Greenways
Ireland’s Greenways link places of interest, recreation and leisure in areas with beautiful scenery of different types. The trails are built to be used exclusively by cyclists, pedestrians and other non motorised transport.
Old Rail Trail – Athlone to Mullingar
The ‘Old Rail Trail’ begins in the riverside town of Athlone and ends in the elegant old market town of Mullingar, County Westmeath. Between these two cultural hotspots, you will hear nothing but birdsong and the whirr of the spokes on your bike as you lose yourself along the spectacular 42km cycle path. The Old Rail Trail is a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway carved through rich fertile farmland, the Old Rail Trail Greenway leads visitors through the very heart of Ireland. The route traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty stone arched bridges. Linking the mighty River Shannon in Athlone with the Royal Canal in Mullingar, it passes through areas of unique biodiversity and heritage along the way.
Royal Canal Greenway – Cloondara (Tarmonbarry) to Dublin
The Royal Canal Greenway, at 130Km is the longest off-road Greenway in Ireland. The Greenway runs along the towpath of the Royal Canal which was constructed between Dublin and Longford at the turn of the 18th century to connect the River Liffey to the River Shannon. The Greenway passes through counties Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.
The ‘Shannon Monastic greenway’ linking Shannonbridge to Athlone is under development.
