Few trail heads in Ireland pack as much history into one route as the Royal Canal Greenway. The 130km off-road trail from Maynooth to Longford Town winds through four counties, tracing a waterway built in the 1790s and now reborn as Ireland’s longest car-free path. Whether you’re after a day ride or a multi-day trek, an official PDF guide from Waterways Ireland makes planning straightforward.

4 related posts

Length: 130 km · Start Point: Maynooth · End Point: Longford Town · Trail Type: Off-road walking and cycling · Key Resource: Downloadable guide PDF

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • 130 km off-road trail connecting Maynooth to Longford Town and Cloondara (Waterways Ireland)
  • Passes through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford counties (Greenways Ireland)
  • Managed by Waterways Ireland, with county councils developing local sections (Waterways Ireland PDF)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact completion date for Phase 4 remaining sections
  • Whether all Dublin phases will connect seamlessly by a specific target year
3Timeline signal
  • Royal Canal construction: 1790–1817
  • Canal closed to navigation: 1961
  • Reopened Dublin to Shannon: 2010
  • Greenway launched: reportedly March 2021
4What happens next
  • Dublin City Council developing Phase 3 from North Strand Road to Phibsborough Road
  • Westmeath County Council maintains 32.3km developed section with access points
Six core figures anchor your planning
Label Value
Total Length 130 km
Start Location Maynooth
Finish Location Longford Town
Surface Type Towpath, mostly off-road
Activities Walking, cycling
Official Guide Waterways Ireland PDF

Where does the Royal Canal Greenway start and finish?

Start point in Maynooth

The trail begins in Maynooth, County Kildare, where the historic canal meets the town. Waterways Ireland, the state body managing Ireland’s inland waterways, developed the Greenway between Maynooth and Longford Town and Cloondara.

End point in Longford Town

The northern terminus sits in Longford Town, with the route extending to Cloondara near the River Shannon. The Greenway stretches through Ireland’s Ancient East towards the River Shannon in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Full route overview

The Greenway passes through four counties: Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford. Westmeath County Council developed 32.3km of the towpath, approximately 22km runs through County Meath, and the Dublin section includes two completed stretches—one of 0.5km between Guild Street and Upper Sheriff Street, and another of 2.5km between Ashtown and Castleknock.

The pattern is straightforward: the northern sections from Meath through Longford are largely complete and open, while the Dublin end remains under development through multiple phases.

Bottom line: The trail runs 130km from Maynooth to Longford Town and Cloondara. Northern sections are open; Dublin phases are still progressing through planning and construction.

How long does it take to walk the Royal Canal?

Walking time estimates

Most walkers need two to three days to complete the 130km route at a moderate pace. Experienced hikers comfortable with 25–30km daily stages might manage it faster, but a single day walk of the full distance is unrealistic for most people.

Daily stages

The towpath is generally level with minimum gradients, making sustained walking manageable. Suggested routes in Westmeath include Mullingar to Coolnahay Harbour (10.5km) and Mullingar to Thomastown Bridge (17.8km), useful for planning daily segments.

Factors affecting duration

Weather, fitness level, photo stops, and surface conditions all influence actual walking times. Users should also respect the habitat, flora, and fauna along the route and avoid entering adjoining farmland.

The implication: break the route into manageable daily stages rather than attempting the full distance at once. The flat towpath rewards steady pacing over rushed attempts.

What to watch

The canal operated in competition with the Grand Canal, which ran parallel no more than 30km to the south. Those wanting to extend their journey can explore both waterways.

Can you cycle along the Royal Canal?

Cycling permissions

Yes—off-road cycling is permitted along the Greenway. Waterways Ireland opened the Royal Canal from Dublin to the Shannon in 2010, and the Greenway designation confirmed cycling as an accepted activity on the towpath.

Trail suitability

The route is generally level and surfaced with minimum gradients, making it suitable for a wide range of riders. The surface handles hybrid bikes comfortably, though occasional gravel sections reward wider tires.

Access points

County Meath offers access at Enfield, Longwood, and the Hill of Down. Westmeath access points include D’Arcy’s Bridge, Hyde Park, Killucan, Shandonagh Bridge, and Coolnahay Harbour. Dublin access is available at Guild Street, Upper Sheriff Street, Ashtown, and Castleknock.

The catch: Dublin’s Greenway is still developing, so some planned access points in the city are not yet open. Checking current status before cycling in the Dublin section saves frustration.

What kind of bike is best for the Greenway?

Hybrid or gravel bikes

Hybrid bikes with flat handlebars work well for the mixed surfaces and occasional gravel patches. Gravel bikes with wider tires (32mm or above) offer extra puncture protection and are a popular choice among regular Greenway users.

Tire recommendations

Puncture-resistant tires of 32mm or wider handle the towpath surface reliably. Standard road bike tires are too narrow for the uneven sections and gravel that appear in places.

Rental options

Bicycle rental is available in towns along the route, including Mullingar, Enfield, and Longford. Ballymahon Greenway Cycles focuses on the County Longford section and offers regional route maps.

Gear tip

A hybrid bike with puncture-resistant tires (32mm or wider) handles the towpath comfortably without the weight penalty of a full mountain bike.

Where to find Royal Canal Greenway maps and PDFs?

Official Waterways Ireland map

Waterways Ireland, the official manager of Ireland’s inland waterways, offers two key downloads. The comprehensive Royal Canal Greenway Guide (PDF) includes an overview map, regional sections, access points, and practical visitor information. A general canal map covers the full Royal Canal system.

Interactive route maps

Westmeath County Council offers a downloadable Royal Canal Greenway Guide and full-screen route map with highlighted sections and access details. Sport Ireland provides a Westmeath sectional map with suggested routes and access points marked.

Downloadable guides

Ballymahon Greenway Cycles offers a County Longford section map focused on the northern terminus area. Greenway Hub provides interactive maps and Google Map overlays of points of interest along the route.

Why this matters

Waterways Ireland (the state body managing the canal) publishes its own guide, while county councils add detailed regional maps—having both gives you the full picture from system-level planning down to daily stage navigation.

Confirmed facts

  • Royal Canal Greenway is 130km from Maynooth to Longford Town and Cloondara
  • Passes through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford
  • Royal Canal construction began 1790, completed 1817
  • Canal closed to navigation in 1961, reopened 2010
  • Westmeath section spans 32.3km; Meath section spans 22km
  • Dublin has two completed stretches (0.5km and 2.5km)
  • Waterways Ireland is the official managing body
  • Trail is generally level with minimum gradients

What’s unclear

  • Precise completion target date for remaining Dublin phases
  • Whether all Dublin sections will connect seamlessly or leave gaps
  • Most recent status of Phase 4 construction

Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town.

— Waterways Ireland (Official Manager)

The Royal Canal Greenway, at 130km, is the longest off-road Greenway in Ireland.

— Greenways Ireland (Tourism Guide)

For visitors planning a trip to Ireland, the Royal Canal Greenway offers something increasingly rare: a long-distance trail where you can walk or cycle for days without traffic noise. The 130km route from Maynooth to Longford Town uses a historic canal corridor that dates back to the 1790s, giving the landscape a depth that purpose-built recreational paths often lack. Download the official Waterways Ireland guide before you go—the PDF covers access points, facilities, and regional highlights in one document.

Related reading: Houses for Sale in Naas – Prices and Availability 2025

Additional sources

en.wikipedia.org, sportireland.ie, greenwayhub.ie, dublincity.ie, waterwaysireland.org, waterwaysireland.org

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Royal Canal Greenway?

The Royal Canal Greenway spans 130km from Maynooth in County Kildare to Longford Town and Cloondara in County Longford, making it the longest off-road Greenway in Ireland.

Is the Royal Canal Greenway suitable for families?

Yes—the flat towpath and off-road surface make it suitable for families with children. The northern sections from Meath through Longford are largely complete and well-maintained, offering a manageable environment for younger riders and walkers.

What facilities are along the Royal Canal Greenway?

Facilities vary by section. Towns along the route—including Maynooth, Enfield, Mullingar, and Longford Town—offer food, accommodation, and bike hire. The Waterways Ireland PDF guide lists specific facilities and access points for each regional section.

Are there accommodations on the Royal Canal Greenway?

Accommodation is available in towns along the route. Multi-day walkers typically stay in Mullingar, Longford Town, and smaller settlements like Enfield. Booking ahead during peak seasons is advisable since rural accommodation options are limited.

How to get to the Royal Canal Greenway start?

Maynooth is accessible by train from Dublin and has a rail station close to the canal. For drivers, the M4 motorway passes near Maynooth. Longford Town similarly has rail connections, making both endpoints reachable without a car.

What weather to expect on the Royal Canal Greenway?

Ireland’s weather is changeable year-round. The trail is usable in rain (towpath surfaces can be wet), but stormy conditions make cycling unpleasant. Spring through early autumn offers the most reliable conditions for multi-day trips.

Are dogs allowed on the Royal Canal Greenway?

Dogs are generally allowed on the Greenway but must be kept under control. Users should respect the habitat and avoid entering farmland adjoining the trail. Keeping dogs on leads near livestock or sensitive wildlife areas is standard practice.