Jack’s Stop café to open on Friday

Jack’s Stop, a new café, located on the Old Rail Trail Greenway at Streamstown, at the halfway point between Mullingar and Athlone, will open its doors on Friday, March 31.

The new café operator, Jacqueline Muldoon, is a local entrepreneur with a passion for food and hospitality. She says Jack’s Stop will be a hub for locals and visitors, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and coffee, on the greenway at the Streamstown access point.

The new café is located in the restored Station House, and there is a modern playground right next to it, along with bike and car parking.

A renovation project undertaken by Westmeath County Council transformed the derelict buildings from the Streamstown Railway Station into a modern cafe and toilet block.

“We’re grateful to Westmeath County Council for their support and collaboration in bringing Jack’s Stop to life,” said Jacqueline.

“The rich history of the building and its location on the Old Rail Trail Greenway make it the perfect spot for a cafe, and we’re honoured to be able to preserve its heritage while creating a new community space for locals and visitors.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Jack’s Stop. We believe our cafe will become a beloved local institution and a destination for visitors exploring the Old Rail Trail.”

Barry Kehoe, director of services at Westmeath County Council, said it is a fantastic destination on the greenway, providing refreshment and toilet facilities for the many cyclists, runners and walkers using the route.

Jack’s Stop will be open five days a week, Thursday to Monday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Along with indoor seating, the cafe will have an outdoor seating area, making it a great location for al fresco dining.

The Old Rail Trail is a 43km greenway that takes visitors along the historic Great Western Railway line, connecting the Royal Canal Greenway in Mullingar with the River Shannon in Athlone.