Royal Canal Greenway follows the historic canal through Ireland’s Midlands, linking Maynooth with Cloondara and the Longford branch. The off-road walking and cycling route extends for more than 130 km.
Canal history and waterside towns
Opened in March 2021, the greenway follows a waterway with around two centuries of history. Fields, canal-side villages and industrial heritage shape the journey.
Irish Rail highlights Maynooth, Mullingar, Cloondara and Longford as places along the route. It received the Cycle Route of the Year 2022 award at Fiets en Wandelbeurs.
A shorter ride from Maynooth
Maynooth provides a starting point accessible by train from Dublin Connolly. Kilcock is around 6 km along the greenway, with Enfield a further 14 km away. These distances offer shorter alternatives to the full canal journey.
Rail access and bicycle hire
The railway runs alongside or close to the route between Maynooth and Mullingar. Check the bicycle-carriage arrangements for your selected service when planning a return journey.
Irish Rail’s guide links to a local bicycle-hire operator and its current rail bicycle information.