Greenways Ireland is part of the European Greenways Association, a consortium of “independent communication routes reserved exclusively for non-motorized journeys, developed in an integrated manner which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area”. The emerald isle has four fantastic Greenways open and plans for twice as many more!
The panoramic Great Western Greenway, winding along the coast of Clew Bay and once Ireland’s longest Greenway, became so popular that it inspired similar ventures all over the island. Today more than a 250,000 people per year use the Great Western Greenway, attracted by the motor-free, natural environment and the beautiful, ever-changing views of Mayo’s mountains, bogs, farmland, and dramatic Atlantic coastline.
The Great Western Greenway follows the old Midlands Great Western Railway, which closed in 1937. The best approach is from west to east, with the prevailing wind at your back. Of course, you don’t have to complete the entire 42 kilometers; multiple entry points let you choose smaller sections if you wish.
The 39-kilometer Limerick Greenway is a walking and cycling route along the old railway line that linked the three lovely market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastlewest, and Abbeyfeale. This path of natural and built heritage features Norman castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, workhouses, famine graveyards, deserted railway stations, a viaduct — and breathtaking scenery.
The Old Rail Trail begins in the bustling town of Athlone and ends in the elegant old market town of Mullingar, County Westmeath. Along this spectacular 43-kilometer cycle path you’ll hear nothing but birdsong and the whoosh of your bicycle tires. The Old Rail Trail is a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway, winding through rich, fertile farmland in the very heart of Ireland. The route traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty, arched stone bridges. Linking the mighty River Shannon in Athlone with the Royal Canal in Mullingar, it passes through areas of unique biodiversity and heritage along the way.
The spectacular Waterford Greenway (also called the Deise Greenway) is 46 glorious, car-free kilometers stretching from historic Waterford City to the beautiful sea-side town of Dungarvan in west Co. Waterford. The Comeragh Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to a breathtaking journey across eleven bridges, three viaducts, through a 400-meter-long tunnel, along the lush banks of the River Suir, and all the way to the scalloped beaches of Waterford’s famed Copper Coast.
At 130 kilometers, the longest off-road Greenway in Ireland, the Royal Canal Greenway, runs along the towpath of the Royal Canal. It was constructed between Dublin and Longford at the turn of the 18th century to connect the River Liffey to the River Shannon. Waterways Ireland has developed the Greenways for recreational use between Maynooth in Co. Kildare to Longford Town and Cloondara.
The Royal Canal Way follows grassy towpaths, gravel, and sometimes tarmac canal-side roads from the Dublin suburb of Ashtown to the village of Cloondara in County Longford. Sections of towpath can be muddy and lack signage, but upgrades on all sections of the route are underway.
A good range of accommodation is available along most of the route, but it’s relatively easy to walk some sections and return to your starting point by public transport. In addition to wonderful, unspoiled stretches of countryside, you’ll also see several significant examples of late 18th century industrial heritage buildings along the way. At Mullingar, County Westmeath, the Royal Canal Greenway meets the Old Rail Trail.
Southeast Greenway will be a spectacular 24 kilometers of off-road cycling and walking trail from the quays of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, to the Norman town of New Ross, never far from the banks of the Barrow River. Formerly a railway line, it will have a new life as an attractive amenity for visitors as well as providing an environmentally friendly alternative for local commuters. Ultimately, the Southeast Greenway will form part of a longer Greenway from St Mullins in Carlow to the Waterford Greenway and Dungarvan.
The Suir Blueway stretches for 53 kilometers from Carrick-on-Suir to Cahir via Clonmel. This walking and cycling portion of the trail extends for 21 kilometers from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel; a further 32 kilometers of waterway along the River Suir can be canoed or kayaked. It’s the river-based element of the route that makes it a Blueway rather than a Greenway!
As Carrick-on-Suir is the hometown of Sean Kelly and Sam Bennett, many consider this area to be the spiritual home of cycling for Ireland. Running through the rich valley of the River Suir and the surrounding pasturelands of the Golden Vale, the trail provides wonderful views of some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside.
Add a stretch of Greenway on your next visit to Ireland!
