# Mullingar > town in County Westmeath, Ireland **Wikidata**: [Q55308](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55308) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullingar) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mullingar ## Summary Mullingar is a town located in County Westmeath, Ireland. It serves as a key urban center in the Irish Midlands and is notable for its historical landmarks, transportation infrastructure, and religious institutions. ## Key Facts - **Location:** County Westmeath, Ireland - **Population:** 20,928 (as of most recent data) - **Coordinates:** Latitude 53.5224, Longitude -7.3378 - **Entity Type:** Town - **Country:** Ireland (Éire) - **County:** County Westmeath - **Founded:** Part of administrative region since at least 1542 - **Railway Stations:** Mullingar railway station, Kilcock railway station - **Religious Sites:** Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar (established 1936) - **Historical Sites:** Knockdrin Castle - **Diocese:** Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath (headquartered in nearby Mullingar) - **Transportation Links:** Connected via rail to Dublin and other parts of Ireland - **Notable Infrastructure:** Mullingar railway station, Kilcock railway station ## FAQs **What is Mullingar known for?** Mullingar is known as a historic market town in County Westmeath, recognized for its role in regional transportation, religious heritage, and proximity to significant historical sites like Knockdrin Castle. It is also home to the Cathedral of Christ the King, a key religious landmark. **Where is Mullingar located?** Mullingar is located in County Westmeath, Ireland. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 53.5224°N latitude and -7.3378°W longitude. **What are the key landmarks in Mullingar?** Key landmarks in Mullingar include the Cathedral of Christ the King, established in 1936, and nearby Knockdrin Castle. The town also serves as the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath. **What transportation infrastructure is available in Mullingar?** Mullingar is served by two railway stations: Mullingar railway station and Kilcock railway station. These stations connect the town to Dublin and other parts of Ireland, making it a regional transport hub. **What is the population of Mullingar?** The population of Mullingar is recorded as 20,928. **What administrative or religious regions does Mullingar belong to?** Mullingar is located in County Westmeath and is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath, which is headquartered in the town. ## Why It Matters Mullingar plays a central role in the Midlands of Ireland as both a transportation hub and a cultural landmark. Its railway connections make it a vital link between Dublin and the western regions of the country. The town also holds religious and historical significance due to its cathedral and proximity to historic estates like Knockdrin Castle, contributing to both local identity and tourism. ## Notable For - **Transportation Hub:** Home to two railway stations—Mullingar and Kilcock—connecting the town to Dublin and other regions. - **Religious Heritage:** Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath and home to the Cathedral of Christ the King, established in 1936. - **Historical Significance:** Located near Knockdrin Castle, a preserved historical site. - **Regional Importance:** Serves as a central urban node in County Westmeath, one of Ireland’s historically significant counties. - **Population Size:** With a population of over 20,000, it is one of the larger towns in the Irish Midlands. ## Body ### Geography and Location Mullingar is situated in County Westmeath, Ireland. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 53.5224°N latitude and -7.3378°W longitude. The town lies in the heart of the Irish Midlands, making it a central point for regional travel and commerce. It is part of the broader administrative region of County Westmeath, which was established in 1542. ### History and Founding Mullingar has a long-standing role in the history of County Westmeath. While the exact founding date of the town is not specified, its presence is well-documented by the 19th century. The town grew in prominence due to its strategic location and became a focal point for transportation and religious administration in the region. ### Transportation and Infrastructure Mullingar is served by two railway stations: - **Mullingar Railway Station:** A key stop connecting the town to Dublin and other parts of Ireland. - **Kilcock Railway Station:** Located nearby, also contributing to regional rail access. These stations underscore Mullingar’s role as a transportation hub in the Midlands. ### Religious and Cultural Significance Mullingar holds significant religious importance: - **Cathedral of Christ the King:** Established in 1936, this cathedral is a central feature of the town and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath. The diocese oversees religious activities in the surrounding region and is headquartered in Mullingar. - **Roman Catholic Diocese of Meath:** This diocese is a key ecclesiastical entity in Ireland, with Mullingar as its administrative center. ### Historical Landmarks Mullingar is near several historical sites: - **Knockdrin Castle:** A preserved castle in County Westmeath, contributing to the area’s historical and cultural heritage. - **County Westmeath:** Established in 1542, the county provides historical context for Mullingar’s development. ### Demographics Mullingar has a population of 20,928, making it one of the more populous towns in County Westmeath. This population supports a range of local services, businesses, and cultural institutions. ### Governance and Administration As part of County Westmeath, Mullingar falls under the administrative structure of Ireland, a sovereign state with a unitary parliamentary republic system. The county itself has historical roots dating back to the 16th century, and Mullingar continues to play a central role in its modern identity. ### Regional Importance Mullingar is a key town in the Irish Midlands, functioning as both a service center and a cultural landmark. Its location, infrastructure, and historical significance make it a vital node in the region’s social and economic fabric. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. MusicBrainz 5. [Source](https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cp2tc/cp2pdm/pd/) 6. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0 7. GeoNames 8. BBC Things