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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 Add a Comment Please use the comments if you wish to provide useful and practical information to other cyclists such as directions, parking, places to visit or recommendations for bike hire, bike repairs, cafes, restaurants or cycling friendly accommodation. Use the Contact page if you wish to contact the web owner directly, potentially to point out inaccuracies, add features that would enhance the site for other cyclists. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

All the up to date information you require to cycle any of Ireland's Greenways all in one place. 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 Safety Cycling the greenways is safe for children with some caveats. Greenways sometimes cross minor roads so it is important to obey Stop signals. In addition there are areas where cars are allowed to have local access. These are referred to as Shared Spaces and will be sign-posted. Children should always be supervised. In addition the spaces are shared with walkers. It is useful to have a bell on the bike to indicate to walkers ahead. Cyclists particularly on tarred surfaces may not be heard. Cyclists should cycle in single file when sharing the paths with walkers. Please also read the Road Cycling page.

Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney Maps Killarney Cycle Routes Maps of Muckross Lake Loop Muckross Lake Loop Go to Gap of Dunloe route 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 The map above shows the cycle route from Killarney through Killarney National Park, round Muckross Lake. There is a road section shown in red where cyclists and walkers must share the main road. There is a plan to build a walkway/ cycle way on this section, see the notice for planning permission in the Gallery page. Map Gap of Dunloe Maps of Gap of Dunloe Route Click on the Map for more detail The route above shows the potential to head over the Gap of Dunloe down through the Black Valley and get a boat home from Lord Brandon's Cottage. To be certain of getting a boat you will need to contact the local tourist office in Killarney to arrange the trip or go to one of the websites of the companies offering the trip. Cyclists can continue up to Moll's Gap, a difficult climb and not for the feint hearted! There is a restaurant/ cafe at the top. From Moll's Gap there is a descent on the main road to the Killarney National Lake of about 12Kms. This is not recommended for children and experienced cyclists should take great care. There is a quite long road section from Moll's Gap to the Killarney National Park, The route is shown on the map below in dark green. Alternatively on can hire the boat back to Ross Castle from Lord Brandon's Cottage, see the map below with the boat trip shown in red and the respective cycle section shown in light green. Go to Muckross Lake route

Info Western Map Western Travel Western Links Western Cafes Western Hire Western Gallery Western History Western 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 Western Greenway

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 Road Cycling This website focuses on cycling greenways, but that doesn't mean cycling on roads in Ireland is prohibited. Cyclists are only banned from motorways. Ireland boasts one of most extensive road networks in the EU, with about 20 kilometers road for every 1,000 residents, more than double the average. This high density of paved surfaces is due to a historically dispersed pattern settlement. Tourist and recreational cyclists typically prefer smaller roads. Regional or R roads connect minor areas and are usually two-lane, though they can often be narrow. Local Roads (L-roads) and tertiary roads are often characterised as rural lanes but are generally tarred and can be cycled. There are probably two main impediments or concerns for those cycling on R and L Roads. Traffic and dogs although the latter are much less of an issue nowadays. The vast majority of dogs nowadays are pets rather than working farm dogs which were common in the past. Dogs are very unlikely to bite but can chase bikes. Traffic is the main concern. While not meaning to frighten those wishing to cycle on smaller roads in Ireland it is worth taking a look at the data and to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The following data is from the RSA (Road Safety Authority) see report here . Recent Cyclist Fatalities (2024-2025): 2025 (Provisional): 14 cyclists were killed in 2025, which is the highest number of cyclist deaths since 2017. 2024: 11 cyclists were killed, a rise from previous years. 2020–2024 (5-year period): 45 cyclists were killed and 1,278 were seriously injured, averaging 9 deaths per year. Fatalities by Road Type (Minor vs. Major): While specific "minor road" statistics are often combined with rural or regional road data, the RSA reports indicate a significant disparity between urban and rural fatality locations: Rural Roads (Higher Speed): For fatalities, there is a higher risk on rural roads (80km/h or more). A 2018-2022 review indicated that almost two-thirds (66%) of cyclist fatalities occurred on these higher-speed, generally rural roads. Urban Roads (Lower Speed): Conversely, 80% of serious injuries to cyclists occurred on urban roads. 2024 Data: A 2024 review noted that 70% of all fatalities (not exclusively cyclists) occurred on rural roads. Key Risk Factors: Age and Gender: The most affected age group for cyclist fatalities is 56–65 years, with 87% of deaths being male. Time: A high proportion (53%) of fatalities occur between 8 am and 2 pm. Vehicle Collision: Most fatalities (64%) and serious injuries (70%) involve a collision with another vehicle. In summary, while many cyclists are injured on urban roads, a high proportion of those killed in Ireland are on higher-speed rural roads, often referred to as minor roads in terms of traffic volume but high-speed in classification. In summary cycling on minor rural roads in Ireland with speed limits of 60 Km/hr or less have a very low incidence of road injuries. The vast majority occur on either urban roads or roads with higher speed limits. Keep the following in mind. Children should cycle on greenways only. Cycle single file always No speeding, take your time No earbuds/ headphones; listen for the traffic Stay alert and concentrate on the road all the time Wear bright colours Farmers saving hay and grain in summer often rush on the road because of threatened bad weather. Tractors nowadays can travel much faster Locals will not expect cyclists on their patch of road Cycle in daylight hours only On bends when you cannot see the road ahead, hug the ditch on your side If cycling as a couple or group take turns to lead and keep your distance between colleagues. Follow these rules on minor roads and you are extremely unlikely to have an accident. In order to access greenways cyclists must generally traverse some urban streets. Remember that more accidents occur in urban areas than on minor roads.

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 Types of bikes All the greenways on this site are suitable for all types of bikes including standard road bike, kids bikes, mountain bikes etc. Bikes can be owed or hired. They can be manual or electric.

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 Sea Transport to Ireland In Ireland there are two routes into Ireland, Dublin Port and Rosslare in Co. Wexford in the south east of the country. There is one route into Northern Ireland at Larne east of Belfast. Those travelling on sea transport will be either on foot with bikes or carrying bikes on a car or motorhome. Those with motor transport are free to drive to any of the greenways, cycling the greenway and returning to their vehicle. Those wishing to stay overnight should have panniers to bring enough belongings for an overnight stay. Be careful to park in a secure car park if leaving your vehicle overnight and do not leave valuable items in the vehicle. Dublin Port Those travelling on foot with bikes through Dublin port will have to get through the city. You will likely be heading to Dublin Heuston Station if journeying to the south or west of the country, see the Rail section of the website. You will be heading to Dublin Connolly Station if heading north-west on the Sligo line or north if heading towards Northern Ireland. In all cases book train tickets is advance and reserve bike spaces. Cycling from the port to Connolly station is relatively straightforward as the distance is short, 4 Kms from Dublin Port and there are cycle lanes on most of the journey. Take the route on the North Wall Quay, see Google Maps. Cycling from the port to Heuston station is more challenging. The distance is very far, about 6Kms but involves cycling through the very centre of the city. Many cyclists commute on these roads every day and there are cycle lanes but the quays in Dublin tend to be very busy with car, truck and bus traffic. Plan your journey carefully and know the route from Google Maps/ Streetview. Do not attempt it with children. Do not stop and leave your bikes unattended. Travel during daylight hours and off-peak if at all possible. If you cannot cycle through the city and your bikes are not packed and folded then it is not very unlikely that taxis will carry the bikes. The best option is to hire a man with a van. There are many of these services in Dublin. They are generally used for those moving houses or to transport furniture. These require booking in advance. I would recommend booking the service in advance and contacting the service as you arrive in Dublin port. If you decide to use this service then you could ask the driver to take you to Leixlip to start your cycle on the Royal Canal Greenway. https://www.supervanman.ie/ https://www.quickvan.ie/ https://www.irish-delivery-services.ie/ https://www.man-van.ie/ https://www.1manwithvan.ie/ https://www.manwithavandublin.ie/cheap-removals-dublin-man-and-van/ https://vipvan.ie/ https://www.vanandman.ie/ There is public transport between Heuston and Connolly stations, the Luas Red Line tram , but bikes are not allowed on the trams. Rosslare The best mode of transport for those arriving on foot with or without bikes at Rosslare is to catch the train to Dublin. The train arrives in to Connolly station where it is possible to travel north on the Belfast line the Portadown to begin the Carlingford Portadown greenway. If using your own bikes it will be necessary to cycle back to Portadown to pick up the train again as there is no rail transport from Carlingford. Also from Connolly station cyclists can take the train to cycle the Royal Canal. Bikes are not allowed on commuter trains during peak times and most intercity trains do not stop at Leixlip. It may be better to book an intercity train to Maynooth the start your journey. Those wishing to travel west or south must make their way to Heuston station, see note above about crossing Dublin city. Larne There is a train from Larne station to Belfast Grand Central Station and bikes can be carried on trains in Northern Ireland, see note from Translink . Cyclists can head to Portadown to cycle the Carlingford Portadown greenway. Carriage of bikes on trains Taking a car to any of the sea ports and carrying bikes or hiring bikes along the way provides the greatest flexibility to cycle Ireland's greenways. This is unfortunate but the restrictions on the carriage of bikes may be somewhat of a concern. Personally, I have never had a problem carrying bikes on trains in Ireland. But I have mostly travelled off-season and off-peak hours. I have always found the rail staff very helpful and I feel that tourists with bikes will be accommodated wherever possible. I asked a conductor, once, what would be the response if cyclists turned up without bookings or if someone else had taken their bike space. His answer was that they would usually be accommodated in the spaces between carriages. The problem basically is that not all trains have separate carriages for bikes and thus there are limited spaces. I will be very interested in hearing the experience of others. Please use the Comment or Contact form to provide feedback. This will be of great assistance to others. Dublin Port

Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney 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 Killarney Links ACTIVE ME Gap of Dunloe Family Voyage ACTIVE ME Muckross Kerry Gems ROUTE YOU

Info Killarney Map Killarney Travel Killarney Links killarney Cafes Killarney Hire & Repair Killarney Gallery Killarney History Killarney 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 of Killarney Killarney National Park Killarney National Park , located in County Kerry, is one of Ireland’s most important natural and historical treasures. It is famous for its lakes, mountains, woodlands, and rich wildlife, but its history is just as remarkable as its scenery. The park’s past reflects Ireland’s religious heritage, landed estates, and the beginnings of conservation in the country. The history of the area dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlement found throughout the park. One of the most significant early landmarks is Muckross Abbey, founded in the 6th century by Saint Fínán Cam. For centuries, the abbey served as a religious centre and place of learning. Despite raids and destruction during turbulent times, it remained active until the 17th century and still stands today as a symbol of Ireland’s monastic past. During the 18th and 19th centuries, large estates were developed in the Killarney area. Wealthy landowners built grand houses such as Muckross House and Ross Castle became a notable historical site. These estates shaped the landscape, with gardens, paths, and woodlands carefully designed to enhance the natural beauty. Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney in 1861 greatly increased the area’s popularity and helped establish it as a major tourist destination. The most important moment in the park’s history came in 1932. Muckross Estate was donated to the Irish state by Maud Bourn Vincent in memory of her husband. This generous gift led to the creation of Killarney National Park, making it Ireland’s first national park. Over time, more land was added, including the mountains, lakes, and woodlands that make the park so distinctive today. Killarney National Park is also significant for conservation. It protects Ireland’s only native herd of red deer and contains rare oak and yew woodlands. The park plays a vital role in preserving wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. Moll’s Gap and the Black Valley Located near Killarney, these areas are famous for their dramatic scenery, rugged mountains, and deep connections to Ireland’s past. Together, they represent both the natural beauty and the resilience of the people who lived in this remote region. Moll’s Gap is a high mountain pass on the Ring of Kerry, offering breathtaking views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the surrounding valleys. It takes its name from Moll Kissane, who ran a shebeen, or illegal pub, in the 19th century. According to local tradition, Moll provided food and drink to travellers and soldiers during the construction of the Kenmare–Killarney road. The pass itself was built in the early 1800s by British forces to improve access and control in the region, and it later became an important route for trade and travel. Beyond Moll’s Gap lies the Black Valley, a remote and dramatic area surrounded by mountains and lakes. Despite its name, the Black Valley is not dark in colour but was named due to its lack of sunlight during the winter months, as the high mountains block much of the light. For centuries, families lived here in isolation, relying on farming and livestock to survive in the harsh landscape. The valley became particularly significant during the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War, when homes were burned because residents refused to cooperate with British forces. The Black Valley is also closely connected to the Great Famine of the 1840s, during which the population suffered greatly due to poor land and difficult living conditions. Many families were forced to emigrate or abandon their homes, leaving behind ruins that still mark the landscape today. These remains serve as a powerful reminder of hardship and endurance. Today, walkers and cyclists are drawn to the area for its beauty and tranquility and for those in search of a strenuous workout. Killarney History Killarney is one of the country’s most famous towns. Known today for its natural beauty and tourism, Killarney has a long and rich history shaped by religion, conflict, landlord estates, and cultural development. Its past has played a major role in making it the important town it is today. The earliest history of Killarney dates back to early Christian Ireland. In the 6th century, Muckross Abbey became a centre of learning and worship. The monasteries attracted settlers to the area and helped establish Killarney as an important religious settlement. During the medieval period, Killarney was influenced by Norman and Gaelic families. Ross Castle, built in the 15th century by the O’Donoghue Mór clan, became a stronghold on the shores of Lough Leane. The castle played a role in several conflicts, including the Cromwellian wars, and remains a key historical landmark today. Local legends, such as that of O’Donoghue Mór riding across the lake, are still part of Killarney’s folklore. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Killarney developed under the control of powerful landlord families, particularly the Herberts of Muckross and the Earls of Kenmare. Large estates were created, shaping the landscape with roads, gardens, and grand houses. Queen Victoria’s visit to Killarney in 1861 brought international attention to the town and helped establish it as a major tourist destination. Tourism quickly became central to Killarney’s economy. Today, Killarney is a vibrant town that blends history, culture, and tourism. Its monasteries, castles, estates, and national park reflect centuries of change and development. Other than tourism Killarney and Kerry have a very vibrant sporting culture. Kerry have won more All Ireland Football titles than any other county. the All Ireland (Gaelic) Football Final held every summer in Croke Park is Ireland's biggest sporting event. Kerry, The Kingdom, are almost always favourites to win the title.

Info Limerick Maps Limerick Travel Limerick Links Limerick Cafes Limerick Hire Limerick Gallery Limerick History Limerick 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 Limerick - Listowel Greenway History The North Kerry Line The idea of a railway connecting Limerick and Tralee (later known as the North Kerry Line) arose during the mid-nineteenth century. Local entrepreneurs and landowners recognised the need for better access to markets and ports for agricultural produce, and for reliable passenger connections between provincial towns and the national network. The project evolved through the amalgamation of several smaller companies. The Limerick and Foynes Railway, opened in 1858, established the first stage of the route as far as Ballingrane Junction. From there, the Rathkeale and Newcastle Junction Railway, completed in 1867, extended the line westwards to the thriving market town of Newcastle West. Finally, the Limerick and Kerry Railway Company was incorporated in 1871 to build the last and longest section, from Newcastle West to Tralee. This final stretch crossed the River Feale and numerous smaller streams, necessitating substantial engineering works such as cuttings, embankments, and stone bridges. The completed line opened on 20 December 1880, under the operation of the Great Southern and Western Railway (GS&WR), forming a continuous standard-gauge connection between Limerick and Tralee. Intermediate stations were established in Adare, Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale, Listowel, Lixnaw, and Ardfert, among others, ensuring that even remote rural districts were within reach of the railway. The line’s importance was enhanced by its connections. At Ballingrane Junction, it met the branch to the port of Foynes, facilitating exports across the Shannon Estuary. In Tralee, it joined the main GS&WR line from Mallow, and later connected with the Tralee and Dingle Light Railway, which reached deep into the Dingle Peninsula. At Listowel, the line became notable for its proximity to the extraordinary Lartigue Monorail , a unique single-rail system that ran from Listowel to Ballybunion between 1888 and 1924. For over half a century, the line served as the economic lifeline of its region. Trains carried schoolchildren, market-goers, mail, and troops during both World Wars. In the early twentieth century, excursion trains were popular, bringing visitors to coastal resorts like Ballybunion and Fenit. Decline and Fall By the mid-twentieth century, however, the Limerick–Tralee line began to face serious challenges. The rise of road transport after the 1940s, combined with Ireland’s rural depopulation and economic shifts, eroded the line’s profitability. Lorries and buses offered greater flexibility than railways, and Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the state transport authority formed in 1945, sought to rationalise the rail network by closing loss-making routes. Passenger services on the Limerick–Tralee line were withdrawn on 4 February 1963, marking the end of an era for many rural communities. Freight operations lingered for another fifteen years, mainly serving local industries and agricultural traffic, but these too declined as road haulage took over. The final freight train ran on 6 February 1978, after which the line was officially closed and much of the track was lifted. Today, the trail is part of Ireland’s expanding Greenway network and serves as a living monument to the country’s railway heritage. Original station buildings, bridges, and cuttings can still be seen along the route. while the Lartigue Monorail Museum in Listowel preserves the memory of the region’s distinctive railway past and is well worth a visit. The section between Listowel and Tralee has not yet been opened for cyclists, apparently the route was not conserved and a public consultation is being held at present to select a preferred route. It is hoped that the route will be open in late 2026. When built it will connect with the Tralee to Fenit greenway. Cultural Listowel Nestled along the River Feale in North Kerry, Listowel is often called “the literary capital of Ireland” . Listowel has long been a cradle of Irish writing and storytelling, producing and celebrating some of the nation’s most influential voices. At the heart of this identity lies the Writers’ Week, founded in 1970, which transforms the town each summer into a hub of readings, workshops, and cultural exchange. The festival honors literary giants such as John B. Keane , the beloved playwright and publican whose works captured the humor and humanity of rural Irish life. Keane’s pub remains a cultural landmark — a living testament to the Irish art of conversation. Beyond its literary fame, each autumn, the Listowel Harvest Festival and Races bring color and excitement, reflecting Kerry’s deep-rooted love for horses, music, and celebration. Listowel is also home to the Seanchai – Kerry Writers’ Museum, which celebrates the storytelling tradition that has defined Irish identity for centuries.

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Go Greenway includes all the information you require to cycle any of Ireland's Greenways including, maps, travel, cafes bike hire and break stops, history and much more. Plan your cycling holiday in Ireland or plan a day out with family or friends. Cycle Cycling Bike Bicycle Greenway Ireland Click here Explore Ireland's Greenways by Road Bike Explore the beautiful Irish countryside. Our greenways offer safe and scenic routes for cyclists of all levels, from families with children to experienced riders. Come and discover the stunning landscapes, charming towns, and friendly people of Ireland on two wheels!