Best Dog Parks and Walks in Athlone: A 2026 Guide
Athlone sits right on the River Shannon and the shore of Lough Ree, which means most of the best dog walks here are water-adjacent — canal towpaths, forest peninsulas and lakeside trails rather than manicured city parks. This guide covers the on-leash town walks, the off-leash forest and lough trails, and the region's only dedicated fenced dog park.
Quick answer: for a short, scenic walk from the town centre, the Athlone Castle riverside and canal loop is the go-to. For off-leash space, head to Portlick Millennium Forest Park on Lough Ree, and for a fully fenced, secure off-leash run, the nearest option is Westmeath's first dog park, between the Royal Canal and the Old Rail Trail Greenway.
Quick-reference: Athlone's best dog walks at a glance
| Location | Leash rule | Distance from Athlone | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athlone Castle riverside & canal loop | On-leash | In town | Short scenic walk, nature trail |
| Burgess Park | On-leash | In town | Quick stroll, memorial garden |
| Portlick Millennium Forest Park | Off-leash in areas | ~5 km | Lough Ree shoreline, 3 trail options |
| Lough Ree Park Walking Trail (Hare Island) | Off-leash with good recall | ~15–20 min | Quiet lakeside trail (watch for algae) |
| Westmeath's first dog park | Off-leash, fully fenced | Regional (near Royal Canal/Old Rail Trail) | Secure off-leash run |
| Longhill Dog Park, Tyrellspass | Off-leash, private booking | ~25 min (N4/N6 corridor) | Exclusive reserved off-leash sessions |
| Whinning Peninsula, Lough Ree | On-leash | ~5–10 km | Farmland and old ruins walk |
1. Athlone Castle riverside and canal loop
A 5km loop starting in the shadow of Athlone Castle, following the banks of the River Shannon and the Athlone Canal before continuing along a nature trail. It's the easiest, most central option for a proper walk without leaving town, and a good spot to look out for local wildlife and fish along the water.
2. Burgess Park
A short loop walk near the town centre around the River Shannon, with a memorial garden attached. Dogs must stay on-leash — it's a compact, well-used spot best for a quick stretch of the legs rather than a long walk.
3. Portlick Millennium Forest Park
On the eastern shore of Lough Ree, about 5km north of Athlone, Portlick offers three trails of varying difficulty through woods and along the shoreline, with dogs welcome off-leash in some areas. It's the best genuinely scenic off-leash option close to town, combining lake views with proper forest walking.
4. Lough Ree Park Walking Trail, Hare Island
A quiet, dog-friendly trail with shaded areas, generally suitable for off-leash walking if your dog has solid recall. One important caution: reviews note algae in the water at times, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans, so keep dogs from drinking or swimming here without checking conditions first.
5. Westmeath's first dog park
Opened in 2022, this fully enclosed three-acre dog park sits between the Royal Canal and the Old Rail Trail Greenway — the region's only purpose-built, fenced off-leash facility. It's a short drive from Athlone rather than in the town itself, but it's the most secure off-leash option in the wider area, particularly useful for dogs that need a controlled space away from livestock or wildlife.
6. Longhill Dog Park, Tyrellspass
A private, reservation-based off-leash park just off the N4/N6 corridor in Tyrellspass, roughly 25 minutes from Athlone. Sessions are exclusive-use, meaning no other dogs unless you invite them — a good option for reactive dogs or anyone wanting guaranteed off-leash space without the unpredictability of a public park.
7. Whinning Peninsula, Lough Ree
A walk through woods and farmland taking in old ruins on the peninsula, on-leash given the farmland setting and grazing livestock in the area.
Know the rules before you go
Athlone's in-town parks (Burgess Park, the castle loop) require dogs on-leash, while the lough-shore forest trails (Portlick, Lough Ree Park Trail) generally allow off-leash walking for dogs with reliable recall. Given the amount of open water around Athlone, it's worth checking for blue-green algae warnings before letting a dog swim, particularly in summer.
Long lakeside and forest walks are exactly where a hands-free setup earns its keep — the Swoopet Leash Link clips onto the lead so it's always to hand on the Portlick trails or the canal loop, no-touch and no fuss, without needing to carry a separate bag dispenser on a multi-kilometre walk.