Travel Grand Canal Greenway
Cyclists can start from multiple locations on the Grand Canal Greenway as there are very many points where major and particularly minor roads meet the greenway. Those travelling by car and carrying their own bikes will require parking. There is parking at the side of the canal at Blundell Wood at the start of the greenway spur in Edenderry town. Alternatively there is parking available at the start of the Grand Canal proper just outside the town at Georges Bridge on St Mary's Road (R402). There is car parking available at many of the bridges over the canal .
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In Tullamore there is paid parking at the train station. Download the APCOA app to your phone, add your vehicle registration number to the app and select the current location. The cost per day is €3.50. Lock your car and remove any valuables when parking. There are many other parking options in the town. Access to the greenway runs through the centre of the town.
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Parking is very easy and free at the Shannon Harbour side of the greenway.
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Parking in Edenderry
Parking at Georges Bridge
For those travelling by public transport, Tullamore is likely to be the preferred location as there are good rail and bus connections, see here for Irish Rail and her for Expressway bus services. Access to the greenway involves cycling through the town via Columcille Street or via Kilbride Street. It is necessary to cross to the North side of the canal to join the greenway.
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Those travelling by train can also start at any of the stations on the rail line from Dublin Heuston to Westport passing through Tullamore, see Irish Rail Map here.
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For those on a cycling holiday and staying overnight at various locations, an interesting approach may be to cycle from Maynooth to Longford on the Royal Canal greenway. From Longford cycle back to Mullingar or take the train to Mullingar. Cycle the Mullingar to Athlone greenway. From Athlone one could then take the train to Tullamore and cycle the Grand Canal Greenway Finally take the train from Athlone or Tullamore to Westport where the Great Western Greenway awaits. Some tour suggestions here are provided in the Favourites page here.​​​​​​​
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Those arriving by bus or train can hire bikes, see the Hire/ Repair page on this site.
Parking at many bridges that cross the canal
Cycling into Tullamore on the north side of the canal
Parking at the side of the canal along the greenway