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Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Mullingar - Athlone Links Discover Ireland Westmeath Co. Council Athlone.ie Westmeath.ie

Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Bike Hire and Repair Mulllingar - Athlone OE Bike in Mullingar Provides bike maintenance and bike hire Kenny Bikes in Mullingar Provides bike maintenance in Mullingar Mullingar Bike Hire Bike Hire on the Royal Canal in Mullingar town Buckleys of Athlone Buckleys Hire and Repair shop in Athlone town Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone

Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Maps Mullingar - Athlone Switch to the Royal Canal at point B Click on the maps below for more detail

Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Travel Mullingar - Athlone Greenway Mullingar side Starting from Mullingar there are three possible routes. 1. Cycle east on the Royal Canal Greenway towards Enfield/ Kilcock/ Maynooth 2. Cycle west on the Royal Canal Greenway towards Longford 3. Cycle west on the Mullingar to Athlone (Old Rail Trail) towards Athlone We are dealing with the third option here. Options 1&2 are covered in the Royal Canal section of this website . Note that the Royal Canal greenway route, travelling west, and the Mullingar to Athlone greenways straddle each other for about 4 Kms from Mullingar but on separate paths. The Royal Canal route hugs the canal while the Mullingar to Athone cycleway takes a slightly more southern route. In both cases the routes converge at Ballinea Bridge. The Royal Canal route then heads north west towards Longford along the banks of the canal. The Mullingar to Athlone Greenway route travels west to Athlone on the now disused rail network which is commonly referred to as the Old Rail Trail. Cyclists taking the Old Rail Trail starting in the centre of Mullingar town or at the Railway station will cycle for a short distance on the Royal Canal Greenway. The greenways intersect just outside Mullingar. When cyclists pass under the bridge shown in the image they should take a left turn to join the Old Rail Trail. More detail on the intersection between both greenways is shown in the Info section here and also on the Royal Canal Greenway Arriving by Train in Mullingar Those travelling by train will arrive into Mullingar rail station, access to the Royal Canal Greenway is just opposite the station. Cycling to the east from Mullingar rail station, there is a cycle path that takes you through the town on the cycle path where you can stop for lunch or coffee or stay overnight. Those wishing the access the Old Rail Trail will cycle to the west along the Royal Canal for 1.5Km. Just under the bridge the path diverges. Those continuing on the Royal Canal Greenway towards Longford should continue on straight. Those wishing to cycle towards Athlone take a left turn just after the bridge. An image of the on the map of the point of divergence are shown below. As an aside please note that there is no direct rail line between Mullingar and Athlone (it is now a greenway!). Passengers expecting to travel between Mullingar and Athlone by rail must travel via Dublin and change stations in Dublin. Mullingar is on the Sligo line while Athlone is on the Mayo/Galway line, see the rail intercity rail map here. For rail tickets please see the Irish Rail website here. Arriving by car or bus in Mullingar Those travelling by car can park at the Old Rail Trail car park shown in the map below. The car park is free and the Old Rail Trail starts just outside the car park at the other side of the at the roundabout, see map below. Those travelling by bus to Mullingar will most likely be dropped in the town centre or at the Rail station and most likely will require bike hire, see the Bike Hire page here . Also see Bus Eireann web page here. Athlone side The Mullingar to Athlone Greenway starts and finishes in the centre of Athlone town at the recently built Athlone Greenway bridge. See news report here for its opening in 2023. The location of the bridge and the train station is shown below. Those travelling by train to Athlone will have a very short ride to the bridge and can use it as their starting point. Those travelling by bus will most likely be hiring bikes, see the Bike Hire page here. Parking is available at the train station. Athlone Greenway Bridge For those with cars and bikes, there is free parking outside Athlone town and is a useful place to have a picnic either at the start or end of your cycle. See location here. It is not possible to hire bikes at one location and return elsewhere. Unfortunately. I have not found a bike hire company that allows bikes to be hired in Athlone and returned in Mullingar or vice versa. See Hire section here for more information on bike hire companies. There are many options to begin the cycle if driving and carrying own bikes other than Athlone or Mullingar, such as at Moate or at many of the road bridges that cross the greenway. There is parking at many of these crossing points.

Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Grand Canal Greenway Links Waterways Ireland Discover Ireland Tracks and Trails Visit Offaly Midlands Ireland

Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History Grand Canal Work began on the Grand Canal in 1756. The first sods were turned near at Hazelhatch, now part of the Sallins Greenway. However engineering difficulties and mistakes by the builders in the early stages meant that progress was slow. The tempo picked up during the last twenty years of the 18th century and although thwarted many times by the difficulties of engineering a canal across the Bog of Allen the canal company managed to make the link with the Shannon in 1803. The important branch to the river Barrow had been completed a decade earlier. Passenger boats used the waterway until the 1850s and cargo boats until 1960. The big, broad-beamed barges laden with porter, coal or grain were a familiar sight to generations of canal-side dwellers. After their closure to commercial traffic in 1960 the future for the waterways seemed bleak (although the Grand, unlike the Royal, remained navigable). However the vision of the inland waterways activists encouraged a more enlightened attitude by Government. Some branches were restored (for example, Naas in 1987) and the canal environment improved - a process which continues as the role of the canals for water and land based recreation and tourism is increasingly valued as a national asset as well as a source of amenity for canal side communities. The main line of the Grand Canal is 132 km in length from Dublin to the Shannon passing through counties Kildare and Offaly. Lowtown, located in County Kildare, played a significant role in the history of Ireland’s inland waterways as a key hub on the Grand Canal. Lowtown emerged as a vital junction where the main line of the Grand Canal met the Barrow Line, which connected to the River Barrow and onward to the southeast of Ireland. This strategic location made Lowtown a busy transshipment point and an operational centre for canal maintenance, barge traffic and payment of fees. The area became home to a depot, lock-keeper’s cottages, and other facilities essential for managing canal operations. Barges carrying cargoes such as Guinness, turf, grain, and building materials would stop at Lowtown, making it an economic and logistical lynchpin in the canal network. The Edenderry to Shannon Harbour Canal was a branch of the Grand Canal in Ireland, constructed to connect the town of Edenderry in County Offaly to the main line of the canal at Shannon Harbour. Built in the late 18th century, around the 1790s, it was part of a broader effort to expand inland navigation and promote trade and transport across the country. This branch line, often referred to as the Edenderry Branch, was approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) long. It played a key role in the local economy, enabling the transport of goods such as turf, grain, and coal to and from Edenderry. Tullamore, from the Irish Tulach Mhór meaning "great hill," lies in the heart of Ireland. The area has been settled since ancient times, with evidence of Bronze Age habitation and early Christian monastic influence. It was historically part of the ancient kingdom of Ui Failghe, from which County Offaly gets its name. During the medieval period, Tullamore was relatively small but held strategic importance due to its location near the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the River Brosna. The area was controlled by powerful Gaelic families, particularly the O’Molloys. After the Tudor conquest of Ireland, land around Tullamore was seized and granted to English settlers, notably the Moore family, who became the Earls of Charleville. The 19th century saw significant development, largely due to the influence of the Charleville estate. The Grand Canal, completed in the late 1700s, played a key role in Tullamore’s economic growth, facilitating trade and transport. The Charleville Castle, a Gothic revival structure, was built just outside the town and remains a notable historic site. Tullamore also developed as an industrial and commercial centre. In 1829, Daniel E. Williams joined a local distillery and eventually created the now-famous Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, which would become one of Ireland's most recognized whiskey brands. In the 20th century, Tullamore evolved into a modern town. While the original distillery closed in 1954, the brand endured and saw a major revival in the 21st century. In 2014, a new Tullamore D.E.W. distillery opened on the outskirts of the town, reconnecting Tullamore with its whiskey heritage. The town has become a regional hub for education, retail, and health services, and is now home to over 15,000 people.

Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Mullingar - Athlone Greenway Also known as the Old Rail Trail, the route between Mullingar and Athlone runs along the old rail line and is now an off-road cycle path of 41 Kms or 43 Kms if finishing in both town centres. The route is flat and constructed of asphalt/ tarmac and is an excellent cycle route. The Old Rail Trail is a rural route through the heart of the Irish Midlands, starting in the market town of Mullingar and continuing on a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway. The railway line was closed in 1987. This was a double track railway line and one of the tracks remains in place for much of the route. The other track is now replaced with the cycle path. The 43km journey takes us through rich fertile farmland, away from the hustle of towns, in a beautiful rural setting to the bustling town of Athlone. The route starts at the Old Rail Trail car park in Mullingar. The route runs parallel to the Royal Canal Greenway for about 4 Kms to the west of Mullingar. The Royal Canal greenway branches north towards Longford at Ballinea Bridge, while the Old Rail Trail continues to Athlone. Alternatively, cyclists can cycle alongside the Royal Canal for 4 Kms from Mullingar to Ballinea Bridge. There is a signpost at the bridge, see image below, to direct cyclists to Athlone or towards Longford. The canal meets the Old Rail Trail at several points before they separate at Ballinea Bridge, see maps below. Click on Streetview icon to see the physical location. The Mullingar to Athlone greenway/ Old Rail Trail and the Grand Canal Greenway run in parallel for 4 Kms west from Mullingar. The tracks separate at Ballinea Bridge. Cyclists who leave Mullingar using the Royal Canal greenway will have a final opportunity to head towards Athlone on the Old Rail Trail at Ballinea Bridge. Those who departed on the Old Rail Trail can switch to the Royal Canal at Belmount Bridge, see map below. Ballinea Bridge, turn left here for the Royal Canal Greenway or go back under the bridge for the Old Rail Trail Straight ahead for the Old Rail Trail, through the gates for the Royal Canal Straight ahead here for the Old Rail Trail or slight right towards Ballinea Bridge for the Royal Canal Greenway. Ballinea Bridge The Old Rail Trail carries on west towards Athlone. We pass Castletown Station, now disused, about 7Kms later. We continue on further to Streamstown Station which is 17Kms from Mullingar. The station house has been renovated and now houses the delightful Jack's Stop cafe and restaurant. We are about half way to Athlone at this point. A further 11Kms we meet Moate train station in the town of Moate. The Moate Golf Club is at the side of the cycle path and can be a useful stopping point. Just to the west of Moate and about 300m off the greenway outside Moate is the Amenity and Heritage Park of Dun na S i , which is well worth a visit. It is now a further 12 Kms to Athlone. The route is flat, see profile below. Mullingar to Ballinea Bridge - 4 Kms Ballinea Bridge to Castletown - 7 Kms Castletown to Streamstown - 7 Kms Streamstown to Moate - 11 Kms Moate to Athlone - 12 Kms

Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes 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 . 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. Parking is very easy and free at the Shannon Harbour side of the greenway. 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. 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. 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 t rain from Athlone or Tullamore to Westport where the Great Western Greenway awaits. Some tour suggestions here are provided in the Favourites page here. 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

Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History Mullingar Athlone Greenway The route now enjoyed as the Mullingar–Athlone Greenway originated in the mid-19th century as part of the Midlands Great Western Railway (MGWR). The railway line officially reached Mullingar from Dublin in September 1848, and by October 2nd that year, the first train arrived in Mullingar at a newly built station. The Castletown Station followed in 1851, serving both passengers and freight, and remained operational until 1963. Moate Station, also opened in 1851, continued service until 1987. This railway formed the central east-west link in Ireland connecting Dublin with Athlone and beyond, forming a vital artery across the Midlands. After 1987, with services rerouted, the line was decommissioned. In the early 21st century, the idea emerged to repurpose this disused railway into a greenway for walking and cycling, forming part of the larger Dublin–Galway Greenway project. The vision was to create a safe, off-road, scenic trail that would connect the Royal Canal at Mullingar with the River Shannon at Athlone, traversing the midlands countryside. A new dedicated bridge across the River Shannon in Athlone, critical for seamless completion of the route was finally opened in August 2023. Athlone (Irish: Áth Luain, meaning “the ford of Luan”) traces its roots to a strategic Bronze Age crossing on the River Shannon, where a natural esker created a shallow stretch essential for travel and trade. Archaeological finds—including early Christian grave slabs—suggest settlement from at least that era. King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair of Connacht established the first recorded fort and wooden bridge here in 1129 to aid his campaigns eastward. By 1210, the Anglo-Norman justiciar Bishop John de Gray, acting on behalf of King John, constructed the stone Athlone Castle and a more permanent motte-and-bailey fortification. Over the centuries, Athlone became a hub of governance and military importance. In 1569, it became the seat of the Presidency of Connacht, fortified by town walls granted in 1251, and improved with an Elizabethan bridge built in 1566. However, its strategic significance also made it a flashpoint. During the Williamite Wars, Athlone's defenses were tested in key engagements: 1690: A successful defense by Jacobite forces under Colonel Richard Grace held off Williamite attackers until the siege was broken. 1691: A renewed Williamite assault ultimately forced a crossing and led to the garrison’s surrender, marking a turning point in the conflict. Following these sieges, the castle was modernized—rebuilt during the Napoleonic period to withstand artillery fire and refitted with drum towers, embrasures, and other defensive enhancements. Beyond military might, Athlone's fabric interweaves commerce, culture, and innovation: Sean’s Bar, located on Main Street, claims the title of Ireland’s oldest pub—possibly established as early as 900 AD. Though much of the current structure dates to the 17th–18th centuries, archaeological evidence suggests older materials were reused. The Lough Ree Yacht Club, founded in 1770 near Athlone, highlights the town’s longstanding connection with river-based leisure and competition—one of the earliest inland sailing clubs in the world. The 19th century brought modernization and expansion: Construction of the nine-arched Elizabethan bridge, developments in the Shannon navigation, and the arrival of the railway in 1850 spurred Athlone's growth. The town evolved administratively too. Athlone was granted its first charter in 1599 and another in 1606, leading to a municipal corporation governed by influential families (e.g., the Handcocks and St Georges). This structure lasted until the 19th century, when reforms replaced it first with town commissioners and later with the Athlone Urban District Council. In 1922, during Ireland’s new Free State era, Custume Barracks on the west bank of the Shannon became a symbol of revolutionary pride—its renaming commemorated a local hero’s bravery during the 1691 siege. Meanwhile, Athlone Castle transitioned from historic fort to cultural landmark. In 1967, the Old Athlone Society established a museum there, and later renovations—especially the €4.3 million visitor center inaugurated in 2012—transformed it into a modern exhibition hub focusing on Athlone’s past and people. Other notable developments include: The Moydrum radio transmitter, which from 1931–1975 was a powerful beacon for radio across Europe. Today, Athlone is a bustling Midlands town with rich cultural offerings, festivals, academic institutions, and sports facilities that foster an active community spirit. Mullingar , the name derives from the Irish "An Muileann gCearr", meaning "the left‑handed mill" or more colorfully, "the wry mill." Tradition recounts a 7th-century miracle: St Colman of Lynn supposedly reversed the rotation of a local mill, giving the town its name. The town began to take shape over 800 years ago during the Norman period. Its foundation included a manor, borough, castle, parish church, monastic houses (Augustinian and Dominican), a hospital, and a venue called a “Frankhouse,” accommodating settlers from Ireland, France, England, Wales, Flanders, and Brittany. Key religious establishments included the Augustinian Priory of St Mary (founded 1227) and a Dominican friary (established 1237), both flourishing through the medieval period. In 1542, following the Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act, Mullingar was established as the county town of the newly formed County Westmeath—a role it maintains to this day. The Cromwellian land settlements reshaped local ownership, introducing new English and Scottish landholding families, while some Irish families emigrated to the European continent. By 1661, Mullingar manor had passed to Sir Arthur Forbes, Earl of Granard, whose family retained influence for approximately 200 years. In the 1700s, Mullingar emerged as a key wool market, attracting widespread trade. A devastating fire in 1747 led to substantial rebuilding, setting the stage for prosperity. Nearby, the Jealous Wall, an impressive Gothic folly, was erected in the 1760s within Belvedere House's grounds—symbolizing romantic rivalry as well as architectural flair. It remains Ireland’s largest folly. A transportation revolution reached Mullingar with the Royal Canal in 1806, connecting the town to Dublin, followed by the railway in 1848, linking it across Ireland. The town supported a wide array of civic infrastructure: a cathedral, barracks, railway station, workhouse, infirmary, courthouse, jail, market house, gas lighting (from 1859), telegraph office (1853), racecourse, and various schools. Mullingar was a garrison town from around 1819, later known for hosting Columb Barracks, until its closure in 2012. The Greville Arms Hotel, originally Wilton’s Hotel (circa 1750), was redeveloped under ownership of Lord Greville from 1858 onward. The Cathedral of Christ the King—built between 1932 and 1936—now dominates the skyline. It’s celebrated for its Renaissance style and mosaics by Russian artist Boris Anrep. The County Hall, now the Mullingar Arts Centre, was completed in 1913 in neoclassical style and officially opened by Douglas Hyde. It served as local government offices until the 2014 reform. A proud cultural heritage continues: Mullingar is known for its contributions to music and entertainment—Joe Dolan is memorialized with a bridge and sculpture; global artists like Niall Horan (One Direction) and soprano Ailish Tynan hail from there. The town supports a vibrant arts and sports scene including GAA, rugby, cricket, cycling, and more.

Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Mullingar - Athlone Greenway Info Map Travel Links Cafes Bike Hire Gallery Historical

Info Carlingford Maps Carlingford Travel Carlingford Links Carlingford Cafes Carlingford Hire Carlingford Gallery Carlingford History Carlingford Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Carlingford - Portadown The Carlingford to Portadown cycleway is a wonderful cycling experience, travelling along the scenic Carlingford Lough, cycle along the narrow strip of land between the Newry Ship Canal and the Newry River then join the Newry to Portadown towpath all the way to Portadown a distance of 52.5 Kms. Carlingford to Omeath - 8 Kms Omeath to Carlingford (Victoria Lock) Lough Car Park - 6 Kms Carlingford (Victoria Lock ) Lough Car Park to Newry - 6.5 Kms (4 miles) Newry to Jerrettspass - 8 Kms (4.75 miles) Jerrettspass - Poyntzpass - 7 Kms (4.5 miles) Pontyzpass - Scarva - 5 Kms (3 miles) Scarva - Portadown - 12 Kms (7 miles) Heading north on the R173, there is a pathway from Carlingford for about 1Km that is safe to cycle and brings you to the start of the greenway proper at Carlingford Marina. The greenway hugs the coastline and has spectacular views of the lough and the Cooley mountains. It is flat and has a tarmac surface, built in 2012. The views across the lough are spectacular and on the other side of the lough is Northern Ireland. The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is drawn at the Newry river which flows south into Carlingford Lough. The tourist village of Omeath is reached, 8 Kms from Carlingford. There is a short section on the main road before reaching Omeath of about 400m south of Omeath village. This is well signposted and the road is well marked but care needs to be taken especially outside holiday periods as drivers may not be expecting cyclists. Turn on to the main road for about 400m after which there is an entrance back on a pathway close to the Shore Road. Cycle straight through Omeath to a new section of greenway, opened in 2024, with a fine grit surface again hugging the coastline. You will cross into Northern Ireland without knowing after 4 Kms. 2 Kms later you will reach Victoria Lock at the Carlingford Lough Car Park. A perfect place to enjoy a picnic. Start of Greenway at Carlingford New section north of Omeath Passing through the car park you will see a sign for Albert Basin, 5.9 Kms. Albert Basin refers to the entrance road into Newry. You will cross, what are being called the Narrow Bridges, which is a bit of a misnomer as they are not at all narrow for cyclists, see image below. The bridges are required to traverse the mudflats beneath. The bridges lead to a narrow strip of land that runs between the Newry River and the Newry Ship Canal. This strip is less than 5 metres in width in parts. But is spectacular in its own right. Unfortunately this section of about 5 Kms is stony underfoot, it is manageable but probably more suitable for bikes with chunky tyres and some suspension. I am told this is where the majority of punctures occur so be careful, cycle slowly and you will get through it. The Narrow Bridges Stony section into Newry Newry town appears after 5 Kms on the narrow section with the canal still on your left and Albert Basin at the opposite side of the canal. You will eventually reach the town at Dublin Bridge on William Street. Directly across William Street is a ramp that leads down to a road that is not a through road but used as a car park. Drop down the ramp. Follow the car park until you reach Mill Street, cross the road, again using pedestrian lights, and you will meet the Translink Bus Station. Be careful as one of the roads here is one way. At the far side of the bus station, you will meet Needham Bridge with the canal on your left and the Clanrye River on your right. Turn left on to the bridge and sharp right on to Merchants Quay, the canal is now on your right. Follow Merchants Quay keeping the canal on your right on to Canal Quay. This is a one way street so be extra careful, walk with your bikes the short distance to New Street. Cross the road to the far side again keeping the canal on your right, you are still on Canal Quay. Follow the Canal Quay until you meet the tow path. you are now on the cycle path all the way to Portadown, see Maps section under Cycling through Newry . Newry is a busy town so best to use the pedestrian lights when crossing major roads and walk with your bike using footpaths. Entering Newry town The towpath from Newry to Portadown is very flat and has excellent underfoot surface of tarmac/ asphalt and a wonderful cycle route through rural Northern Ireland. It runs all the way along the Portadown to Newry canal before reaching the River Bann a few kilometres outside Portadown. We pass through the tiny village of Jerrettspass and the villages of Poyntzpass and Scarva before reaching Portadown, a distance of 32 Kms or just under 20 miles. The cyclepath runs between the main Dublin to Belfast rail line and Cusher River on one side and the Newry canal on the other side. Unfortunately the canal is barely visible in places as it has not been maintained and is being allowed to return to nature. Entering Portadown and bridge over the River Bann View this Youtube video which shows the views on Carlingford Lough and provides an interesting commentary on the trip. Note the section into Northern Ireland from Ireland had not been completed when this video was shot. But don't worry it's is now open. There are also plans to extend the greenway southward of Carlingford to Dundalk. This is currently at the public consultation stage with no date to start the works.

Info Carlingford Maps Carlingford Travel Carlingford Links Carlingford Cafes Carlingford Hire Carlingford Gallery Carlingford History Carlingford Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes History Carlingford and Newry Portadown canals Carlingford The town of Carlingford, Ireland, has a rich and complex history dating back to the Viking invasions in the 9th century. The town's name itself is of Scandinavian origin, meaning "Fjord of Carlinn." However, the true founders of the town were the Normans, who recognized the strategic importance of Carlingford Lough as a gateway to Ulster. In the 12th century, the Norman knight Hugh de Lacy laid the foundation for a castle on a rocky outcrop. This fortress, now known as King John's Castle after King John's visit in 1210, became a vital defensive point for centuries. A settlement grew up around the castle, and Carlingford's position as a major trading port led to prosperity throughout the 14th to 16th centuries. This wealth is still evident today in the remains of fortified townhouses like The Mint and Taaffe's Castle. However, the town's prosperity was not permanent. Raids by Scottish forces, the 1641 Rising, the Cromwellian Conquest, and the Williamite wars all took their toll on the local economy. The final blow came in the 18th century when the prosperous herring shoals left the lough. Carlingford's inability to develop heavy industry, ironically, helped preserve its medieval layout and archaeological artifacts. In the late 19th century, the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore railway opened, bringing a new era of tourism to the area. Today, tourism is a key part of Carlingford's economy, with visitors drawn to its medieval streets, historic sites, and scenic beauty. The town is also famous for its oysters and hosts an annual oyster festival. The town also hosts stag and hen parties which have become commonplace in very recent years. See link to Louth County Council website carlingfordloughgreenway.ie See link from the Carlingford Heritage Centre carlingfordheritagecentre.com Greenways The Carlingford Greenway is a popular walking and cycling trail that follows the route of a disused railway line, the Dundalk, Newry & Greenore Railway. The railway, which was a vital part of the area's infrastructure and a key driver of tourism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, closed in 1951. The vision for a modern greenway to connect communities and encourage active travel began to take shape in the 21st century. The project was a cross-border initiative, with different sections being developed by Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The development of the greenway happened in several phases: Phase 1 (2012): The first section of the greenway, a 7km stretch between Carlingford and Omeath, was opened. This part of the trail quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists. Phase 2 (2018): A second section, approximately 5.7km long, opened in July 2018. This part of the greenway runs from Newry to Victoria Lock, following the Newry Ship Canal and the Newry River. Final Sections (2024-2025): The final, and most challenging, sections of the greenway were completed, connecting the previously opened parts. A new extension from Omeath to the border of the Ireland and Northern Ireland opened in June 2024. The final link, a 1.2km boardwalk and 0.5km greenway connecting Victoria Lock to the border, was a technically complex part of the project. It faced delays due to planning permission and funding issues, but was ultimately completed in 2025, finally creating a continuous cross-border route between Carlingford and Newry. The Carlingford Greenway is a key part of the larger vision for "The Great Eastern Greenway," which aims to create a long-distance, off-road path along the east coast of Ireland. The greenway is a testament to effective cross-border cooperation and has become a valuable recreational and tourism asset for the region. Newry Ship Canal The Newry Ship Canal was opened in 1769 to provide a navigable link between Newry town and Carlingford Lough. Unlike the earlier Newry Canal (1742), which connected Newry with Portadown and the River Bann, the Ship Canal was designed to accommodate larger vessels and give Newry direct access to the sea. Stretching for about five miles, the canal was built along the course of the River Clanrye and included several bascule bridges and a sea lock at Victoria Lock to manage tidal flows. This development allowed ships to travel inland as far as Newry’s quays, turning the town into a thriving port and trading hub during the 18th and 19th centuries. Coal, timber, grain, and linen were exported and imported in growing quantities, strengthening Newry’s position as one of Ireland’s leading provincial ports. The arrival of the railways in the mid-19th century gradually reduced the canal’s importance, though it remained in use into the 20th century. Commercial traffic eventually declined, and shipping ceased altogether by the 1970s. Today, the Newry Ship Canal survives as an important heritage and recreational waterway. Victoria Lock has been restored, and the canal is now used for leisure boating, walking, and tourism, keeping alive the legacy of a waterway that once helped put Newry on the map as a centre of trade and industry. Portadown to Newry Canal The Portadown to Newry Canal, better known as the Newry Canal, holds the distinction of being the first summit-level canal ever constructed in the British Isles. Completed in 1742, it was a landmark feat of 18th-century engineering and played a crucial role in the commercial development of Ulster. The canal was designed to link the River Bann at Portadown with Carlingford Lough at Newry, creating an inland navigation route that allowed coal from Tyrone and agricultural produce from Armagh and Down to reach markets and ports more efficiently. By joining the Bann to the Irish Sea, it also offered a direct waterway connection between Lough Neagh and the coast. At the time of its completion, the canal stretched around 18 miles (29 km) and included numerous locks to overcome height differences in the landscape. Built largely under the direction of engineer Thomas Steers and later Richard Cassels, the project represented a bold vision of economic improvement. For over a century, the canal facilitated the transport of coal, linen, timber, and foodstuffs, fostering trade in both rural and urban areas. The town of Newry, in particular, thrived as a commercial hub thanks to this waterway. However, by the mid-19th century, the rise of railways began to eclipse canal transport. Rail was faster, more reliable, and less dependent on weather conditions. As a result, the Newry Canal gradually fell into decline. Commercial traffic dwindled, and by the early 20th century the canal was largely abandoned as a trading route, though it remained officially open until 1949. The canal has not been maintained in recent years but the tow path has been converted into a walking and cycling path with excellent underfoot conditions. It is signposted all the way and follows the western side of the canal. It now connects with the Carlingford to Newry greenway through the town of Newry.