House Quay in Dublin. For more information visit www.nationalfamineway.

ie MY Supported by Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Kildare County Councils.

WELCOME TO THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY

waymarked 167km walking trail that connects Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommom with Custom
CY

Whether you are planning a car-free weekend or want to get away from the hustle
Along the Greenway you’ll also discover the National Famine Way, a digitally and physically Tel: +353 (0)45 898 888 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.intokildare.ie

Public Bodies and local communities.

work on the towpaths and the development of the Royal Canal Greenway by Local Authorities,
ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY CMY

K
and bustle of city life for a day, the Royal Canal Greenway has something for
everyone. The choice is yours whether to explore the Greenway on foot or cover
Visit Kildare - Level 7, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas

Tel: +353 (0)43 334 3509 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.visitlongford.ie

the Royal Canal was officially reopened from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010. This led to extensive more ground on two wheels. We suggest that to make the most of your visit to the Longford Tourism Office - Market Square, Longford
Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling
canal, and it was under their stewardship, in association with the Royal Canal Amenity Group, that
trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town. The 130km trail passes through the Greenway you explore this long-distance trail in shorter sections from the towns of
restore and develop the canal as a public amenity. Today Waterways Ireland is responsible for the
In 1974 a body of enthusiasts formed the Royal Canal Amenity Group to first protect and then
DISCOVER THE
lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon
in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar, Longford & Cloondara. These sections offer a wide
www.royalcanalgreenway.org
range of accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes to refuel after a
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 8650 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mullingar.ie
Mullingar Tourist Office - Market House, Market Square, Mullingar

Midlands Great Western Railway Company and officially closed to navigation by 1961. day on the Greenway.
midlands Ireland. In 1845 the entire canal was purchased by the
For more information visit www.royalcanalgreenway.org LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION
In this guide we have suggested sections to explore for a day or afternoon on the
mode of transport for cargo and passengers through
For three decades the canal was the main
build the Royal Canal in 1790. Greenway. Pedal your way along tranquil paths bursting with wildlife and birdsong,
Work commenced to L or watch barge boats pass by as you explore the Greenway on foot.
CANA official crossing point, please cross with care.

EASY ACCESS TO THE GREENWAY

F THE ROYAL crosses a main road. Please use crossing points provided and where there isn’t an
HISTORY O from traffic as the trail is mostly off road. However at some locations, the greenway
Road Crossings and Road Safety - On the Royal Canal Greenway you will be away
The Royal Canal Greenway is generally level and surfaced. Gradients are kept to a
minimum and you’ll find plenty of places to rest along the way. Be Seen! – You should wear appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather.

ENJOY A SAFE GREENWAY JOURNEY dogs are kept on a lead at all times.
please give way to walkers, slow down and warn of your approach. Please ensure
Shared Paths – Be aware of and considerate to other path users you meet. Cyclists, Shared Paths – Be aware of and considerate to other path users you meet. Cyclists,
please give way to walkers, slow down and warn of your approach. Please ensure ENJOY A SAFE GREENWAY JOURNEY
dogs are kept on a lead at all times.

Be Seen! – You should wear appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather.

HISTORY OF THE RO
minimum and you’ll find plenty of places to rest along the way.

YAL CANA
Road Crossings and Road Safety - On the Royal Canal Greenway you will be away
The Royal Canal Greenway is generally level and surfaced. Gradients are kept to a

from traffic as the trail is mostly off road. However at some locations, the greenway
EASY ACCESS TO THE GREENWAY
Work commenced to L
build the Royal Canal in 1790.
crosses a main road. Please use crossing points provided and where there isn’t an
official crossing point, please cross with care.
or watch barge boats pass by as you explore the Greenway on foot.
For three decades the canal was the main

LOCAL VISITOR INFORMATION

Greenway. Pedal your way along tranquil paths bursting with wildlife and birdsong,
mode of transport for cargo and passengers through In this guide we have suggested sections to explore for a day or afternoon on the
midlands Ireland. In 1845 the entire canal was purchased by the
For more information visit www.royalcanalgreenway.org

DISCOVER THE
Midlands Great Western Railway Company and officially closed to navigation by 1961.
day on the Greenway.
in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
In 1974 a body of enthusiasts formed the Royal Canal Amenity Group to first protect and then
Mullingar Tourist Office - Market House, Market Square, Mullingar
range of accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes to refuel after a
www.royalcanalgreenway.org
lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon
restore and develop the canal as a public amenity. Today Waterways Ireland is responsible for the Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar, Longford & Cloondara. These sections offer a wide

ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY

Tel: +353 (0)44 934 8650 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mullingar.ie
trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town. The 130km trail passes through the
Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling canal, and it was under their stewardship, in association with the Royal Canal Amenity Group, that Greenway you explore this long-distance trail in shorter sections from the towns of
the Royal Canal was officially reopened from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010. This led to extensive
Longford Tourism Office - Market Square, Longford
work on the towpaths and the development of the Royal Canal Greenway by Local Authorities,
more ground on two wheels. We suggest that to make the most of your visit to the
WELCOME TO THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY Public Bodies and local communities. Tel: +353 (0)43 334 3509 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.visitlongford.ie everyone. The choice is yours whether to explore the Greenway on foot or cover

Visit Kildare - Level 7, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas

and bustle of city life for a day, the Royal Canal Greenway has something for
Along the Greenway you’ll also discover the National Famine Way, a digitally and physically
Tel: +353 (0)45 898 888 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.intokildare.ie
Whether you are planning a car-free weekend or want to get away from the hustle
waymarked 167km walking trail that connects Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommom with Custom
House Quay in Dublin. For more information visit www.nationalfamineway.ie Supported by Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Kildare County Councils.

Cloondara Longford
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A TRANQUIL JOURNEY... BLUEWAY DO IT YOUR WAY... THE YELLOW ROAD... TRAVEL THROUGH TIME...
One of the biggest towns along the Royal Canal Greenway, Longford is full of great Located at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East just 79km from Dublin, the busy market Situated on the main Dublin to Sligo rail line, and with hotels, self-catering and B&B’s
accommodation options and places to eat and drink after a busy day walking or town of Mullingar in County Westmeath is the ideal location to base yourself for a available, Enfield is a lovely location to overnight on your Royal Canal Adventure.
cycling along the Greenway. Located 122km from Dublin and 91km from Sligo, day or weekend exploring the Royal Canal Greenway. Boasting excellent facilities, In Irish the town is known as An Bóthar Buí (the yellow road) which came about due
Longford lies on the Dublin to Sligo line of the Irish railway network so is easily award-winning hotels, guest-houses and activities to suit every age, you will be spoilt to the cattle markets that were traditionally held in the town. This often left the main
accessed by train or by car. for choice during your visit. The Royal Canal Greenway can be explored in either street of the village covered in yellow hay. The historic River Boyne enters County
direction from Mullingar. Pick up a bike at the Activity Zone at Mullingar Harbour. Meath near Longwood, where you can also connect with the Boyne Blueway Trim.
Alternatively begin your journey from the tranquil harbour village of Cloondara.

Follow the Greenway East

This picturesque village is home to plenty of barge boats and the final lock of the
canal. From this location you can also explore the Shannon Blueway.

There’s a lot to explore on your journey east from Mullingar towards Killucan.
Follow the Greenway East
Follow the Greenway South from Longford Town
Follow the Greenway east along the canal towards the historic university town of
This section of Greenway will take you through open countryside. Bike hire is
Maynooth. Look out for the aqueducts along this rural section of Greenway.
available at weekends and can be pre-booked for your return journey from
From Longford Town access the Greenway from Canal Walk and follow the 8km Mullingar Bike Hire’s Mobile Unit located at McNead’s Bridge.
Longford Branch line of the Royal Canal. This completely flat route provides an
excellent way to enjoy some of Longford’s unspoilt landscape. As you reach the
Royal Canal Greenway, the choice is yours whether to journey north along the Follow the Greenway West Follow the Greenway West
canal towards Cloondara, or explore south along the canal towards Ballymahon From Enfield follow the Greenway west through open countryside towards Longwood
From Mullingar Harbour cycle or walk along the Royal Canal Greenway towards
and Keenagh. (Ribbontail Paddlers clubhouse), Hill of Down and Killucan. This quiet section of
Coolnahay Harbour and Ballynacarrigy. The ideal place to stop and enjoy a picnic, Maynooth is a picturesque and bustling university town in north County Kildare,
Greenway is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
spend some time in Coolnahay exploring the quaint historic Lock-keepers cottage just 24km west of Central Dublin. Packed with great places to eat, shop and stay,

Follow the Greenway North to Cloondara

and watching boats pass through the lock. Maynooth is the ideal location to begin your Royal Canal Greenway adventure. The
town is also serviced by the Dublin to Sligo rail line which makes it a great starting

Once you reach the Royal Canal, follow it north for a further 8km to Cloondara
village. This section provides a tranquil and safe environment along the quiet
Old Rail Trail Greenway point for those staying in Dublin looking to escape the city for an afternoon.

Maynooth to Dublin section of Greenway coming soon.

In Mullingar at Newbrook and Ballinea, the Royal Canal Greenway seamlessly links with
banks of the Royal Canal.
the Old Rail Trail, a 42km Greenway from Mullingar all the way to the River Shannon in
Athlone. This Greenway traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past

Follow the Greenway South from Cloondara Follow the Greenway West
restored station houses, under pretty stone arched bridges and through areas of unique
biodiversity and heritage.

of lock gates towards Keenagh and Ballymahon. A great place to stop along this
section of trail is the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre located close to the Greenway
MULLINGAR BLUEWAY TRAIL AND ACTIVITY ZONE Pick up the Greenway and follow the canal west through open countryside towards
Kilcock and Enfield. Stop for a rest and some refreshments at Kilcock or Enfield
at Keenagh. Unique to this section of Greenway is the 22km Royal Canal Blueway, developed by before returning to Maynooth or continuing to Longwood or Mullingar.
Waterways Ireland in 2018 with support from Westmeath County Council. The perfect
addition to your Greenway journey, this paddling trail is ideal for experiencing the

Blueway online: www.bluewaysireland.org

Located in Mullingar Harbour, the Blueway Activity Zone is the ideal location to hire
a bike from Mullingar Bike Hire or begin your on-water Blueway Adventure. The zone