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All there is to know about Ireland's Greenways.

Greenways of Ireland Eurocycles Guide

Ireland has many greenways. These designated cycling and walking routes usually follow former railway lines or canal towpaths. These routes offer safe and scenic opportunities to explore the Irish countryside while helping promote active and healthy lifestyles by providing safe and accessible paths for fun outdoor recreation and active transportation. They are perfect for family cycles and friends' adventures alike. 
Supporting the local economy by attracting tourists and visitors, these greenways allow to explore and appreciate natural and heritage parts of Ireland safely and sustainably. These trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them suitable for cyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities. They also offer several access points, bike rental facilities, and picnic, boating and fishing areas.
This network of greenways is constantly evolving. As new ones appear regularly, we thought it was time to list the most popular greenways available to let you plan your next cycling adventures.  


Great Western Greenway.

Great Western Greenway - Eurocycles Dublin bike shop

The Great Western Greenway is a 42 km off-road cycling and walking trail from Westport to Achill Island in County Mayo. The trail follows the route of the former Westport to Achill railway line, which closed in 1937. The Great Western Greenway is one of the most popular in Ireland, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast and the surrounding countryside.

The Great Western Greenway passes through beautiful landscapes, including farmland, peat bogs, lakes, and forests, and goes through several picturesque towns and villages along the way, including Newport and Mulranny. 
Highlights of the Great Western Greenway include the Newport Viaduct, a 100-year-old bridge that spans the Black Oak River, and the Mulranny Causeway, a stunning 640-meter-long bridge that connects the mainland to Mulranny village. Other historic sites are scattered on the route, including the ruins of Burrishoole Abbey and the 15th-century Kildavnet Castle on Achill Island.

Overall, the Great Western Greenway is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of County Mayo and explore the history and culture of this part of Ireland.


Waterford Greenway.

Waterford Greenway - Eurocycles Ireland

The Waterford Greenway is a 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail starting in Waterford City and ending in Dungarvan, County Waterford. It follows the route of the former Waterford to Dungarvan railway line, which closed in 1967 and is one of the longest off-road cycling trails in Ireland.

The Waterford Greenway passes through stunning landscapes and offers imposing views of the River Suir, the Comeragh Mountains, and the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark.
Along the way, the Waterford Greenway passes through several charming villages and towns, including Kilmacthomas, where visitors can stop for refreshments or explore the local attractions, such as the Kilmacthomas Workhouse and Famine Museum. Other highlights of the Waterford Greenway include the Ballyvoyle Tunnel, a 400-meter-long tunnel that passes beneath the Knockmealdown Mountains, and the Durrow Viaduct, a stunning 18-arch bridge that spans the river Suir.

Overall, the Waterford Greenway is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and rich history of County Waterford and to explore the local culture and attractions. It is accessible to young riders and more experienced ones alike, making it an ideal family day-out destination. 


Royal Canal Greenway.

Royal Canal Greenway - Eurocycles Dublin Bike Shop

The Royal Canal Greenway is a 130 km off-road cycling and walking trail linking Dublin to Longford. The greenway follows the historic Royal Canal route built in the late 18th century to transport goods and passengers between Dublin and the River Shannon.

The Royal Canal Greenway offers a unique and diverse experience, passing through urban areas, farmland, woodlands and wetlands. The trail offers stunning views of the canal, the surrounding countryside, and several historic landmarks, including aqueducts, bridges, and locks.

Some highlights of the Royal Canal Greenway include the 12th Lock in Castleknock, the Mullingar Harbour, and the stunning aqueducts in Enfield and Clonsilla. The Royal Canal Greenway also passes through several charming towns and villages, including Maynooth, Mullingar, and Longford, where visitors can stop for refreshments or explore the local attractions.

Overall, the Royal Canal Greenway is a fantastic way to experience the rich history and natural beauty of County Dublin, County Kildare, County Meath, County Westmeath, and County Longford. It is a fantastic trail for a cycle with friends and family, even with little riders in tow.


Great Southern Trail / Limerick Greenway.

Great Southern Trail Greenway - Eurocycles Dublin Bike Shop

The Great Southern Trail is a 39 km off-road cycling and walking trail based in County Limerick, linking Rathkeale to the Kerry border in the southwest of Ireland. The greenway follows the route of the former Limerick to Tralee railway line, which closed in the 1970s.

The Great Southern Trail offers stunning views of the river Deel and the surrounding countryside, including bogland, woodland and farmland. 
Along the way, the Great Southern Trail passes through several charming towns and villages, including Ardagh, Newcastle West, and Abbeyfeale, where visitors can stop for refreshments or explore the local attractions, such as Desmond Castle in Newcastle West and the Abbeyfeale Heritage Trail.

One of the highlights of the Great Southern Trail is the Barnagh Tunnel, a 200-meter-long tunnel that passes beneath Barnagh Hill. The trail also offers several historic landmarks, including the Ballingrane Viaduct and the Templeglantine Station.

The Great Southern Trail is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty and rich history of County Limerick. Its accessibility makes it an ideal family adventure destination.


The Old Trail Westmeath.

The Old Trail Westmeath - Eurocycles Ireland

The Old Rail Trail is a 42 km off-road cycling and walking trail from Mullingar to Athlone in County Westmeath, in the midlands of Ireland. The trail follows the route of the former Midlands Great Western Railway line, which closed in the 1980s.

The Old Rail Trail offers a unique and diverse experience, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and several historic landmarks, including the Hill of Uisneach, believed to be Ireland's spiritual and political.

Along the way, the Old Rail Trail passes through several charming towns and villages, including Moate and Castletown Geoghegan, where visitors can stop for refreshments or explore the local attractions, such as the Dun na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park in Moate and the Fore Abbey in Castlepollard.
If you want a fun and active day out, the Old Rail Trail is a perfect cycling route, only an hour away from Dublin. 


Dodder Valley Greenway - A work in progress.

The Dodder Valley Park Greenway is a greenway project that would run along the river Dodder in south Dublin, connecting the city centre to the suburbs of Tallaght and Rathfarnham. Following a planned 17km route, this greenway will stretch from Bohernabreena reservoir to Ringsend in Dublin city centre. The Dodder Greenway will provide a safe and sustainable mode of transportation for commuters and residents connecting communities along the route. The park features a mix of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and several historic landmarks, including the medieval ruins of Whitechurch and St. Enda's Park, the former home of Irish nationalist leader Patrick Pearse.
The first phase of this greenway has already been finished and can be enjoyed by all. Once completed, the Dodder Valley Park Greenway would be a valuable addition to Dublin's growing network of greenways and a popular destination for outdoor recreation and active transportation.


Which is the longest greenway in Ireland?

The Royal Canal Greenway is the longest in Ireland, stretching over 130km from Maynooth to Longford. Awarded the "Cycle Route of the Year 2022" award, the Royal Canal Greenway captures 200 years of history as it wonders through fields and stunning waterside villages. 

What is the difference between a blueway and a greenway?

A greenway is a designated route for walking, cycling, and other non-motorized activities that typically follows an abandoned railway line, canal towpath, or other off-road corridors. Greenways are often located in rural or natural areas and provide a scenic and environmentally friendly way for people to explore the outdoors.

On the other hand, a Blueway is a designated water trail for paddling, kayaking, and other non-motorized water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Blueways typically follow rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, often including access points, camping areas, and other amenities for water-based activities.

Both greenways and Blueways offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, exercise, and appreciation of natural environments. They also typically provide information and interpretive signage along the routes to help visitors learn about the history, ecology, and other features. One of the most popular blueway is the Suir Blueway. 


Future greenways.

There are several proposed greenways in various stages of development across Ireland. Some of the notable ones are:

- Royal Canal Greenway Extension: This proposed work would extend the existing Royal Canal Greenway from Cloondara to Clondra, adding 20 km to the trail.

- Wexford Greenway: This path would run 120 km along the former South Wexford Railway line from Wexford town to Waterford city. 

- Connemara Greenway: Consisting of 76 km from Oughterard to Clifden in County Galway, this trail would offer stunning views of the Connemara landscape.

- Great Southern Greenway Limerick Extension: This extension would add 45km to the existing Great Southern Greenway and connect Limerick city to Tralee in County Kerry.

- Boyne Greenway: From Drogheda to Navan, the 50km of trails would allow cyclists and pedestrians to wander safely along the river Boyne.

Wherever you are in Ireland, there is a greenway near you. These valuable and sustainable ways to connect with nature, culture and communities while promoting healthy and active lifestyles are the perfect way to explore Ireland and its riches. Family can enjoy secure paths to bring their younger members for hours of outdoor fun. Beginner cyclists can boost their confidence on well-maintained trails away from traffic, and more experienced riders get to enjoy a relaxed pace and beautiful sceneries throughout the country. Overall, at Eurocycles, we cannot recommend trying these paths enough.

If you are considering these trails for your next cycling adventure, why not look at our selection of bikes? Make sure to dress for the occasion with our cycling clothing and transport your bikes safely with our selection of car racks