Search Results

Looking for bike hire on the Midleton - Youghal Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Midleton - Youghal Map Midleton - Youghal Travel Midleton - Youghal Links Midleton - Youghal Cafes Midleton - Youghal Hire Midleton - Youghal Gallery Midleton - Youghal History Midleton - Youghal Bike Hire and Repair Midleton - Youghal Cork Bike Hire Bike Hire in Midleton, Youghal and Cork City Bikes and Bites Bike Hire in Midleton town centre An Rothar Midleton Bike Repairs Youghal Bike Rental Bike Hire in Youghal Sport and Leisure Youghal Bike Repair in 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

Looking for bike hire on the Carlingford Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Carlingford Maps Carlingford Travel Carlingford Links Carlingford Cafes Carlingford Hire Carlingford Gallery Carlingford History Carlingford Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Bike Hire and Repair Carlingford - Portadown Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire Bike hire in Carlingford On Yer Bike Carlingford & Cooley Peninsula bike hire and repairs Bridge End Bikes Bike repair in Newry Ashgrove Cycles Bike repair in Portadown McCabes Cycles McCabes Cycles Portadown

Find all the essential links for your Royal Canal Greenway trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at GreenwayHub. 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

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

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Carlingford Greenway. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle with GreenwayHub. Info Carlingford Maps Carlingford Travel Carlingford Links Carlingford Cafes Carlingford Hire Carlingford Gallery Carlingford History Carlingford Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Carlingford - Portadown Cafes Ground Cafe Portadown Just under the Bann Bridge having arrived in Portadown is this fine cafe and cakes Cafe in the Retirement/ Holiday village of An Baile Beag. Omeath Indoor and outdoor seating in this cafe just off the greenway before entering the village of Omeath Ruby Ellen’s Tea Rooms Carlingford Enjoy home cooking including full breakfast, sandwiches and a wide range cakes with your coffee. Cafes in the Carlingford area Carlingford A wide choice of Cafes in the Carlingford area Hollie Berrie, right on the tow path Scarva Great cafe and incredible cakes as well as restaurant. Indoor and outdoor seating Cafes in Newry Newry Best coffee shops in Newry as reported by The Newry Reporter

Looking for bike hire on the Suir Blueway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Suir Blueway Map Suir Blueway Travel Suir Blueway Links Suir Blueway Cafes Suir Blueway Hire Suir Blueway Gallery Suir Blueway History Suir Blueway Bike Hire and Repair Suir Blueway Treacy's Blueway Bike Hire Hire bikes close to the start of the Blueway in Carrick-on-Suir O'K Cycles Bike Repair and sales in Carrick-on-Suir The Cycologist Bike repair and sales in Clonmel Clonmel Cycles Bike repair and sales in Clonmel 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

Explore the beauty of the Old Rail Trail Greenway through our photo gallery. Browse high-quality images of local scenery, points of interest, and hidden gems along the route. 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 The Old Rail Trail

Looking for bike hire on the Tralee Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. Info Tralee Fenit Map Tralee Fenit Travel Tralee Fenit Links Tralee Fenit Cafes Tralee Fenit Hire & Repair Tralee Fenit Gallery Tralee Fenit History Tralee Fenit 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 Tralee - Fenit Tralee Bike Rental Close to the start of the greenway in Tralee Like Bikes Limerick and Kerry bike hire O' Halloran Cycles Bike repair service in Tralee Atom Mobile Bicycle Service Mobile bike service from Tralee Jim Caball Bike repair in Tralee

Explore the beauty of the Limerick Greenway through our photo gallery. Browse high-quality images of local scenery, points of interest, and hidden gems along the route. 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

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

Plan your route with our Midleton - Youghal Greenway maps. Includes an official tourist map, an interactive Google Map of POIs, and a detailed traced route map 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 Maps Midleton - Youghal Greenway Map courtesy of Cork Bike Hire, see the Hire and Repair Section of this website.

Looking for bike hire on the Barrow Way Greenway? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail 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 Bike Hire and Repair - Barrow Way Barrow Blueway Bike Hire Hire a bike from the centre of Monasterevin Barrow Way Bike Hire Bike Hire from Vicarstown Infinity Cycles Bike Repair in Athy