Search Results

Info Boyne Valley Maps Boyne Valley Travel Boyne Valley Links Boyne Valley Cafes Boyne Valley Hire Boyne Valley Gallery Boyne Valley History Boyne Valley 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 Boyne Valley Feel Good Bicycles Feel Good Bicycles provide bike hire and repair at Park Beo in Wilkinstown on the greenway. Their main office is in Virginia Co. Cavan Navan Cycle Centre The Navan Cycle Centre provides bike repair and sales in Navan town

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 Cycle Routes

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 Great Western Greenway Info Map Travel Links Cafes Bike Hire Gallery Historical

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 Click icons or map to select Greenways

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Maps Royal Canal Greenway Click on the maps below to open PDF.

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Royal Canal Greenway Cafes Enjoy Mullingar for a break Mullingar Lots of great options in Mullingar to have a break. The Rye River Cafe Kilcock Coming from Maynooth turn right at the bridge. The cafe is just a few yards down School Street. Enjoy a break in Longford Longford A choice of cafes in Longford Macs Shack Keenagh A coffee shop 1 Kms off the greenway from Mosstown Harbour The Richmond Inn Cloondara Enjoy food and drink at the end of the greenway Wilder & Gold Ballymahon A coffee stop 1.5 Kms off the greenway from Ballybrannigan Harbour Fureys outside Enfield Moyvalley Enjoy a stopoff at Fureys pub and restaurant about 4 Kms on the Mullingar side of Enfield. Click on image. Nomad Enfield Friendly coffee shop on the main street in Enfield about 250m from the greenway. The Rustic Inn Abbeyshrule Enjoy a takeaway coffee or have a very nice full lunch or a drink! McGuinness Foodstore Ballynacarrigy Tea, coffee and sandwiches

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Royal Canal Greenway Links Royal Canal Runner Waterways Ireland Midlands Ireland Irish Rail Irishcycle.com Westmeath Longford.ie

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Royal Canal Greenway Given the length of the Royal Canal Greenway of 125 Kms there are many places to begin your cycle. If travelling by car and bringing your own bikes there are parking facilities in all towns and villages on the route. Parking is often available where roads cross the greenway. If intending to start outside of a town or village, use Google maps/ Streetview to check if there is parking at your desired location. If you intend leaving your car overnight on on one or more nights, it is safer to choose a paid-for parking location as these areas are supervised or choose a well lit area or an area that is not isolated. Don't leave valuables in your car and pack any items in the boot out of sight. Ireland is generally a very safe country and outside of big cities there are very low crime rates. Those travelling by car can park can park at the train stations on the route which tend to be close to the greenway. Download the APCOA parking app to your phone. Add your vehicle registration to the app and select the current location. The cost is approx. €3.50 per day. Lock your car and remove any valuables as you may be away for some time. For those hiring bikes then your options are limited to towns that provide a bike hire service, see the Bike Hire and Repair Royal Canal page here for details. For those travelling by train and bringing bikes with them then first check out Irish Rail's policy on the carriage of bikes and also the Rail page of this website. Cyclists carrying bikes can also use Expressway buses which stop in the main towns such as Maynooth, Mullingar and Longford, although rail is likely to be a better option. Local buses from Bus Eireann provide services to smaller towns and villages but there are generally restrictions on the carriage of bikes, see Road Travel page here. Use the Transport for Ireland (TFI) website or download their app which will provide more information on all travel options including rail, bus and private bus operators. Starting points Leixlip There are two rail stations in Leixlip, Leixlip Confey and Leixlip Louisa. The greenway starts at Leixlip Confey and there is a small number of car parking places at the station. There are more parking places at Leixlip Louisa. Also note that in general intercity trains do not stop in Leixlip. There are greater restrictions on the carriage of bikes on commuter trains especially during peak hours. See here the map showing the location of the Leixlip stations. Maynooth There is an intercity rail station in Maynooth. The cycle path runs beside the rail track. Parking is availabe at the station. Also Expressway buses stop in Maynooth. Kilcock There is an intercity rail station in Maynooth. The cycle path runs beside the rail track. Parking is availabe at the station. Enfield There is an intercity rail station in Maynooth. The cycle path runs beside the rail track. Parking is availabe at the station. Cross the main street to join the greenway. Mullingar There is an intercity rail station in Mullingar. The cycle path runs very close to the rail station. Parking is available at the station. Also Expressway buses stop in Mullingar. At Mullingar, cyclists can decide whether to continue on the Royal Canal towards Longford or to cycle to Athlone, see Athlone to Mullingar Greenway here. Longford There is an intercity rail station in Longford. The cycle path runs very close to the rail station. Parking is available at the station. Also Expressway buses stop in Longford. There is a spur off the Royal Canal greenway 8 kms from Longford town at Longford Branch Junction, see the Royal Canal Info page. See the map below which shows the train station and access point to the Royal Canal Longford spur. There is parking at the start of the cycleway at Harbour Row. Leaving Longford, cycle under the railway bridge and continue for just over 2 Kms along either side of the canal until you reach Churchland Bridge. This was the old bridge before the new N63 road was built. To continue to Longford Branch Junction it is necessary to cross the busy road, taking extreme care. At the opposite side there are two paths, one on either side of the canal. Select the entrance through the timber gates on your left or the eastern/ southern side of the canal. The other entrance is a dead end. Follow the trail and you will cross the N63 again a little further on, again taking extreme care. Having crossed the N63 there is a poor patch of path for about 50 meters before you cross a minor road the L1127 with a bridge to your right over the canal, see image below. Continue a short distance and you will cross a narrow bridge to the west side of the canal, see image below. Follow the path to the Longford Branch Junction. The path between Longford and the Longford Branch Junction is in poor repair generally but can be cycled. This section of the canal has not been maintained, unfortunately. It is almost invisible in places as it has become overgrown and nature has enveloped it. Poor section between the N63 and L1127 Cross the bridge, 4 Kms from Longford Branch Harbour Irish Rail provide a useful website for those wishing to cycle the Royal Canal and use the train to access their start and finishing locations. See the website here

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Royal Canal Greenway The Royal Canal Greenway is one of Ireland’s premier cycling routes, crossing almost half the island in the east/ west direction. The canal runs from the River Shannon at Cloondara in County Longford and passes through Mullingar in County Westmeath on its way into Dublin and reaching the River Liffey and the Irish Sea at Spencer Dock in the heart of Dublin's docklands. The original tow-path has been converted to a cycle and walking path. The canal is maintained by Waterways Ireland and the pleasure boats use the canal passing through the 46 locks on the way to the sea. Historical buildings remain including lock houses and bridges, remnants of the canal's industrial past, stand as reminders of the once-thriving trade route. Additionally, wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the canal's thriving ecosystems. The greenway provides habitats for numerous species of birds, fish, and aquatic plants. It’s not uncommon for cyclists to encounter herons, swans, or otters along the way. See the Canals page here for more information. The section from Dublin to Leixlip is a bit hit and miss for cyclists as some sections are not yet suitable for cyclists. Generally there is reasonable cycling access from Spencer Dock to Castleknock station in west Dublin, a distance of approximately 10 Kms. But the section from Castleknock to Leixlip, a distance of 9 Kms is not open to cyclists. For that reason, I consider that from a cycling perspective, the Royal Canal greenway starts in Leixlip which is a suburb of Dublin but in County Kildare. Works are continuing to be carried out on the commuter sections of the Royal Canal in Dublin city, see here from Irishcycle.com . In time it is hoped that the greenway will extend all the way to the Docklands in Dublin. The greenway from Leixlip to Cloondara is a continuous cycle path for 125 Kms with the following sections. It has a total of 46 locks. Leixlip to Maynooth - 7 Kms Maynooth to Kilcock - 6 Kms Kilcock to Enfield -13 Kms Enfield to Thomastown - 24 Kms Thomastown to Mullingar - 17 Kms Mullingar to Ballynacarrigy -17 Kms Ballynacarrigy to Abbeyshrule - 8 Kms Abbeyshrule to Ballybrannigan - 9.5 Kms Ballybrannigan to Mosstown Harbour - 9.5 Kms Mosstown Harbour to Longford Branch Junction - 6.5 Kms Longford Branch Junction to Cloondara - 8 Kms Total distance = 125.5 Kms The Longford Branch Junction is the point where the canal divides to create a spur line to Longford town. The distance from the junction to Longford town is 8 Kms, see image below. To avoid confusion, Tarmonbarry is sometimes considered as the start point of the Royal Canal. It is next lock from Cloondara. Also the harbour at Cloondara is known as Richmond Harbour. These names can be used interchangeably. There is also a junction 4 Kms from Mullingar where the Royal Canal and the Mullingar to Athlone greenways intersect. See here the Info page of the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway for more details and images of this junction. Click on image to read the details The Leixlip to Maynooth section of the greenway has just been opened in the summer of 2025. It is a very flat surface of fine grit and tarmac in some places. We reach Mullingar Harbour after 7Kms which just opposite the Maynooth railway station. There is paid-for parking at the station. Download the Apcoa Connect app or scan the barcode for parking at the station, it costs typically €3.50 per day. The town of Kilcock is 6 kilometers from Maynooth. The trail runs through the town providing access to local shops and coffee shops. The next town is Enfield which is 13Kms from Maynooth. The trail crosses the main road at the side of the railway bridge. Enfield can also be considered a starting/ finishing point given that there is rail station in the town. Mind your head at Jacksons Bridge just outside Maynooth Cycle through the village of Kilcock. In 1847, the worst year of the Irish Famine or in Irish, An Gorta Mor, nearly 1,490 starving natives of County Roscommon were forced to leave their home unable to pay the rent. They walked the 165 Km journey from Strokestown to the Customs House Quay in Dublin where they boarded an emigrant ship for Liverpool and eventually to North America. Many never made it. The shoes along the route are a reminder of those dark days in Irish history and mark the route known as the National Famine Way , and commemorate the "Missing 1,490". Famine shoes at Enfield bridge Thomastown Harbour is 24 Kms from Enfield and a resting place to have lunch or a break at Nanny Quinn's pub/ restaurant. Saunders Bridge on the entrance to Mullingar Turn left here for Ballynacarrigy Cycling through Mullingar is very straightforward. There are a number of bridges in the town but most can be traversed without leaving the greenway along the canal. Pass under Saunders Bridge as you enter Mullingar. At Austin Friars Bridge there are pedestrian lights. Dismount and cross. Follow the canal through Harbour Quay under Harbour Street bridge. Continue under the next foot bridge and then under the Green bridge. The train station will now be on your left hand side. Continue on under Grange Bridge where you will see a sign for the greenway to Athlone or more commonly known as the Old Rail Trail. See images and more detail in the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway. Follow the canal for about 4 Kms until you reach the Bellmount Bridge. Cross to the other side of the bridge and continue for about 700m until you reach the Old Ballinea Bridge. Cross the bridge and take a right turn a few metres past the bridge. Follow the signs for the Royal Canal Greenway and Ballynacarrigy, crossing under the new road bridge. The quality of paths between Mullingar and Cloondara can vary widely, see examples below, but all paths are suitable for cyclists on standard road bikes, (I have cycled all of it). It is very flat, see profile below. It can be quiet but also a very enjoyable cycle as you definitely get away from the hustle and bustle and can enjoy and appreciate the scenery and nature along the route. This area of the country is rural and cafes and places to stop can be few and far between. Bring some refreshments and check the Cafes Royal Canal page for ideas of where you will find a place to have lunch or a coffee. Ballymahon is 1.5 Kms from Ballybrannigan Harbour if you feel you need to take a break at that stage. Please ensure that you have the wherewithal to fix a puncture as it is likely to be a long distance away to find a cycle repair shop, see the Bike Hire and Repair page here. The 8 Km section between between the Longford Branch Junction and Longford town is, strictly speaking, not part of the Royal Canal Greenway. It is by far the least well maintained. The canal has not been maintained, unfortunately, and is almost invisible in places. The underfoot conditions are not great but it is manageable on a standard road bike. Please see the Travel Royal Canal page for more details of the route. Please see also the Gallery Royal Canal page for more photos of the route. Excellent surface and Ballybrannigan Harbour Poorer path surface but still OK for cycling Given the length of the route there is no single start and end points meaning that it can be joined at many places. The website RoadRunner, by Gary O'Neill provides a really excellent detailed breakdown of each of the sections of the canal, see Gary's website here.

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Bike Hire and Repair - Royal Canal Ballymahon Cycles Provides hire and full repair in Ballymahon, just off the greenway Two Wheels in Kilcock They will pick up your bike and repair it. Get to the nearest road and contact them if your bike requires maintenance. Midlands Cycle Hub Midlands Cycle Hub, a family-run bike hire centre located in Cloondara Co Longford. Strategically placed at the end of the Royal canal. With over 40 bikes at hand we provide assistance on routes that will suit all ages. Mullingar Bike Hire Bike Hire on the Royal Canal in Mullingar town OE Bike in Mullingar Provides bike maintenance and bike hire Kenny Bikes in Mullingar Provides bike maintenance in Mullingar

Info Royal Canal Maps Royal Canal Travel Royal Canal Links Royal Canal Cafes Royal Canal Hire Royal Canal Gallery Royal Canal History Royal 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 Royal Canal The Royal Canal is one of Ireland’s most significant feats of 18th and 19th century engineering. Stretching a total of 146 kilometers from Spencer Dock in Dublin to the River Shannon at Cloondara in Co. Longford, the canal remains not only a physical waterway but also a symbol of Ireland’s social, economic, and cultural history. The idea of building a canal to link Dublin with the River Shannon emerged in the late 18th century, following the partial success of the Grand Canal, which began in the 1750s. Merchants and landowners hoped a second canal would provide an alternative route for transporting goods such as turf, grain and building materials. The Royal Canal Company was established in 1789 to carry out the project. Construction began in 1790 at Cross Guns Bridge in Phibsborough, Dublin. From the start, progress was plagued by difficulties—financial mismanagement, disputes over routes, and technical challenges. Notably, the canal had to pass through rocky terrain in County Westmeath and required the construction of major aqueducts, including the impressive Ryewater Aqueduct near Leixlip. Despite setbacks, the canal gradually pushed westward, reaching Maynooth in 1796, Mullingar in 1806, and finally connecting with the River Shannon at Cloondara in County Longford in 1817. The project took nearly three decades to complete and cost over £1.5 million—an enormous sum for the time. Once operational, the Royal Canal became an important transport artery. Barges carried turf, coal, timber, and agricultural produce from the midlands to Dublin, while manufactured goods and imported items traveled in the opposite direction. Passenger boats also operated, offering a relatively smooth and scenic mode of travel before the advent of railways. However, the canal’s commercial success was limited. The Grand Canal, already established and better managed, captured a larger share of traffic. The Royal Canal also suffered from high tolls and inefficient operations, which further hindered its competitiveness. The arrival of the Midland Great Western Railway in the 1840s marked the beginning of the canal’s decline. Rail offered faster, more reliable transport, and gradually siphoned away both freight and passengers. Ironically, the railway company later purchased the Royal Canal in 1845, partly to eliminate competition. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, traffic dwindled. By the 1920s, only minimal commercial use remained, and in 1961 the canal was officially closed to navigation. Sections fell into disrepair, bridges and locks deteriorated, and stretches became overgrown. For decades, the Royal Canal seemed destined to be lost to history. From the late 20th century onwards, community groups, local authorities, and waterways organizations campaigned for the canal’s restoration. Their efforts, combined with European and Irish government funding, gradually revived the waterway. Locks were repaired, banks reinforced, and towpaths restored for walking and cycling. In 2010, after nearly 50 years of dereliction, the Royal Canal was officially reopened for navigation along its full length from Dublin to the Shannon. Today, it forms part of Ireland’s Blueway and Greenway networks, attracting boaters, anglers, walkers, and cyclists alike. The Royal Canal occupies a unique place in Irish culture. It has been immortalized in literature, most famously in Brendan Behan’s ballad “The Auld Triangle ,” which references Mountjoy Prison overlooking the canal. James Joyce also mentioned it in Finnegans Wake. Beyond literature, the canal is a living heritage site. Its towpaths trace Ireland’s transition from pre-industrial to modern society, while its restoration demonstrates the resilience of local communities committed to preserving their history. Longford County Longford, in the heart of Ireland’s midlands, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The landscape is dotted with ancient ringforts, crannógs, and megalithic sites, showing that people have lived here since prehistoric times. In the early medieval period, Longford was part of the Gaelic kingdom of Annaly, ruled by the O’Farrell clan. The name “Longfort,” meaning “fortified place,” reflects its strategic importance as a settlement. After the Anglo-Norman invasions, Longford came under increasing English control, particularly during the Plantation of Longford in the early 17th century, when lands were confiscated and given to settlers. Like much of Ireland, Longford was deeply affected by the Great Famine (1845–1852), which caused mass emigration and hardship. Despite this, the county retained a strong cultural identity, with traditions in music, folklore, and the Irish language. In the 20th century, Longford played its part in Ireland’s struggle for independence, seeing local involvement in both the War of Independence (1919–1921) and the Civil War (1922–1923). Today, Longford is a quiet rural county, known for its lakes, boglands, and historic towns. Its heritage can be seen in landmarks such as St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town, ancient abbeys like Abbeylara, and the Royal Canal, which links the county to Dublin and the River Shannon. Mullingar Mullingar, the county town of Westmeath, has been a centre of settlement since early times. Its name, An Muileann gCearr, means “the left-handed mill” or “wry mill,” a reference to an early watermill on the River Brosna. The town grew in importance during the medieval period under Anglo-Norman influence and became an administrative and market centre for the surrounding fertile lands. Mullingar also developed a reputation for livestock fairs, particularly cattle trading, which continued well into modern times. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the arrival of the Royal Canal and later the railway transformed Mullingar into a key transport hub between Dublin and the west of Ireland. This boosted trade and helped the town to expand. Today, Mullingar is known for its market-town heritage, vibrant music traditions, and attractions such as the lakes of Lough Ennell, Lough Owel, and Lough Derravaragh, which surround the town. The town also has a strong tradition of live music and festivals. Events such as the Mullingar Fleadh Cheoil (Music Festival) have celebrated Irish traditional music, song, and dance, drawing thousands of visitors and showcasing local talent. Street sessions, céilís, and pub performances remain an important part of the town’s cultural life. Maynooth Maynooth, in north County Kildare, is a town with a long and distinguished past. Its name, Maigh Nuad in Irish, means “plain of Nuada,” linking it to ancient mythology. In the late medieval period, Maynooth rose to prominence as the seat of the FitzGerald family, the Earls of Kildare. Maynooth Castle, built in the 13th century, became one of the most important strongholds in Ireland. The castle was badly damaged during the rebellion of 1535, when the FitzGeralds lost power after “Silken Thomas ” rose against English rule. Maynooth’s modern identity is closely tied to education and religion. In 1795, St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth was founded as a seminary for the training of Catholic priests, which became the largest of its kind in the world. Later, in 1997, the institution evolved into Maynooth University, now one of Ireland’s fastest-growing universities. The arrival of the Royal Canal in the 1790s and the railway in the 19th century further connected Maynooth to Dublin and the midlands, supporting its growth. Today, Maynooth is known both as a vibrant university town and is evolving as a suburb of Dublin with a growing population.

Info Midleton - Youghal Map Midleton - Youghal Travel Midleton - Youghal Links Midleton - Youghal Cafes Midleton - Youghal Hire Midleton - Youghal Gallery Midleton - Youghal History Midleton - Youghal 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 Midleton - Youghal The Midleton to Youghal Greenway is new off-road walking and cycling route in East Cork, Ireland, repurposing the old Midleton–Youghal railway line into a scenic, sustainable amenity for locals and visitors alike. Covering a total of 23 km, the Greenway connects the historic market town of Midleton with the coastal town of Youghal, passing through the villages of Mogeely and Killeagh along a mostly flat, smooth, tarmac surface that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Development of the route has been phased, with the first 8 km section from Midleton Train Station to Mogeely officially opened in 2024, marking a major milestone in establishing the full greenway network. The final phase — extending the trail from Mogeely through Killeagh to Youghal — was completed later in December 2024 and opened to the public, enabling walkers and cyclists to travel the full route. It features retained trees and hedgerows with native planting to enhance biodiversity, seating areas, and facilities such as parking, bicycle repair stations, drinking water points and picnic spots at key trailheads. The route is a significant addition to the region’s tourism infrastructure, expected to attract large numbers of visitors annually and to boost the local economy. It offers direct access to natural landscapes — including countryside views, marshes, and coastal scenery near Youghal — and ties in with other attractions such as beaches, heritage sites and local eateries along the way. By linking towns that were formerly connected by rail, the Midleton to Youghal Greenway not only encourages healthier lifestyles and sustainable travel but also celebrates the cultural and environmental heritage of East Cork. Midleton Midleton's origins can be traced back to early Christian times, when a monastery was founded in the area by St John the Baptist in the 12th century. This religious settlement became an important centre of learning and worship, and the influence of the monastery helped shape the development of the surrounding community. During the medieval period, Midleton grew as a market town due to its fertile agricultural hinterland and its strategic position near Cork Harbour. The town was later affected by the turbulent events of Irish history, including the Cromwellian conquest and the Williamite wars, which brought changes in land ownership and population. Under English rule, Midleton developed further as an estate town, with trade and farming playing central roles in local life. One of the most significant chapters in Midleton’s history began in the 19th century with the establishment of the Midleton Distillery. Whiskey production became central to the town’s identity and economy, earning Midleton international recognition. Although the original distillery closed in the 20th century, the nearby New Midleton Distillery continues the tradition today and is a major employer and tourist attraction. In the modern era, Midleton has expanded rapidly and sport plays a major role in the life of the community. Hurling has long been at the heart of community life in Midleton and is one of the town’s strongest sporting and cultural traditions. The sport is deeply rooted in local identity and is passed from one generation to the next through families, schools and clubs. Midleton GAA club has played a central role in this history, achieving major success at both county and provincial level. The club’s most famous triumph came in 1987, when Midleton won the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship, placing the town firmly on the national sporting map. Midleton players have also made important contributions to Cork hurling teams over the years. Young players are introduced to the game at an early age, learning not just skills but values such as discipline, respect and teamwork. Matches and training sessions bring people together, reinforcing strong social bonds within the town. In Midleton, hurling is more than a sport; it is a living tradition that connects past and present. Youghal Youghal has one of the richest and most varied histories in Ireland. Its origins date back to early medieval times, when it developed as a monastic settlement. By the 12th century, following the Norman invasion, Youghal emerged as an important walled town and port, benefiting from its strategic position at the mouth of the River Blackwater. During the late medieval and early modern periods, Youghal became one of Ireland’s principal trading ports. It exported wool, hides and agricultural produce and had strong trading links with England and continental Europe. The town’s prosperity is reflected in its impressive medieval walls, gates and buildings, including St Mary’s Collegiate Church, one of the oldest churches still in use in Ireland. Youghal also has literary connections, most notably with Sir Walter Raleigh, who served as mayor in the late 16th century and is traditionally associated with the introduction of the potato to Ireland. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Youghal experienced both growth and decline, shaped by wars, political change and shifts in trade routes. By the 19th century, the town reinvented itself as a seaside resort, attracting visitors with its beaches and mild climate. This new role helped sustain Youghal as a popular destination well into the 20th century. Youghal Carpets refers to a once-famous carpet and textile industry centred in the town. For much of the mid-20th century, carpet manufacturing was a major part of the local economy and community life, and the name “Youghal Carpets” became synonymous with high-quality woven carpets produced in the region. The original Youghal Carpets factory was established in the town in 1954, producing woollen carpets and quickly gaining a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Its products were exported widely and featured in prestigious installations abroad, including casinos in Las Vegas and even royal commissions — a testament to the global appeal and durability of its carpets. At its peak, the Youghal Carpets enterprise — including associated facilities such as wool-spinning and dyeing works nearby — employed hundreds of workers, becoming one of the largest employers in East Cork and a pillar of the town’s economy. However, by the 1980s and early 2000s, changes in global manufacturing and competition from low-cost producers abroad led to the gradual decline of the carpet industry in Youghal. The original factory closed in 1984. The closure had a significant socio-economic impact on the town, contributing to job losses and wider industrial decline in the region. Today, Youghal’s is a vibrant town and its history is visible in its streets, buildings and harbour. Visit the Youghal Clock Gate Towe r and take a stroll along the boardwalk breathing in the sea air after your cycle.