and educational institutions.
- Health & Wellness: Access to quality healthcare facilities and wellness centers.
- Shopping & Dining: A mix of local boutiques and dining establishments offering everything from traditional Irish fare to international cuisine.
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Activities
For those who love the outdoors, Mullingar is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Here are some activities to enjoy:
- Lakes and Parks: The town is surrounded by beautiful lakes such as Lough Owel and Lough Ennell, perfect for fishing, boating, and leisurely strolls.
- Walking and Cycling Trails: The scenic Royal Canal Greenway offers a peaceful escape for walking or cycling enthusiasts.
Investment in Mullingar
Mullingar is very much a town on the move in recent years.
- Writech – The announcement, development of and opening of the innovation centre at Clonmore with the creation 50 new jobs
- Ardonagh Group – The announcement the opening of the Global Data and Risk Management Centre in Mullingar with the creation of 60 new jobs
- National Science Park – The initial investment here followed by considerable further investment and expansion with the establishment of several occupiers including SteriPack, IMR, Zoosh, Ashland and others
- LIDL Lough Sheever – The announcement and development of a 25,000sq.m. extension to the original facility there bringing the total space to over 62,000sq.m. making it the largest single building in the town and district and possibly county employing over 200 people
- IDA Ardmore – After a hiatus period we welcome the announcement in the IDA 2021-2024 of the development of an Advanced Building Solution [ABS] by the IDA at this location and understand a planning application for this is imminent
- WCC Ardmore – We support the upcoming planning application by Westmeath County Council for an ABS at the Ardmore Business Park and look forward to seeing this proceed
- EV Centre of Excellence [Columb Barracks] – We played a key role in facilitating the advancement of this and look forward to seeing further announcements as this comes to fruition in 2023 and beyond
- Ervia Marlinstown – This saw the development of a regional hub for Ervia and the 60-80 full time roles moving to the town
- Other Companies – We note considerable investment and progress by Robotics and Drives, ACS Drives, Bevcraft, C&D Foods, Bevcraft, Quality Tractor Exports, and others in the town and we are supportive of all these
Mullingar truly is a great place to live, combining historical charm with modern amenities and a strong community spirit.
Whether you’re exploring its cultural offerings or enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds it, Mullingar promises a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle for all its residents.
