Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway K

RC Greenway Guide FINAL PRINT READY 04.06.20.pdf 2 04/06/2020 12:08

Kilometers

20 10 0

Dublin

1:300,000 Dublin

1:300,000 T

En eld

Kilcock

Maynooth

En eld

Kilcock Maynooth

TRAILHEAD

TRAILHEAD A

Section Coming Soon Coming Section

CLOONDARA

Section Coming Soon Coming Section

CLOONDARA Maynooth to Dublin to Maynooth

Greenway Dublin to Maynooth

Ennell

A Greenwa a Lough Ennell

Lough

Royal Canal Royal

Longwood Can Royal

Longwood

A T

Bridge

TRAILHEAD

Harbour Bridge

McNeads

TRAILHEAD

Harbour Shannon

Coolnahay McNeads

River MAYNOOTH

Killucan

Shannon R406 T

M4 Mullingar Coolnahay

River

MAYNOOTH

Killucan

R406 T

M4 Mullingar R408 TRAILHEAD

R408 TRAILHEAD R405

1:20,000

Ballymahon

ENFIELD R148

R405

1:20,000

M4 Ballymahon

ENFIELD R148

Abbeyshrule

Royal Canal Royal

A Abbeyshrule

Owel R402

Greenway

Royal Canal Royal

R148

Lough

Owel R402

R148

Greenway

Royal Canal Greenway Canal Royal

R148

Lough A

Ballynacarrigy R148

R148

Royal Canal Greenway Canal Royal

Ballynacarrigy

R148

Main Street Main

Royal Canal Blueway Canal Royal

R157

Main Street Main

Royal Canal Blueway Canal Royal

R157

Shop

R148

Shop Keenagh

R148

R159

A Royal Canal Royal

Keenagh

Toilets

R159

Royal Canal Royal TRAILHEAD

Toilets

Greenway

R400 TRAILHEAD Greenway Tourist Information Tourist

MULLINGAR R400 Tourist Information Tourist

MULLINGAR

R394

Parking

Greenway TRAILHEAD

R394

N52 R390

Parking

Greenway TRAILHEAD

N N52 Royal Canal Royal e

w R392

R390

r LONGFORD

Greenway

Food & Drink & Food o

N k

Royal Canal Royal

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R392 R 7

R394

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o Greenway

Food & Drink & Food o

R 7

R390 R394 d

Royal Canal Royal

Dublin Rd Dublin

R390 Bike Hire Bike

R392 R392

Royal Canal Royal

Dublin Rd Dublin L

Bike Hire Bike T

R392 R392

R393

n Accommodation

R393

N Ashe Rd Ashe

n Accommodation

6 L

R R

Ashe Rd Ashe

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Longford N4

Cloondara

KEY N5 Longford

R194

KEY N5

C 4 R194

N C 4

M N M N

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

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

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

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CMY Y A W GREEN ANAL C AL Y O

R Whether you are planning a car-free weekend or want to get away from the hustle

isit Kildare Kildare isit V and bustle of city life for a day, the Royal Canal Greenway has something for CMY Naas Park, Devoy Dara, Chill Aras 7, Level -

K communities. local and Bodies Public 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 WELCOME TO THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY K

, , s itie r Autho Local y b y a w n ee r G anal C al y o R the of t n elopme v de the and ths a wp o t the on k r o w d.ie d.ie r o f visitlong . w ww eb: W | .ie o c o c d r o f ourism@long t Email: | 509 3 334 (0)43 3 35 + el:

everyone. The choice is yours whether to explore the Greenway on foot or cover T WELCOME TO THE ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY

more ground on two wheels. We suggest that to make the most of your visit to the

the Royal Canal was o cially reopened from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010. This led to extensive to led This 2010. in Shannon the to Dublin from reopened o cially was Canal Royal the

e e c O ourism T d r o f ong L d d r o f ong L , e r Squa et k Mar

more ground on two wheels. We suggest that to make the most of your visit to the -

t a th , p ou r G y t meni A anal C al y o R the with tion a associ in , p dshi r a w e t s their under as w it and , l Greenway you explore this long-distance trail in shorter sections from the towns of cana Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling

VER THE VER O C

DIS Greenway you explore this long-distance trail in shorter sections from the towns of Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling

or the or f esponsible r is eland r I s y a w r e t a W y a od T . y t ameni public a as canal the elop v de and e r o t es r .ie r .mullinga w w w eb: W | .ie r o@mullinga f in Email: | 8650 34 9 (0)44 3 35 + el:

Maynooth, Enﬁeld, Mullingar, Longford & Cloondara. These sections o er a wide trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town. The 130km trail passes through the T

.org y a w n ee r g alcanal y o r . w w w

trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town. The 130km trail passes through the

In 1974 a body of enthusiasts formed the Royal Canal Amenity Group to rst protect and then and protect rst to Group Amenity Canal Royal the formed enthusiasts of body a 1974 In lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon Maynooth, Enﬁeld, Mullingar, Longford & Cloondara. These sections o er a wide e e c O t s ouri T Mullingar

r inga l ul M , e r Squa t e k ar M , e s u o H et k r a M

range of accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes to refuel after a - lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon

in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. range of accommodation options as well as restaurants and cafes to refuel after a

day on the Greenway. in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Midlands Great Western Railway Company and o cially closed to navigation by 1961. by navigation to closed o cially and Company Railway Western Great Midlands

O I

day on the Greenway. T A L M O

R C O A F L midlands Ireland. In 1845 the entire canal was purchased by the the by purchased was canal entire the 1845 In Ireland. midlands N

I V

I S I R T

For more information visit www.royalcanalgreenway.org O In this guide we have suggested sections to explore for a day or afternoon on the through passengers and cargo for transport of mode

In this guide we have suggested sections to explore for a day or afternoon on the For more information visit www.royalcanalgreenway.org

Greenway. Pedal your way along tranquil paths bursting with wildlife and birdsong, main the was canal the decades three For

build the Royal Canal in 1790. 1790. in Canal Royal the build Greenway. Pedal your way along tranquil paths bursting with wildlife and birdsong,

or watch barge boats pass by as you explore the Greenway on foot.

o o t ed c ommen c k r o W L

A or watch barge boats pass by as you explore the Greenway on foot.

official crossing point, please cross with care. with cross please point, crossing official C

an ’t n s i e r he t e r he w and d e vid o r p ts n oi p ng si s o r c e us se a Ple . ad o r main a ses s o r c E

H T

F O

Y R O T S I

EASY ACCESS TO THE GREENWAY H greenway the locations, some at However road. off mostly is trail the as traffic from

y et f a S oad R nd a s ing s s o r C oad EASY ACCESS TO THE GREENWAY R - On On - t h e

R o y al al C ana l G r ee n w a y y y o u u w i l l b l e

a w a y The Royal Canal Greenway is generally level and surfaced. Gradients are kept to a

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.

een! S minimum and you’ll ﬁnd plenty of places to rest along the way. Be . r the a e w e th and y t i v i t c a r u o y r o f hing lot c e t a i r p o r app r a e w d l u o sh u o Y –

. es im t l l a t a ad e l a n o t p e k e r a s g o

ENJOY A SAFE GREENWAY JOURNEY d e r nsu e e s ea l P . ach o r app our y f o arn w and n w o d w o l s , s er k l a w o t y a w e v i g se a e

ENJOY A SAFE GREENWAY JOURNEY pl

s h t a P ed r a h – Be aware of and considerate to other path users you meet. Cyclists, S , s t s i l c y C . t ee m u o y s r se u h t a p r othe o t e t a r de i ons c and of e r a aw e B – 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 Shared Paths please give way to walkers, slow down and warn of your approach. Please ensure JOURNEY GREENWAY SAFE A ENJOY dogs are kept on a lead at all times. dogs are kept on a lead at all times. Be Seen! – You should wear appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather.

– You should wear appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather. . y a w e h t ng lo a t s e r o t es c a l p of y t n e pl nd ﬁ ll u’ o y and mum i Be Seen! min

a o t t p e k e r a s t n ie ad r G ed. c a f sur and el v e l lly a r e n e g is y a w n ee r G l ana C l a y o R e h

Road Crossings and Road Safety - On the Royal Canal Greenway you will be away T - On the Royal Canal Greenway you will be away from traffic as the trail is mostly off road. However at some locations, the greenway HISTOR Road Crossings and Road Safety GREENWAY THE TO ACCESS EASY Y OF TH from traffic as the trail is mostly off road. However at some locations, the greenway H crosses a main road. Please use crossing points provided and where there isn’t an E RO ISTORY OF T YAL crosses a main road. Please use crossing points provided and where there isn’t an HE RO official crossing point, please cross with care. CAN YAL

Work commenced to AL official crossing point, please cross with care. CAN g r ba h c t a w or . t oo f on y wa n e e r G e h t e r o xpl e ou y as y b s s pa ts a bo

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build the Royal Canal in 1790. Work commenced to L

ng, o ds r i b and e f i l d l i w th i w ng i t s bur hs t a p l i anqu r t ong l a y a w ur o y l da e P . y a w n ee r For three decades the canal was the main G build the Royal Canal in 1790.

For three decades the canal was the main

he t n o n oo n er t f a r o y a d a r o f e r o xpl e o t ons i t c e s d e t s e ugg s e v a h e w e d i gu is h t

mode of transport for cargo and passengers through In

.org y a w n ee r alcanalg y o r . w ww visit tion a orm f in e r mo or VISITOR F mode of transport for cargo and passengers through

LOCAL INFORMATI midlands Ireland. In 1845 the entire canal was purchased by the VISITOR I

ON Midlands Great Western Railway Company and o cially closed to navigation by 1961. LOCAL NFORMA midlands Ireland. In 1845 the entire canal was purchased by the

. y wa n ee r G he t on y a

TIO d

N Midlands Great Western Railway Company and o cially closed to navigation by 1961. in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Hidden Ireland’s in

a er t af efuel r o t es f a c and s nt a r au t s e r as ell w s a s option tion a od mm o cc a of nge a

Mullingar Tourist Oce - Market House, Market Square, Mullingar r

lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon Shannon River mighty the towards East Ancient Ireland’s of landscapes green lush In 1974 a body of enthusiasts formed the Royal Canal Amenity Group to rst protect and then

www.royalcanalgreenway.org Mullingar Tourist Oce - Market House, Market Square, Mullingar

wide a er o s ion t ec s e s he T . a r Cloonda & d r o f ong L , r a ulling M nﬁeld, E , ynooth a M In 1974 a body of enthusiasts formed the Royal Canal Amenity Group to rst protect and then

he t ough r h t ses s pa l i a r t 130km e h T . wn o T d r o f ng o L h it w th o yno a M ing ct nne o c l ai r

Tel: +353 (0)44 934 8650 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mullingar.ie DISCOVER THE t restore and develop the canal as a public amenity. Today Waterways Ireland is responsible for the www.royalcanalgreenway.org

Tel: +353 (0)44 934 8650 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mullingar.ie restore and develop the canal as a public amenity. Today Waterways Ireland is responsible for the

of wns o t he t om r f s ion ct e s er t r sho in ail r t e c an t s long-di this e r xplo e ou y y a w n ee r G Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling cycling and walking off-road long-distance, a Greenway, Canal Royal the to Welcome canal, and it was under their stewardship, in association with the Royal Canal Amenity Group, that DISCOVER THE

Longford Tourism Oce - Market Square, Longford the Royal Canal was o cially reopened from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010. This led to extensive canal, and it was under their stewardship, in association with the Royal Canal Amenity Group, that the o t t i s vi r ou y of t s mo the e k a m o t t a h t t s ugge s e W . s heel w o w t on ound r g e r o Longford Tourism Oce - Market Square, Longford m

Tel: +353 (0)43 334 3509 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.visitlongford.ie work on the towpaths and the development of the Royal Canal Greenway by Local Authorities, the Royal Canal was o cially reopened from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010. This led to extensive

Y A W GREEN ANAL C AL Y O R THE TO OME C L

WE er ov c or oot f on y wa n ee r G the e r xplo e o t her t whe s our y is e c hoi c he T . e on y r e v

Tel: +353 (0)43 334 3509 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.visitlongford.ie e work on the towpaths and the development of the Royal Canal Greenway by Local Authorities,

Public Bodies and local communities. K

or f hing t ome s s ha y a w n ee r G l a Can l a y o R he t , y a d a r o f e f li y t i c of tle s bu nd

Visit Kildare - Level 7, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY a Public Bodies and local communities.

Visit Kildare - Level 7, Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas CMY le t s hu the m o r f y a aw get o t t an w or end k ee w ee r -f r ca a planning e r a ou y r he t he W ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY Tel: +353 (0)45 898 888 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.intokildare.ie Along the Greenway you’ll also discover the National Famine Way, a digitally and physically

waymarked 167km walking trail that connects Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommom with Custom Tel: +353 (0)45 898 888 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.intokildare.ie CY Along the Greenway you’ll also discover the National Famine Way, a digitally and physically Supported by Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Kildare County Councils. House Quay in Dublin. For more information visit www.nationalfamineway.ie waymarked 167km walking trail that connects Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommom with Custom

Supported by Longford, Westmeath, Meath and Kildare County Councils. MY House Quay in Dublin. For more information visit www.nationalfamineway.ie

N M N4 C R194 N5 KEY Cloondara Longford N4 Trailhead

d T

R198 T R

T ll 1 e N 0 W N52 1 ’s 4 1 or L aj Access Point 3 M A N6 R394 75 11 3 L 6 R39 N 3 Ashe Rd d R T in Accommodation elv 1 D 5 R393 11 T L R392 Bike Hire Royal Canal Dublin Rd R390 d 27 R394 R 11 ok Food & Drink Greenway L LONGFORD ro b R392 New Royal Canal R390 TRAILHEAD Greenway N52 Parking

R394 MULLINGAR Tourist Information R400 TRAILHEAD Greenway Toilets A Royal Canal Keenagh R159 R148 Shop

T R157 Royal Canal Blueway Main Street Ballynacarrigy R148 Royal Canal Greenway R148 A Lough R148 A Greenway Owel R402 Royal Canal A Abbeyshrule T

ENFIELD R148 Ballymahon M4 1:20,000 R405

TRAILHEAD R408

Mullingar M4

T Killucan R406 River Coolnahay A MAYNOOTH Shannon Harbour McNeads TRAILHEAD Bridge T A A

Longwood

Royal Canal Lough A Ennell Greenway Maynooth to Dublin CLOONDARA A Section Coming Soon TRAILHEAD T En eld Kilcock Maynooth T 1:300,000 Dublin 0 10 20

Kilometers RC Greenway Guide FINAL PRINT READY 04.06.20.pdf 2 04/06/2020 12:08 04/06/2020 2 04.06.20.pdf READY PRINT FINAL Guide Greenway RC RC Greenway Guide FINAL PRINT READY 04.06.20.pdf 1 04/06/2020 12:08

TRAVELLING FROM LONGFORD / CLOONDARA ADVENTURE FROM MULLINGAR EXPLORE FROM ENFIELD ONWARD FROM MAYNOOTH

M3 Cloondara N5 Longford Ballynacarrigy R394 R156 N4 R154 R156 River Boyne R125 N55 Lough N4 M3 R158 Owel N52

River R159 Killucan R160 Shannon Edgeworthstown N63 R393 Mullingar R157 Rye Water M4 Killucan Enfield Ballyleague Mount R160 R392 N63 Jessop Bog NHA R392 Kilcock R149 R393 R156 R397 Longwood R125 R156 R148 Maynooth R148 Leixlip Lanesborough Coolnahay R158 Harbour McNeads Bridge M6 R392 M4 R159 Blackwater R449 M4 M4 Rye Water River Lyreen N52

Keenagh M4 Dunfierth R390 R407 N55 R148 Bog

Inny River R401 Enfield R399 R389 Lough Kilcock Ennell R393 R391 Donadea R408 Maynooth Forest Park R400 R403 R405 R446 R120

R397 R134 Blackwater R407 Nure R406 C Castletown R402 River Lyreen Abbeyshrule Bog M6 River Clonkeen Geoghegan Dunfierth Liffey Bog M Woods R408 1:100,000 1:100,000 1:100,000 1:100,000 0 1 2 4 0 1 2 4 0 1 2 4 Y Ballymahon 0 1 2 4 Kilometers Kilometers Kilometers Kilometers

CMY A TRANQUIL JOURNEY... BLUEWAY DO IT YOUR WAY... THE YELLOW ROAD... TRAVEL THROUGH TIME...

K 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. 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. Follow the Greenway Ea Follow the Greenway Ea There’s a lot to explore on your journey east from Mullingar towards Killucan. 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. Follow the Greenway South from Longford Town 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 Follow the Greenway We Royal Canal Greenway, the choice is yours whether to journey north along the Follow the Greenway We 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, and watching boats pass through the lock. Maynooth is the ideal location to begin your Royal Canal Greenway adventure. The Follow the Greenway North to Cloondara town is also serviced by the Dublin to Sligo rail line which makes it a great starting point for those staying in Dublin looking to escape the city for an afternoon. Once you reach the Royal Canal, follow it north for a further 8km to Cloondara Old Rail Trail Greenway village. This section provides a tranquil and safe environment along the quiet In Mullingar at Newbrook and Ballinea, the Royal Canal Greenway seamlessly links with Maynooth to Dublin section of Greenway coming soon. 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 restored station houses, under pretty stone arched bridges and through areas of unique Follow the Greenway South from Cloondara biodiversity and heritage. Follow the Greenway We of lock gates towards Keenagh and Ballymahon. A great place to stop along this MULLINGAR BLUEWAY TRAIL AND ACTIVITY ZONE Pick up the Greenway and follow the canal west through open countryside towards section of trail is the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre located close to the Greenway 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