Travel Stephen Meyler on Ireland’s greenways
In recent years, we have discovered greenways, the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of the Irish countryside on foot or by bicycle
Waterford Greenway
e Waterford Greenway was opened in 2017, a 46km stretch of car-free pathway from historic Waterford City to the beautiful sea-side town of Dungarvan in west Co. Waterford.
e Comeragh Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to a breathtaking journey across 11 bridges, three viaducts, through a 400m-long tunnel, along the banks of the River Suir, all the way to the beaches of Waterford’s Copper Coast.
Great Western Greenway
Completed in 2011, this panoramic 42km route, which winds its way along the coast of Clew Bay, is the second longest greenway in Ireland. e Great Western Greenway has been so popular that it has inspired similar ventures all around the country. Visitors come for the tra cfree natural environment and the beautiful views over Mayo’s mountains, bogs, farms and dramatic Atlantic coastline.
e Great Western follows the line of the old
Midlands Great Western Railway, which closed in 1937. It can be completed in either direction, although the best approach is from west to east, with the prevailing wind at your back! Of course, you don’t have to do the entire 42km, as there are a number of entry points onto the Greenway so you can choose to do the Greenway in smaller sections if you wish.
Old Rail Trail
is trail begins in Athlone and ends in the old market town of Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Between these two hotspots, you will hear nothing but birdsong along the 42km cycle path.
e Old Rail Trail is a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway carved through fertile farmland. It leads visitors through the very heart of Ireland, past restored station houses and under stone bridges, and linking the River Shannon in Athlone with the Royal Canal in Mullingar.
Great Southern Trail
is greenway in Limerick is a 39km o road walking and cycling route along the old railway line that connects the three market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale in west Co Limerick. e Trail provides a journey through the built and natural heritage of countryside and villages along the route. You will encounter Norman castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, workhouses, famine graveyards, deserted railway stations, a viaduct and breathtaking scenery.
Royal Canal Greenway
At 130km, this will be the longest o -road Greenway when completed. Most of the works are now completed and the greenway opens this year.
e 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 Li ey to the River Shannon. To date, Waterways Ireland have developed the Greenways for recreation purposes between Maynooth in Co. Kildare to Longford Town and Cloondara. e Greenway passes through counties Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.
Suir Blueway
e Suir Blueway in County Tipperary opened in 2019. e Blueway runs for 53km in an eastwest direction from Carrick-on-suir to Cahir via Clonmel. e route is made up of a walking/ cycling trail for 21km which runs from Carrick-onsuir to Clonmel and a further 32km of waterway along the River Suir which can be canoed or kayaked. It is the river-based element of the route that makes it a Blueway rather than a Greenway.