Wilkinstown is a charming village in the heart of County Meath, situated along the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway between Navan and Nobber. Surrounded by rolling countryside, the village has a rich heritage shaped by medieval settlement, agriculture and more than 130 years of railway history.
History of Wilkinstown
A steam special to Kingscourt in the mid-1960s. © Norman McAdams-Irish Railway Record Society 14_May_1966
The village takes its name from its medieval Anglo-Norman settlers rather than an ancient fortification. It literally translates to "the town of Wilkin"—with Wilkin being a common medieval pet-name or diminutive form of William. Nearby, St. John's Church, built in the early 19th century, is an important landmark reflecting the village's long-established community.
Wilkinstown is best known for its railway heritage. The station opened in 1872 on the Navan to Kingscourt railway line and served the village for generations. The original single platform, station building and stone-built goods store still survive, together with the cattle bank and the site of the former signal cabin. Passenger services ended in 1947, but freight trains carrying gypsum from Kingscourt continued to use the line until 2001. The final train to pass through Wilkinstown was a weed-spraying train.
The railway was essential to the local farming community. Livestock was brought by rail from the west of Ireland to County Meath, where cattle were fattened before being sold at market. Wilkinstown's cattle bank allowed animals to be safely loaded and unloaded from railway wagons and remains an important reminder of the village's agricultural heritage.
People waiting for the train at Wilkinstown to go to the All-Ireland Football final on September 25th, 1949. © Copyright credit image Jimmy Cooney
The station also played its part in Meath's sporting history. Special trains carried supporters to Dublin for major Gaelic football matches, including the 1949 All-Ireland Senior Football Final when Meath defeated Cavan to win their first All-Ireland title. The final score was 1-10 to 1-6.
Wilkinstown Station remained in railway use for 130 years. While passenger services ended in 1947, the last train did not pass through the station until 7 June 2002.
The Wilkinstown station building is one of the best-preserved surviving stations on the former Navan–Kingscourt railway.
Literary Connections
Wilkinstown has a special connection with one of Ireland's best-loved poets, Francis Ledwidge. During his lifetime, Ledwidge had a romantic relationship with Lizzie Healy from Wilkinstown and wrote fondly of the village:
"I could have stayed down in Wilkinstown forever, it is so infinitely peaceful... You don't know how fortunate you are."
Things to Do
Today, the former railway line has been transformed into the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway, offering walkers and cyclists the opportunity to experience the route once travelled by steam locomotives while enjoying the beautiful Meath countryside.
Take time to explore the historic Wilkinstown railway station, one of the best-preserved stations along the former Navan to Kingscourt line. Discover the original platform, goods store, cattle bank and the remains of the signal cabin before continuing your journey along the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway. Visitors can also admire nearby Wilkinstown Castle and enjoy the peaceful rural scenery that makes this part of County Meath so special.
Visit Park Beo Greenway Hub in Wilkinstown for a great base to start your greenway journey, or take a break. Feel Good Bike rent is also based here.