The Royal Canal Greenway: 130 km from Maynooth to Cloondara
130 km of towpath from Maynooth to the Shannon at Cloondara. Train access, bike hire, and the towns worth stopping in along the way.
Introduction
The Royal Canal Greenway is Ireland’s longest off-road cycling route, stretching roughly 130 km from the outskirts of Dublin to the village of Cloondara on the River Shannon. It crosses Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford on the old canal towpath, which means it is flat, traffic-free and, once you are past the commuter belt, very quiet. It also means it is straight, and the towpath does not change much for hours at a time. Some riders love that. Others get bored somewhere around Enfield.
The itineraries below all run west, from Maynooth towards the Shannon.
1. Overview of the Royal Canal Greenway
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total length | ~130 km (about 105 km from Maynooth to Cloondara, plus short Dublin extensions under construction) |
| Surface | Mixed, compacted gravel, tarmac sections, and well-maintained towpath |
| Elevation | Very gentle; overall ascent < 300 m, ideal for all fitness levels |
| Way-marking | National Way-Marked Way “Royal Canal Way” with greenway signage at bridges and access points |
| Key towns | Dublin (Ashtown), Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar, Abbeyshrule, Longford, Cloondara |
| Connections | Links to the Old Rail Trail (Mullingar-Athlone), the Boyne Blueway (Meath), and the upcoming Galway-Dublin EuroVelo route |
The greenway follows the historic towpath of the Royal Canal, originally built between 1790 and 1817 to link the River Liffey with the River Shannon. After falling into disuse in the mid-20th century, the canal was restored for recreation and officially reopened in 2010. Today it serves cyclists, walkers and families seeking a safe, scenic corridor.
2. Planning Your Trip
2.1 Starting Points and Public Transport
| Starting point | Nearest rail station | Bus connections | Approx. distance to start of greenway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin (Ashtown) | Ashtown (Dublin-Sligo line) | Dublin Bus 40, 40A | Direct access to the 0.5 km Dublin section |
| Maynooth | Maynooth (InterCity) | Bus Éireann 115, 116 | Official start of the fully-opened greenway |
| Enfield | Enfield (Dublin-Sligo line) | Bus Éireann 111 | 22 km of greenway runs through Meath |
| Mullingar | Mullingar (InterCity) | Bus Éireann 115, 117 | Central hub; access to Old Rail Trail |
| Longford | Longford (Dublin-Sligo line) | Bus Éireann 111, 115 | End-point for many day-trip itineraries |
| Cloondara | Nearest station: Athlone (≈15 km) | Local Bus 462 | Terminus on the River Shannon |
Tip: If you’re flying into Dublin, take the DART or a commuter train to Maynooth (≈30 min) and start your ride there. The town offers bike-hire facilities and a range of B&Bs.
2.2 Bike Hire and Rental Options
| Provider | Location | Fleet | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mullingar Bike Hire | Royal Canal Hub, Harbour St., Mullingar | Hybrid, electric, road, kids’ bikes, tandems | Helmets, hi-vis jackets, locks, maps |
| Outdoor Escape Mullingar | Unit 2, The Parkway, Mullingar | Hybrid & electric | Showers, changing rooms |
| Cycle Tours Ireland | Various pick-up points | Touring bikes, e-bikes | Guided 5-day Midlands Historical Tour |
| Local B&Bs in Maynooth & Enfield | Often have small bike fleets | Road/hybrid | Usually include helmets |
When hiring an e-bike, remember the motor assists only while you pedal, so you still get a good workout but can cover longer distances with less fatigue.
2.3 Accommodation Along the Route
| Town / Village | Types of stay | Notable options |
|---|---|---|
| Maynooth | Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs | Carton House, Maynooth Guesthouse |
| Enfield | B&Bs, self-catering | An Bóthar Búí B&B |
| Mullingar | Hotels, boutique inns | Greville Arms, Mullingar Park Hotel |
| Abbeyshrule | Rural B&Bs | Abbeyshrule Lodge |
| Longford | Hotels, apartments | The Royal Hotel, Longford Townhouse |
| Cloondara | Guesthouses, caravan parks | Cloondara Caravan & Camping Park |
Most towns have at least two accommodation choices within a 5-minute walk of the towpath, making it easy to break the journey into comfortable day-stages.
3. Highlights Along the Route
3.1 Maynooth: The Academic Gateway
Maynooth sits at the western edge of the greenway and is dominated by the historic Maynooth Castle and the Carton House estate. The student population keeps a good number of cafés going, which is useful if you are starting your ride here. The Maynooth University Botanic Garden is a short detour, with shade and native flora.
3.2 Enfield: The “Yellow Road”
Enfield (An Bóthar Bui) earned its name from historic cattle markets that left the main street dusted in yellow hay. The River Boyne enters Meath near Enfield, and the towpath here offers peaceful riverside views. Nearby, the Boyne Blueway provides an alternative water-based adventure for paddlers.
3.3 Mullingar: The Central Hub
Mullingar is the greenway’s busiest junction, where the route meets the Old Rail Trail (Mullingar-Athlone) and the Royal Canal Blueway (22 km of paddling trail). Key attractions:
- Belvedere House, Gardens & Park: an 18th-century Georgian house with the famous “Jealous Wall”.
- Lough Ennell & Lough Owel: scenic lakes ideal for a quick dip or a picnic.
- Mullingar Harbour Blueway Activity Zone: bike hire, showers, and a launch point for water-based activities.
3.4 Abbeyshrule & Corlea Trackway
Just west of Mullingar, the village of Abbeyshrule sits on the banks of the River Inny. Close by, the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre displays a 148 BC Iron Age timber road discovered in the bog. An 18-metre section is preserved under a climate-controlled hall, a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s pre-historic engineering.
3.5 Longford: Where the Greenway Meets the Shannon
Longford town offers a lively market centre, St Mel’s Cathedral, and a range of eateries. It’s a convenient rail stop for those returning to Dublin or heading north to Sligo. From Longford, a short spur leads to the Corlea Trackway and onward to Cloondara.
3.6 Cloondara: Where the Canal Meets the Shannon
The greenway ends at Cloondara, a small village on the River Shannon. The Shannon Harbour has boat trips and fishing, and the last stretch of towpath into the village is flat and open. Nearby, the Longford County Museum offers insight into the region’s history.
4. Suggested Itineraries
4.1 One-Day “City-to-Countryside” Loop (Maynooth → Mullingar → Maynooth)
- Distance: ~45 km
- Highlights: Maynooth Castle, Enfield River Boyne, Mullingar Blueway, Belvedere House.
- Tips: Start early, rent a hybrid bike, and enjoy a lunch stop at Mullingar’s The Green Room Café.
4.2 Two-Day Mid-Length Adventure (Maynooth → Mullingar → Longford)
- Day 1: Maynooth → Mullingar (≈35 km). Stay overnight in Mullingar; explore the Blueway or Old Rail Trail.
- Day 2: Mullingar → Longford (≈30 km). Visit Abbeyshrule, Corlea Trackway, and finish with dinner in Longford.
4.3 Full-Length Experience (Maynooth → Cloondara)
- Duration: 4-5 days (≈105 km) at a relaxed 20-25 km/day pace.
- Day 1: Maynooth → Enfield (22 km). Overnight in Enfield.
- Day 2: Enfield → Mullingar (30 km). Explore Belvedere House.
- Day 3: Mullingar → Abbeyshrule (20 km). Visit Corlea Trackway.
- Day 4: Abbeyshrule → Longford (20 km). Stay in Longford.
- Day 5: Longford → Cloondara (13 km). Finish with a Shannon boat ride.
Alternative: Combine the Royal Canal Greenway with the Old Rail Trail for a 150 km circular route (Mullingar → Athlone → back to Mullingar), which suits stronger riders.
5. Practical Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride
| Topic | Advice |
|---|---|
| Bike type | Hybrid or gravel bike is ideal; e-bike for longer days. |
| Gear | Helmet (mandatory), high-visibility jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, spare inner tube, pump, multi-tool. |
| Weather | Irish weather is changeable; pack layers and a windproof shell. Summer averages 15-20 °C, but rain is common year-round. |
| Navigation | Use the official Royal Canal Way map (available from Waterways Ireland) or a GPS app such as Komoot or Ride with GPS. |
| Safety | Keep to the left on the towpath, signal turns, and give way to walkers. Use a bell and hand signals at junctions. |
| Etiquette | Respect heritage structures, stay on the path, take litter home, and keep dogs on leads. |
| Food & Drink | Carry at least 1 L of water per person per day; refill at cafés in Maynooth, Mullingar, and Longford. Pack snacks or stop at local pubs for a hearty Irish stew. |
| Emergency | Dial 999 for emergencies; nearest Garda stations are in Mullingar (044 938 4000) and Longford (042 921 9000). |
6. Where to Find More Information
- Waterways Ireland, Royal Canal Greenway status: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/royalcanalstatus
- Official Greenway map (PDF): https://www.westmeathcoco.ie/en/media/royalcanalgreenwayleaflet_a3dl.pdf
- Cycling Ireland, EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast) connections: https://en.eurovelo.com/ev1/ireland
- Local tourism sites: Visit Dublin, Meath Tourism, Westmeath County Council, Longford County Council.
Conclusion
The Royal Canal Greenway asks very little of you. The towpath is flat, the surface is compacted gravel and tarmac, and most days end in a town with a bed in it. That is the appeal. You can take children on it, or someone who has not ridden since school, and still cover ground.
Get the Waterways Ireland map before you go, and check their status page for closures. The canal has been there since 1817 and is in no hurry.