Cycling Ireland's Hidden Heartlands: Quiet Inland Routes
The midlands get overlooked. Six inland routes including the Royal Canal Greenway, the Old Rail Trail and the 165 km National Famine Way.
Introduction
The Irish Midlands, marketed as the Hidden Heartlands, do not sell themselves well. No cliffs, no coast, none of the drama that gets the west of Ireland onto postcards. What there is instead: canal towpaths, disused railway lines, bog, lakes and a great many quiet roads. The terrain is flat to gently rolling. That is either the appeal or the drawback, depending on what you came for.
Almost all of it runs on ground that was built for something else first. Boats, then trains.
Why the Hidden Heartlands Deserve a Spot on Your Cycling Bucket List
| Feature | What It Means for Cyclists |
|---|---|
| Low traffic | Most routes follow former towpaths or railways, keeping cars well away. |
| Flat to gently rolling terrain | Ideal for families, seniors and cyclists who prefer a relaxed ride. |
| Heritage | From Iron Age trackways to 19th-century famine trails, history is woven into every kilometre. |
| Varied scenery | Lakes, bogs, woodlands, historic towns and busy pubs, all within a short distance. |
| Well-marked wayfinding | Greenway signage, heritage waymarkers and downloadable GPX files keep you on track. |
Bike hire, B&Bs and tour operators have followed the greenways. Midlands Cycle Hub in Clondra, County Longford, supplies hybrids, e-bikes and children’s bikes, and runs multi-day tour packages.
Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Cycling Routes
1. Royal Canal Greenway (Clondra → Maynooth)
- Length: 130 km (divided into 14 sections)
- Surface: Compact tarmac and well-maintained gravel
- Highlights: Historic locks, waterside villages, rolling fields, and the town of Maynooth with its ancient abbey.
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat, suitable for all abilities.
Starting at the Midlands Cycle Hub in Clondra, the Greenway follows the former towpath of the Royal Canal. Cyclists can choose to ride the whole length or pick a section that fits a day-trip schedule. Each lock (there are 19 along the route) offers a chance to pause, stretch, and enjoy a picnic by the water. The route is popular with e-bike riders because the gentle gradient allows for relaxed cruising.
2. Old Rail Trail Greenway (Athlone → Moate)
- Length: 42 km (Athlone to Moate), extendable to Mullingar (≈ 70 km)
- Surface: Smooth crushed limestone, ideal for hybrid and road bikes.
- Highlights: Crosswood Bog (Special Area of Conservation), Dún na Sí Heritage Park, and the town of Moate, which has an arts centre.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; the flat Athlone-Moate leg is perfect for beginners, while the extended stretch adds gentle undulations.
The trail follows the disused Midlands Great Western Railway line, giving riders a sense of travelling back in time. Bird-watchers will love the bog’s wildlife, and families can explore the heritage park’s interactive exhibits.
3. Tullamore Loop (Tullamore → Pollagh → Rahan → Tullamore)
- Length: ~50 km circular route
- Surface: Mixed tarmac and quiet country lanes.
- Highlights: Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre (whiskey tasting), Grand Canal Greenway sections, Lough Boora Discovery Park, and the bird-rich Tarraun Nature Reserve.
- Difficulty: Easy; gentle climbs and plenty of rest stops.
The loop showcases the best of County Offaly’s countryside. Keep an eye out for the endangered grey partridge in the Lough Boora area, and enjoy a stop at the Fairy Trail for a quick walk with the kids.
4. Corlea Trackway to Longford Town
- Length: ~15 km (Stonepark → Longford)
- Surface: Quiet paved and gravel roads.
- Highlights: Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (view an 18-metre Iron Age oak track), historic St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, and charming riverside scenery along the Shannon.
- Difficulty: Easy; suitable for families and casual riders.
While the original 2,200-year-old trackway itself is housed in the museum, the surrounding landscape provides a peaceful ride through the heart of the Midlands.
5. National Famine Way (Strokestown → Dublin: 165 km)
- Length: 165 km (divided into 14 sections)
- Surface: Predominantly tarmac with some gravel sections.
- Highlights: Strokestown Park’s Palladian mansion and Famine Museum, bronze children’s shoe sculptures marking emigrant routes, and the River Shannon at Termonbarry.
- Difficulty: Moderate; sections vary from flat to gently rolling.
This heritage trail follows the path taken by 1,490 famine emigrants in the 1840s. Cyclists can collect stamps on an official passport; completing all sections earns a certificate at EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. It is not a cheerful ride, and it is not meant to be.
6. Slieve Bloom Cycling Experience (Newly opened)
- Length: Varied loops from 20 km to 80 km across the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
- Surface: Mixed tarmac, forest tracks and low-grade mountain bike trails.
- Highlights: Panoramic hilltop vistas, ancient stone circles, and the chance to ride through Ireland’s largest forested area.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, some climbs, but rewarding views.
Although technically on the edge of the Heartlands, the new Slieve Bloom routes add a touch of adventure for riders seeking a bit more elevation while still staying within the low-traffic ethos of the region.
Practical Tips for a Seamless Heartlands Cycling Holiday
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike hire | Midlands Cycle Hub (Clondra) offers hybrids, e-bikes, mountain bikes and child seats. Book at least a week in advance during summer months. |
| Navigation | Download GPX files from Discover Ireland or use the Cycling Ireland app, which includes real-time waymark alerts for the Royal Canal and Old Rail Trail. |
| Accommodation | Choose B&Bs or farm stays in towns like Athlone, Mullingar, Tullamore and Longford. Many offer secure bike storage and hearty Irish breakfasts. |
| Food & Drink | Pack a picnic for lock-side stops; local pubs serve hearty stews, fresh fish, and craft beers (including the famous Tullamore Dew). |
| Safety | Wear a certified helmet, carry a basic repair kit (spare tube, tyre levers, pump), and obey local traffic rules. The greenways are well-lit in summer but bring a front light for early mornings or evenings. |
| Weather | Irish weather is changeable. Bring waterproof layers, a wind-proof jacket and consider a high-visibility vest for windy days. |
| Timing | Late May to early September offers the longest daylight hours and the warmest temperatures, while still avoiding the busiest tourist peaks. |
Guided Tours and Resources
- Midlands Historical Bicycle Tour: 5-day, 80 km guided ride covering Corlea Trackway, a Norman castle, and Strokestown’s Famine Museum. Includes accommodation, meals and a knowledgeable guide.
- Self-Guided Famine Way Cycle Tour: 5-day itinerary with pre-booked B&Bs, a passport for stamp collection, and optional e-bike hire.
- Family-Friendly Routes: Short loops (15-20 km) around Lough Boora and the Grand Canal, with child-sized bikes available from local hire centres.
- Online Resources: Visit DiscoverIreland.ie for up-to-date greenway maps, CyclingIreland.org for route ratings, and TripAdvisor for rider reviews of specific sections.
Conclusion
The Midlands will not give you a coastline. What they give you is a day of riding with almost no cars, signage that actually works, and a town at the end of it. Whether you take the 130 km Royal Canal Greenway in sections, the National Famine Way, or a short loop around Tullamore, none of it will demand much of your legs.
Book the bike a week ahead if you are coming in summer. Bring a waterproof. The rest of it sorts itself out.