Royal Canal Greenway
The Royal Canal Greenway is a scenic 130km walking and cycling amenity stretching alongside the historic 225-year-old canal. Not only Ireland's longest greenway, it's also known for its scenic beauty, rich heritage and abundance of wildlife. With plenty to see and do along the way, along with a range of accommodation options, restaurants and cafés, a brilliant experience is inevitable.
Greenway users can choose to complete the entire 130km flat, off-road trail in one visit or explore the shorter designated routes — ranging from 6km to 15km. There are 14 connecting access points and towns, where you'll find wonderful places to eat and stay and plenty to to see and do. The greenway almost encircles Mullingar town, where there are a number of access points to allow visitors to enjoy the variety of cafes, restaurants, boutique-style shopping and high-quality accommodation options available in this vibrant town.
Soak in the peace and tranquillity of the Royal Canal banks where a unique heritage awaits you. Brought to Mullingar in 1806 following a transport revolution, the Royal Canal has a colourful history as the main transport link of the time, before the railway was constructed in 1848. The Greenway is a former towpath for barges and features no less than 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.
The 22km section of the Royal Canal around Mullingar is also a designated Blueway, offering opportunities to enjoy the water by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard and these facilities, along with bike hire, are available at the Mullingar Harbour Activity Zone. From here, you can also take the 4km greenway link to Lough Owel, to soak in the scenic lake views and abundance of wildlife, get active on the water or enjoy a fishing trip.
This trail also connects seamlessly with the Old Rail Trail Greenway, a 42km dedicated walking and cycling trail following the historic Midlands Great Western Greenway from Newbrook, Mullingar to the River Shannon in Athlone. Or for some long-distance walking along the banks of Lough Ennel and the River Brosna, take the Westmeath Way from Mullingar to Kilbeggan, where you'll find Ireland's Oldest Whiskey Distillery and the Kilbeggan Races.
Download the Brochure here
Interactive online map showing access points here
Interactive online map showing car parking in Mullingar here
List of services, accommodation and restaurants near the Royal Canal Greenway here