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DI - Cycling the Waterford Greenway

Cycling the Waterford Greenway

VD & DI - Explore 3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

3 stunning walks in the Dublin Mountains

DI - Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

Top 10 walks and hikes for experienced walkers

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Kildare
Maynooth
Royal Canal Greenway - Ma ...
Royal Canal Greenway - Maynooth
A couple walk the boardwalk along by the Royal Canal in Maynooth
Royal Canal Greenway - Maynooth
Maynooth, Co. Kildare
  • Cycling
  • Family fun
  • Nature and wildlife
  • Walking and hiking
Family friendly
The Royal Canal Greenway starts at the unusual triangular shaped harbour in the bustling university town of Maynooth in County Kildare. In the centre of the harbour, a tiny island is home to graceful swans oblivious to the admiring glances of passers by.

Packed with great places to eat, shop and stay, Maynooth in County Kildare, is the ideal location to begin your Royal Canal Greenway adventure. The town is serviced by the Dublin to Sligo railway line which makes it a great choice for those staying in Dublin City looking to escape the hustle and bustle for an afternoon.

Watch out for the remarkable Jackson Bridge at the 14th Lock. The bridge forms an unusual design with five spanning arches, one for the canal, one for pedestrians, a railway arch and two arches for farm animals on the south bank.

The next stretch towards Enfield, passes by the beautifully restored Kilcock Harbour, a vibrant hub for watersports and home to Kilcock Canoe Polo Club.

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Trail details

Grade:
Easy trail
Format:
Linear trail
Length:
6km
    Time:Maynooth to Kilcock Section: Walking, 1 hour 12 minutes. Cycling, 18 minutes
map
map
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Contact details
Apartment 11, Harbour View Apartments, Straffan Rd, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
This trail is part ofRoyal Canal Greenway
Experience as part of
Ireland's Ancient East LogoIreland's Ancient East
Leave no trace
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Be considerate of others
  • Respect farm animals and wildlife
  • Travel and camp responsibly
  • Leave what you find
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Protect nature from fire
More to discover at Royal Canal Greenway - Maynooth
The word Enfield spelled out as a hedge in shrubbery as you enter town
Royal Canal Greenway - Enfield
CyclingRoyal Canal Greenway - Enfield

Enfield in County Meath is a lovely location for an overnight stay, with accommodation available to suit all preferences. In Irish, the town is known as An Bóthar Buí (the yellow road) which came about due to the cattle markets that were traditionally held in the town.

Two cyclists cycling along the Royal Canal Greenway
Royal Canal Greenway - Mullingar
CyclingRoyal Canal Greenway - Mullingar

The busy market town of Mullingar, County Westmeath, in the heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, and only 79km from Dublin City, is the ideal location to base yourself for a day or weekend exploring the Royal Canal Greenway.

Two couples walk past each other on the Royal Canal Greenway near a stone bridge
Royal Canal Greenway - Cloondara
CyclingRoyal Canal Greenway - Cloondara

The little tranquil harbour village of Cloondara, County Longford, is another option for starting your journey along the Royal Canal Greenway. The village takes its name from the Irish Cluain Dá Ráth meaning pasture of two ringforts.

Corlea Trackway visitor centre near to the Royal Canal Greenway
Royal Canal Greenway - Longford
CyclingRoyal Canal Greenway - Longford

One of the biggest towns along the Royal Canal Greenway, Longford Town in County Longford is full of great accommodation options and places to eat and drink after a busy day walking or cycling along the Greenway.

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