Royal Canal Greenway, One Trail, Endless Discoveries

The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through friendly Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in County Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. Rustic and industrial landscapes combine, with rolling fields, pretty waterside villages, working locks and historic landmarks. Cycle between any of the main towns and return by train to where you started. Follow where once horse-drawn barges journeyed and keep an eye out for hidden wildlife wonders along the way. This wonderful amenity was officially launched on 24th March 2021, see the launch here.

An interactive map of the Royal Canal Greenway showing different services along the way

Abbeyshrule Harbour on the Royal Canal Greenway ↓

Trailheads

Click links ↓

Longford Town, Cloondara, Mullingar, Enfield and Maynooth.

Access points

Click for location ↓

Longford Town, Cloondara, Killashee, Mosstown Harbour, Longford Bridge Ballymahon, Ballybrannigan Harbour, Abbeyshrule Harbour, Whitworth Aquaduct Abbeyshrule.

There are more access points in addition to the above most commonly used.

Download Waterways Ireland Map here with distances, trailheads, access points : waterwaysireland.org/greenways/royal-canal

Download Longford map here: Royal Canal Greenway - Longford section

How to get here:

The Dublin to Sligo train passes through County Longford, stopping in both Edgeworthstown and Longford Town. Longford town is the most suitable stop for the Royal Canal Greenway. There are up to 12 trains daily, taking 1hr 50mins from Dublin Connolly and 1hr 20mins from Sligo (MacDiarmada).

You can also bring a bike on the train. The Royal Canal Greenway route continues through Mullingar, Cloondara and Longford (Please remember these services require bike spaces to be booked in advance). See the Royal Canal Greenway section on the Irishrail website.

→ Irish Rail Dublin to Sligo train info.

The Expressway services of Ballina to Dublin and Sligo to Dublin pass through Longford Town (direct to Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre). 

→Route 22 Ballina to Dublin / Route 23 Sligo to Dublin

Check out the →Getting to Longford section of our site.

Abbeyview House B&B, Abbeyshrule

Accommodation:

Please see the accommodation section of this website or download a list here → accommodation close to the Royal Canal Greenway

Food & Drink:

Please see the Food & Drink section of this website or download a list here → Food & Drink near Royal Canal Greenway.   The following businesses are also providing picnics on the Royal Canal Greenway Richmond Inn in Clondra, Foigha Bar & Lounge in Kenagh and Glebe House B&B in Taghshinny.

Cycle Hire:

There are three bike hire facilities in Longford on the Royal Canal Greenway: Midlands Cycle Hub in Clondra, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles in Ballymahon and EBikes from Screamin' Beans Coffee at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome.  

Other Services:

Longford is home to a local brewery -  Wide Street Brewing in Ballymahon.  Why not bring a piece of Longford home with you and treat yourself or someone special to some locally produced craft beer, ale or cider whilst on your journey along the Royal Canal Greenway?

Itineraries:

Explore the ready made Itineraries → here. 

Keenagh Killashee Cloondara and also the Cookery School & Farm itineraries both include the Royal Canal Greenway.

Alternatively, build your own itinerary from the details provided on our website. 

Website:

View the Royal Canal Greenway Website

Social Media:

View the Royal Canal Greenway Facebook page, click here and "Like" the  page

View the Royal Canal Greenway Twitter page

View the Royal Canal Greenway Instagram page

Explore the story of the Royal Canal in County Longford

County Longford tells the story of the Royal Canal and the National Famine Way with 11 storyboards placed at different intervals → explore here. The County Longford section also has a fun heritage trail for all the family to enjoy.

The Royal Canal Greenway Guide

→Download full guide here

Cloondara Trailhead Location ↓

October 1st 2022 saw the first ever Royal Canal Camino walk, a 38km walk from Abbeyshrule in County Longford via Ballymahon, Kenagh and then finishing at Longford Town.  For more info see www.royalcanalcamino.ie.