Explore the fascinating history of the Killarney area. From its tourist attractions to the local heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. 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.

Explore the fascinating history of the Grand Cnal Greenway. From its origins as a canal used for transport to the local heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. 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.

Looking for bike hire on the Western Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. 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 Bike Hire and Repair Western Greenway Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair services. Also provides a shuttle to Achill to allow cyclists to start in Achill. Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair service Bike Hire in Newport Provides bike hire rom several locations and also provides a shuttle service at Newport, Mulranny and Achill. Bike Hire in Westport Provides bike hire and repair from Westport. They also provide information on other on-road routes. Sea Breeze in Mulranny Bike hire directly on the greenway at Mulranny Station Bike Hire in Achill Provides bike hire and repair on Achill island. Perfect for cyclists wishing to explore the island.

Plan your trip on the Limerick Greenway. Get total distances, stopping points, and route highlights. View the surface profile and key features with GreenwayHub. 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 The Limerick to Listowel Greenway is a wonderful inland cycling experience through the rural heartlands of Ireland. It has an excellent asphalt surface, generally flat and completely off-road with 'kissing gates' at each road crossing. It runs very close to several towns providing places to stop for a break or as a starting point. The length of the greenway is 50Kms. The greenway was opened in 2021 after a long struggle by locals and environmental activists having watched the route decay and become overgrown over the years. The route runs along the old Limerick to Tralee railway line, known as the North Kerry Line, which operated from 1880 to 1970. Passenger trains ended in 1963. Road usage and road transport signaled the death of many rural railway lines in Ireland. The history of the Limerick greenway is covered elsewhere on the site. It has excellent signage, the best of all Irish greenways with signs identifying the names of each townland (local rural area) along the route and their origin. Limerick County Council are really to be commended for keeping the names of the townlands alive with the interpretation of the original Irish names, a brilliant cultural addition to the greenway, see some examples below. Outstanding signage by Limerick County Council Cyclists can start from a number of entry/ exit points along the route, typically Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh, Templeglantine (known locally as Glantine), Abbeyfeale or Listowel. There are specific greenway car parks at Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale but there will be no difficulty finding parking at the other towns and villages on or close to the greenway. Rathkeale to Ardagh – 9 Kms Ardagh to Newcastle West - 4 Kms Newcastle West to Barnagh – 9 Kms Barnagh to Templeglantine – 4 Kms Templeglantine to Abbeyfeale - 9 Kms Abbeyfeale to the Kerry border - 3 Kms Kerry border to Listowel - 12 Kms The route straddles two administrative areas, the counties of Limerick and Kerry. Because of the different administrative areas, the sections between Rathkeale to Abbeyfeale (to the Limerick-Kerry border) are marked as the Limerick Greenway while the section from Listowel to the Kerry-Limerick border near Abbeyfeale is part of the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways . Neither side wanting to give naming rights to the other!!! For our purposes we will refer to it as the Limerick and Listowel Greenway. Although you will not see that signage anywhere. But for our purposes and for the purpose of cyclists it is one greenway. And if you are curious to find out why Kerry is called the Kingdom then this site might help. The different administrative areas can cause cyclists some confusion as regards distances. On the Limerick side distance markings start from zero at Rathkeale while on the Kerry side distance markings start from zero at Listowel. At the Limerick Kerry border the distance signs change from 12 Kms (distance to Listowel) to 38 Kms (distance to Rathkeale) within a few metres of one another. Adding to the confusion about distances, if one enters the towns along the way including Rathkeale, Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale and Listowel then the distance is closer to what is generally published i.e. 40 Kms for the Limerick section and 13Kms for the Kerry section, a total of 53 Kms. The Limerick/ Kerry border, the signage changes as does the colour of the asphalt. See the access point to the Barnagh Greenway Hub and Platform 22 cafe in the image above. Access to the Greenway Hub is through the Barnagh tunnel. The route rises from Newcastle West to Barnagh and drops again at Templeglantine. The higest point is at Barnagh which is at 180m above sea level. See profile below. There is an excellent guide website from The Irish Road Trip giving details of the route.

Explore the fascinating history of the Great Western Greenway. From its origins as a historic railway to the local heritage and folklore of the surrounding area. 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 History Great Western Greenway The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, Ireland, is a 42-kilometer-long greenway rail trail that runs from Westport to Achill. Its history is a tale of transformation, from a Victorian-era railway to a modern recreational trail. The Railway Era The story of the Great Western Greenway begins in the late 19th century with the construction of the Achill extension of the Midland Great Western Railway. This line, known as one of the "Balfour Lines" after Arthur J. Balfour, the Chief Secretary for Ireland at the time, was built with state assistance to provide a railway to disadvantaged areas. 1894: The first section of the railway opened, connecting Westport to Newport. 1895: The line was completed, extending all the way to Achill. The railway brought significant social and economic benefits to the region, improving trade, tourism, and the postal system. It's said that over 1,000 men were employed in its construction. However, the railway's success was short-lived. With the rise of motor vehicles and an improved road network, passenger numbers declined, and the service was eventually terminated. Passenger services stopped in 1934, and freight services ceased in 1937. The tracks were subsequently removed and sold. The Modern Greenway Decades later, the disused railway line was repurposed, leading to the creation of the Great Western Greenway. The project was a collaboration between local and national entities, with funding from Mayo County Council, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Fáilte Ireland. Crucially, the project's success depended on the agreement of local landowners who granted permissive access for the trail. April 2010: The first section of the greenway, between Newport and Mulranny, was opened. July 2011: The full 42-kilometer route from Westport to Achill was officially opened. The greenway has been a major success, attracting a significant number of cyclists and walkers. It has won several awards and is recognized for its positive economic impact on the local area, inspiring similar projects across Ireland. Achill Island, the largest island off the coast of Ireland, has a rich and storied history spanning thousands of years. From ancient settlements to a prominent role in Irish folklore, the island's past is as rugged and captivating as its landscape. Early History and Ancient Settlements Human settlement on Achill Island dates back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence, such as megalithic tombs and promontory forts, points to a Neolithic presence around 4000 B.C. These early inhabitants cleared forests for farming and left their mark on the landscape. During the Iron Age (c. 400 B.C.), the remains of forts along the coast suggest a period of increased settlement and conflict. The arrival of Christianity in Ireland around the 5th century A.D. is also reflected on the island, with ancient church sites and holy wells dedicated to 7th-century saints. Grace O'Malley and the O'Malley Clan Achill was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Umhall, and one of its most famous ruling families was the O'Malleys. The most renowned member of this clan was Grace O'Malley (Granuaile), the legendary "Pirate Queen." She was a fearless leader who controlled the waters of the western seaboard in the 16th century, imposing taxes on passing ships. Kildamhnait Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the island, is associated with her family. The Great Famine and the Deserted Village The Great Famine of the mid-19th century had a devastating impact on Achill. The "Deserted Village" at the foot of Slievemore mountain stands as a poignant reminder of this era. This village of about 80 stone cottages was abandoned as families were forced to emigrate or move closer to the sea for food. The cottages were later used as "booley houses" for seasonal grazing of cattle, a practice that continued until the early 20th century. The Railway and Tragedies In the late 19th century, a railway line was built to connect Achill to the mainland, opening up the island to more visitors. The line was part of a government initiative to aid disadvantaged areas. However, its history is marked by tragedy. A local prophet had foretold that "fire carts on iron wheels" would carry bodies to Achill on their first and last journeys. This prophecy came true when the first train carried the bodies of 32 young Achill people who drowned in the Clew Bay Drowning tragedy in 1894. The railway's last journey in 1937 also carried the bodies of ten young Achill people who died in a fire while working in Scotland. Here are some images of Achill Island's stunning landscape visitachill.com mybestplace.com destinationwestport.com Achill Island is known for its rich archaeological heritage, which includes a number of promontory forts. These forts, dating back to the Iron Age, are a testament to the long history of human settlement on the island. What are Promontory Forts? A promontory fort is a type of defensive structure built on a coastal headland or a steep cliff. The natural defenses of the sea cliffs protect the fort on three sides, and a bank or ditch is constructed on the landward side to complete the fortification. This strategic use of topography made them highly effective for defense with minimal construction. Achill's Promontory Forts Achill has multiple promontory forts, with one well-known example being the fort at Dun Bunnafahy (Dún Bun na Faiche), near Ashleam Bay. Key features of this fort and others on the island include: Defensive Walls and Ditches: At Dun Bunnafahy, a clearly evident ditch and a wall that can reach a height of approximately 6 meters from the bottom of the ditch can still be seen. Location: The forts are typically situated on narrow slivers of land jutting into the sea, providing natural protection. Archaeological Significance: Promontory forts on Achill and elsewhere in Ireland are a key part of the country's maritime and Iron Age history, indicating a period of expansion and conflict. The name "dún" (or "doon") in Irish placenames often signifies the presence of a fort. The presence of these forts, along with other archaeological sites like megalithic tombs and the Deserted Village at Slievemore, offers a glimpse into the island's past, from its earliest inhabitants to later medieval periods. https://barrysguidedtours.com/achill-island-promontory-fort/ https://achilltourism.com/experience-achill/history/

Looking for bike hire on the Grand Canal Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. 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 - Grand Canal Buckley Cycles Bike Sales, Repair and Rental from Buckleys in the centre of Tullamore and right on the Greenway Tullamore Cycle Centre In Tullamore town they provide sales, repairs, rentals and accessories. Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal

Plan your route with our Mullingar - Athlone Greenway maps. Includes an official tourist map, an interactive Google Map of POIs, and a detailed traced route map 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

Find out how to get to the Boyne Greenway. View parking locations, bus and rail connections, and see the start and end points via Google Streetview. 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 Travel Boyne Valley Greenway There is no rail access to Navan or any point on the Navan to Kingscourt greenway. The only public transport options to Navan are via Bus Eireann, see the transport section of the website here or visit the TFI website here . Note that Bus Eireann will take bikes but only is there is sufficient space in the luggage compartment. Bikes are not charged extra and it is not possible to make bookings in advance. For those wishing to hire bikes, see the Hire Section here. Those travelling by car and carrying their own bikes can start from many points on the greenway. There is parking at Blackwater Park on Rathholdren Road in Navan, Park Beo, Castletown, Nobber , Kilmainhamwood and at the end of the greenway outside Kingscourt. Navan to Park Beo - 8.5 Kms Park Beo - Castletown - 5 Kms Castletown - Nobber - 4.5 Kms Nobber - Kilmainhamwood - 4.5Kms Kilmainhamwood - Greenway end - 7.5 Kms Those starting from Navan can park at Blackwater Park on the Ratholdren Road in Navan. It is a short cycle from there to the start of the greenway a little further on the same road, see map below. Those starting from the Kingscourt side should park at the disused railway station 2 Kms from the town of Kingscourt, see map below. For those intending to cycle the Drogheda to Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, there is rail transport from Dublin to Drogheda. In addition, Expressway buses also stop in Drogheda. There is ample parking in the town but this is likely to have a cost. There is parking at Drogheda rail station. Start of the Boyne Valley Greenway at Ratholdren Road in Navan The beginning of the greenway at Kingscourt Car parks along the route at Gibstow, Nobber, Kingscourt.

Plan your trip on the Barrow Way Greenway. Get total distances, stopping points, and route highlights. View the surface profile and key features with GreenwayHub. Info Barrow Way Map Barrow Way Travel Barrow Way Links Barrow Way Cafes Barrow Way Hire Barrow Way Gallery Barrow Way History Barrow Way 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 Barrow Way Greenway To understand where the Barrow Way Greenway fits within the Canal system in Ireland it is worth looking at Ireland Canals page here . This explains how the canals have morphed into the greenways that we have today, designated as cycle routes and suitable for cyclists on normal road bikes. Some sections of the canal banks have not been converted and designated as greenways but are under active consideration, others are in the planning process or in a small number of cases the work has already started. Other sections have been denied planning permission for various reasons or have not yet come under active consideration. In the case of the Barrow Way, the section from Robertstown to Athy is completed and is an active greenway while the section south of Athy has been denied planning permission. About 2 kms, south of Athy, the cycle path ends and from there is grassy underfoot. Attempts to extend the greenway met local opposition some years ago and there are no plans to reapply for planning permission. See here a map of the of the Barrow Way Greenway from Kildare Co. Co. All of the Barrow Way can be walked. Walkers can walk all the way from Hazelhatch, through Sallins, Robertstown, Rathangan, Monastrevin, Athy to Carlow, Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag), Borris, Graiguenamang, ending at St Mullins. Some sections after Athy can be cycled using mountain bikes in the summer months when paths are dry. This is not recommended here as it is not designated as a proper greenway. From a greenway/ cycling perspective, the Barrow Way is somewhat of a misnomer as the section from Robertstown to Athy that can be cycled straddles a spur of the Grand Canal not the Barrow River. Although the canal traverses the river via viaducts and this is a feature in Monastrevin. The canal joins the Barrow River just beyond Athy. See image here of Horse Bridge just south of Athy where the Grand Canal joins the River Barrow. The canal meets the River Barrow at Horse Bridge just south of Athy The sections of the Grand Canal that are open to cyclists and the sections that have not yet been converted to cycleways are shown in this image here in the Canals Section of this website. Works have started to extend the Sallins- Hazelhatch greenway back towards Dublin. In addition the section between Sallins and Robertstown will be upgraded to full greenway standard eventually. When those works are completed the Barrow Way will run from outside Dublin along the Grand Canal to Robertstown where it turns south at Lowtown (see map below) to Rathangan, Monasterevin and on to Athy. I will update the website when these works have been completed. But as of now the Sallins Greenway and Barrow Way are not yet connected and are treated as separate greenways. The canal is maintained by Waterways Ireland and is punctuated by canal locks along the route. The underfoot is either asphalt or fine grit. Some sections are shared with motorists but only with very light local traffic to allow access to individual houses on the route. The shared sections are of asphalt construction.The route is very flat. From the north of the greenway, Robertstown is our starting point of the Barrow Way Greenway The Grand Canal Greenway and the Barrow Way go their separate ways at Lowtown Harbour, see map above. The route stretches from Robertstown to Athy, a distance of 47 Kms, where the canal meets the River Barrow at Horse Bridge just south of Athy. From Robertstown the route travels 1.5 Kms south-west to Lowtown and from there to the village of Rathangan. You will find this route to be quiet with a variety of scenery from bog, farmland and forestry. Enjoy a stop at the small village of Rathangan. Onwards to Monasterevin which touches the counties of Kildare, Offaly and Laois, a distance of 10.5Kms. You can cycle into the town of Monasterevin, a town that was once on the main Dublin to Cork road causing tailbacks. Thankfully the motorway has changed all that and the town is now part of the commuter belt with good road and rail access. Note the aquaduct in Monasterevin where the canal crosses the River Barrow. It is a town of bridges to accommodate the canal and the river. Onwards from Monastrevin, you are unlikely to meet another watering hole on the 22.5 Km route to Athy so bring a drink with you. In summertime or at weekends there may be a pop-up coffee trailer on the route. You will pass through the tiny village of Vicarstown. There was nothing open in Vicarstown when we last passed through. Dilly Dally is a coffee shop between Vicarstown and Athy and opens at the weekends. About 1 Km from the outskirts of the town of Athy you will see Cuan Mhuire on the opposite bank of the canal. This is a retreat for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts. There is a very nice coffee shop with all sorts of sweet and savoury snacks and even full meals are served. You can buy some quite unusual and unique artistry created by the patients. It is a nice idea to cycle back about 1Km on the opposite bank of the canal to Cuan Mhuire on the L8068 and experience the solitude and tranquility of the retreat house. Carrying on further into Athy provides a multitude of places to stop and have a well deserved drink and food. Note that many websites will give the impression that the Barrow Way can be cycled past Athy and on to the towns of Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag), Borris and Graiguenamanagh. This is not the case. It is a wonderful walk and may be suitable for mountain bikes (although I am not at all sure that they are welcome!). The judgement on the rejection of the application for greenway status was rubber stamped by the planning appeal board, much to the chagrin of cyclists and the local tourist industry, see report here. About a 2 kilometres south from Athy town past the Horse Bridge the greenway ends and turn into a grassy path suitable for walkers. Cuan Mhuire can be seen at the opposite side of the canal less than a kilometre from Lock 26 on the outskirts of Athy. This is well worth a visit. There is a garden centre, restaurant and shop and you will also be supporting a wonderful charity. At then end of the Grand Canal in Athy is a short history of the canal provided by Kildare County Council. Click to read the detail.

Looking for bike hire on the Limerick Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. 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 Bike Hire and Repair Limerick Spin Doctors and Locomotion Bike Rental Bike Hire, Sales and Repair at the Barnagh Greenway Hub Like Bikes Pick up bikes at Rathkeale or Abbeyfeale Adrenalin Sports Sales and repair in Newcastle West O'Sullivan Cycles Sales and Repair in Listowel Adare Bike Hire Bike Hire from Adare, 15Km from Limerick Greenway. Airport pickup available. Secure car parking.

Find all the essential links for your Barrow Way Greenway trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at GreenwayHub. Info Barrow Way Map Barrow Way Travel Barrow Way Links Barrow Way Cafes Barrow Way Hire Barrow Way Gallery Barrow Way History Barrow Way 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 Barrow Way Links Discover Ireland Into Kildare Waterways Ireland Sport Ireland

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Barrow Way Greenway. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle with GreenwayHub. Info Barrow Way Map Barrow Way Travel Barrow Way Links Barrow Way Cafes Barrow Way Hire Barrow Way Gallery Barrow Way History Barrow Way 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 Barrow Way Cafes Poppy May's Robertstown Have coffee and cakes outside Mullaneys shop on the main street in the village of Robertstown Dilly Dally Athy/ Vicarstown Between Athy and Vicarstown is this lovely cafe. Note opens at weekends only. Its right on the Barrow Way. Options in Monasterevin Monastrevin There are some cafes and takeaways in Monastrevin. Ma's Kitchen Rathangan On the main street in Rathangan is a friendly cafe for an enjoyable stopoff, Cuan Mhuire Athy On the way in to Athy on the opposite bank of the canal. Don't miss this cafe, restaurant, shop and garden centre. Feel the tranquility.