Find all the essential links for your Mullingar - Athlone Greenway trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at GreenwayHub. Info Mullingar Athlone Maps Mullingar Athlone Travel Mullingar Athlone Links Mullingar Athlone Cafes Mullingar Athlone Hire Mullingar Athlone Gallery Mullingar Athlone History Mullingar Athlone Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Mullingar - Athlone Links Discover Ireland Westmeath Co. Council Athlone.ie Westmeath.ie

Find out how to get to the Carlingford Greenway. View parking locations, bus and rail connections, and see the start and end points via Google Streetview. 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 Travel Carlingford - Portadown Starting from Carlingford There are no rail or Expressway services to Carlingford. For those travelling on public transport, there is only a Bus Eireann bus from Dundalk to Carlingford. There are local bus services between Omeath and Carlingford, see the Travel Road page of this website for details. Also on that page you will see that there are restrictions on the carriage of bikes on Bus Eireann buses so be careful before booking if you expect to carry bikes. Generally if travelling via public transport, expect to hire bikes in Carlingford, see the Hire and Repair page here . I have been unable to find bike hire in Newry or Portadown but I believe that Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire intending opening a shop in Newry. Those travelling by car can park and carrying their own bikes or hiring bikes will find parking in Carlingford. There is parking at the Carlingford Marina, see image below. The marina is about 1Km outside of Carlingford town, see location of the greenway starting point on Map page. There is also parking in the centre of the town at the Tourist Office . Parking at Carlingford Marina Starting from Newry or Portadown The Dublin to Belfast mainline rail stops at Newry and Portadown, see the Travel Rail page here. Use this website for booking tickets for journeys emanating from Ireland. Use the Translink website for journeys starting in Norther Ireland. The Irish Rail website allows bikes to be booked on the service. The Translink website states that bikes will be carried on a first come first served basis. The rail station in Newry is just over 3 Kms from the start of the tow path. This involves cycling from the station via Derrgbeg Lane to the A27. Take the fourth exit from the roundabout again on the A27 towards the town centre. Take a left on to Canal Quay and the start of the greenway is just ahead. There appears to be no easier cycle route than using the main roads. The Portadown rail station is about 500m from the quays where access can be gained to the towpath. Cycle along the Northway, turn right at Mill Ave. Join the A27 for a short distance, continuing on to the Garvaghy Road. Before going under the A3 Northway road bridge, drop down right at the side of The Old Town Quay. Cycle to the right passing under the Bann Bridge and continuing on past the Portadown Boat Club. Paid parking is available in the both town centres. The original greenway man in Newry!!! Cycle to the right under the Bann Bridge in Portadown Newry to Portadown tow path

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

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Suir Blueway. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle 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 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 Suir Blueway Cafes A list of cafes in Tipperary Enjoy a break and a coffee in Tipperary Options for food and beverages in Clonmel For those starting or finishing their journey in Clonmel Nagle's Bar and Guesthouse in Kilsheelan Check ahead if you want to have lunch at Nagle's Options for food and beverages in Carrick-on-Suir For those starting or finishing their journey in Carrick-on-Suir

Find out how to get to the Grand Canal Greenway. View parking locations, bus and rail connections, and see the start and end points via Google Streetview. Info Grand Canal Maps Grand Canal Travel Grand Canal Links Grand Canal Cafes Grand Canal Hire Grand Canal Gallery Grand Canal History Grand Canal Waterford Greenway Western Greenway Carlingford Portadown Royal Canal Greenway Grand Canal Greenway Mullingar - Athlone Barrow Way Greenway Sallins Greenway Boyne Valley Midleton - Youghal Suir Blueway Limerick Greenway Tralee Greenway Killarney Cycle Routes Travel Grand Canal Greenway Cyclists can start from multiple locations on the Grand Canal Greenway as there are very many points where major and particularly minor roads meet the greenway. Those travelling by car and carrying their own bikes will require parking. There is parking at the side of the canal at Blundell Wood at the start of the greenway spur in Edenderry town. Alternatively there is parking available at the start of the Grand Canal proper just outside the town at Georges Bridge on St Mary's Road (R402). There is car parking available at many of the bridges over the canal . In Tullamore there is paid parking at the train station. Download the APCOA app to your phone, add your vehicle registration number to the app and select the current location. The cost per day is €3.50. Lock your car and remove any valuables when parking. There are many other parking options in the town. Access to the greenway runs through the centre of the town. Parking is very easy and free at the Shannon Harbour side of the greenway. Parking in Edenderry Parking at Georges Bridge For those travelling by public transport, Tullamore is likely to be the preferred location as there are good rail and bus connections, see here for Irish Rail and her for Expressway bus services. Access to the greenway involves cycling through the town via Columcille Street or via Kilbride Street. It is necessary to cross to the North side of the canal to join the greenway. Those travelling by train can also start at any of the stations on the rail line from Dublin Heuston to Westport passing through Tullamore, see Irish Rail Map here. For those on a cycling holiday and staying overnight at various locations, an interesting approach may be to cycle from Maynooth to Longford on the Royal Canal greenway. From Longford cycle back to Mullingar or take the train to Mullingar. Cycle the Mullingar to Athlone greenway . From Athlone one could then take the train to Tullamore and cycle the Grand Canal Greenway Finally take the t rain from Athlone or Tullamore to Westport where the Great Western Greenway awaits. Some tour suggestions here are provided in the Favourites page here. Those arriving by bus or train can hire bikes, see the Hire/ Repair page on this site. Parking at many bridges that cross the canal Cycling into Tullamore on the north side of the canal Parking at the side of the canal along the greenway

Looking for bike hire i Killarney? Find local shops offering bicycle rentals, electric bikes, and repair services to get you on the trail with GreenwayHub. 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 Bike Hire and Repair Killarney O'Sullivan's Bike Rental Killarney Rent a Bike has two locations, in the town centre and on the Muckross Road Killarney Bike Rental Company The Killarney Bike Rental Company is based at the start of the Muckross cycle path.

Plan your route with our Limerick Greenway maps. Includes an official tourist map, an interactive Google Map of POIs, and a detailed traced route map 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 Limerick - Listowel Greenway Click on maps below for more detail Click to open full screen The bridge over the Feale River at the entrance to Listowel Cyclists can start or finish their journey in the centre of Listowel at Bridge Road as shown in the map above. This involves cycling through the park. Alternatively one can start/ finish on the outskirts of the town at the Tim Kennelly roundabout. The entrance to the greenway proper is shown in the image. Info Limerick Maps Limerick Travel Limerick Links Limerick Cafes Limerick Hire Limerick Gallery Limerick History Limerick

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

Find all the essential links for your Midleton - Youghal Greenway trip. Including official tourism sites, get the resources you need at 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 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 Midleton - Youghal Links Tourism Ireland Discover Ireland - Midleton Cork Bike Hire Discover Ireland - Youghal Living Youghal

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

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

Find the best cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stops on the Western Greenway. Perfect for a family break or a quick coffee while you cycle 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 Western Greenway Cafes Kelly's Kitchen Newport Enjoy, breakfast, lunch or just coffee in Kelly's on the main street in Newport The Aleph by Meg's Cafe Achill Sound Enjoy a well earned rest, coffee and great food. Many options in Westport Westport Enjoy a large number of cafes, restaurants and pubs in Westport Doherty's Mulranny Enjoy, breakfast, lunch or just coffee.