Both the Royal Canal Greenway and the Suir Blueway are built along old towpaths. The distance was good for me, and it was fine to stop in Kilcock, although next time I would go on to Maynooth and then look for a rest stop. There is another 500 metres of the light stone dust after Chamber’s Bridge before we reach another stretch of tarmac on the approach to Kilcock. Thank you for your really useful and also beautifully presented site. Booking with Irish Rail is advised with bike as the trains can only facilitate 2 bikes per train. Work is ongoing between Maynooth and Castleknock in Dublin where some stretches are difficult for walking and cycling. Maynooth Harbour just before dawn West of Maynooth the greenway is almost finished, bar a few sections. Table reproduced from ‘Waterways Ireland’ Guide to the Royal Canal pages 64-67 Details on our Smart-Tag system can be found at Royal Canal Smart-Tags I earned my breakfast roll. • Sept 17: Enfield – Kilcock (via Royal Canal Greenway) • Sept 18: Kilcock – Clonsilla (via Royal Canal Greenway) • Sept 19: Clonsilla – Combe Hospital One of the few disadvantages of travelling on the smooth north bank now is that you miss the original 22 and 23 Mile Markers for the canal, 2 of the very few ones left standing. Before Mullingar, it was carved into rocks for a bit of variety. Capturing sunset between the trees with reflections on the Royal Canal, A Maynooth bound commuter train chasing the sun beside the Royal Canal. This is a grassy and often muddy trail generally unsuitable for cycling. At 130km, the Royal Canal Greenway will be the longest off-road Greenway in Ireland when completed. Location. In this post I will look at the stretch from Enfield to Thomastown Harbour, all of which lies on the Long Level of the Royal Canal. In the near future it is expected to extend further with a route from Athlone to Galway linking Dublin and Galway in a true Coast to Coast route for cyclists and walkers. After covering the last few sections on my feet, here I take to my bike to cover some more ground as we get further west into more rural landscape. There, a Greenway leads off on an old railway line to Athlone, a project that will be continued all the way to the west coast. Leaving Jackson’s Bridge behind we proceed for 1.7 kilometres before we reach the next landmark of Bailey’s Bridge, an accommodation bridge giving the local farmer access to both sides of the canal. Be Safe and be Seen! The South Campus wall of the university keeps us company for 750 metres as we leave Maynooth behind us. A wet run out on the #royalcanalgreenway and the swans had no interest in posing for a photo! Gradients are kept to a minimum and you'll find plenty of places to rest along the way. Since 2015 great progress has been made on the Royal Canal greenway and it is now almost entirely complete from Maynooth to the Shannon in Longford. 2321 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 103 Phoenix, Arizona 85021-4951 And Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023 Prepared By Robert W. Clarkson U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Phoenix Area Office P.O. Coming into Enfield, the railway station and a variety of connected buildings originally opened by the Midlands Great Western Railway company in the late 1840’s can be seen on the opposite bank. As we reach the end of the college wall we pass the old college farmhouse and sheds. Map of Royal Canal Greenway, The Municipal District of Clane — Maynooth (Cloncurry Electoral Division, Kilbrook). The Rye River Cafe is also another popular spot for breakfast or lunch not far off the canal. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Box 81169 Phoenix, Arizona 85069-1169 March 1998 Not long after the forest, we pass a farm house which leads us back onto a tarmac surface for the last 2 kilometers to Cloncurry Bridge. Map of The Westmeath Royal Canal Greenway. … To date, over 100km of the Royal Canal Greenway is accessible, it heads west from Dublin’s north side, along the … In 2005 Jons Engineering were contracted to widen and realign the bridge to make it safer for the traffic it carries over the canal. As part of the work to create the Royal Canal Greenway the bridge was extended to give users safe passage under the bridge rather than force them through the narrow passage that still exists. 2321 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 103 Phoenix, Arizona 85021-4951 And Arizona Game and Fish Department 2221 West Greenway Road Phoenix, Arizona 85023 Prepared By Robert W. Clarkson U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Phoenix Area Office ... Canal than in reaches 1 (7) and 2 (4) (Tables 4-5). The Royal Canal crosses back and forth across this county line several times as the canal makes its way west. It is a rare complaint on the Royal Canal that the water level is too high for such problems to happen. Remaining on the north bank we must cross over the road at Cloncurry Bridge to continue on our way to our destination in Enfield, a distance of 3 kilometres. D’Arcy’s Bridge, Hyde Park, Killucan. The original canal span was built in 1793 while the railway span was abutted in the late 1840’s. It is easily accessible from Dublin, with Maynooth Train Station lying on the south bank of the canal. Remember to Leave no Trace. At the end of Kilcock Harbour is the upgraded Shaw’s Bridge and the double-chambered 16th Lock. Very inspiring I’m definitely going to cycle it this summer thanks for all the detailed information regards. News Ann Casey Published: February 24, 2021, 18:07 Cllr Noel French at Enfield Harbour. 2. Ferns Lock has several features around it. A footbridge gives access to the north bank and the Royal Canal Greenway. Royal Canal Bike Hire Bike hire is available from our two rental hubs at Maynooth and Enfield Harbours, with a drop-off location in Mullingar, Cloondara, Longford Town & Strokestown, Co Roscommon, covering 130km of the Royal Canal Greenway, with the option to continue your journey to the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. Comprising 2, 3 & 4 bedroom style properties, all offering excellent space and a standard of finish that is synonymous with Westin Homes developments. The Royal Canal Greenway is generally level and surfaced. Closest to the bridge itself is the Bridgehouse pub which does pub grub. Just to say this is a really great, well-researched resource, and I plan to try to use it on my newly acquired hybrid bike this Winter. But work is still in planning and construction on much of it from Dublin to Maynooth. Barges initially started operating between Broadstone and Kilcock. There is also a restored storehouse beside the lock, now a private residence. The trail is mostly off-road. 130km Royal Canal Greenway officially opens next month | Meath Chronicle News Ann Casey Published: February 24, 2021, 18:07 Cllr Noel French at Enfield Harbour. The Royal Canal is 145km long. It is one of two canals from Dublin to the River Shannon and was built in direct competition to the Grand Canal. Welcome to Boards.ie; here are some tips and tricks to help you get started. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through charming Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. Jackson’s Bridge is made up of 5 spanning arches including a narrow pedestrian arch (for which cyclists should dismount), the canal, the railway and two arches for farm animals on the south bank. The Greenway runs along the towpath of the Royal Canal which was constructed between Dublin and Longford at the turn of the 18th century to connect the River Liffey to the River Shannon. Distance: 23.5km In the last post I left off as we reached Enfield Bridge by the railway station. Map Ref. - This 2 bedroom detached property is a rare find on the market and offers the perfect house to downsize or a starter home for a first time buyer. There is an Applegreen with a Subway just a little further into town for those only looking for light refreshments. The benefits awaiting communities along the 130km route of the proposed new Royal Canal Greenway were highlighted when staff of Waterways Ireland brief members of Meath County Council at their monthly meeting last week. As we meet the tarmac, the Royal Canal Greenway lines up and runs parallel with a road, a railway, the canal, the greenway itself, another road and the Rye River. Directory of services close to Royal Canal Greenway, The Municipal District of Clane — Maynooth (Cloncurry Electoral Division: shops, restaurants, leisure and sports facilities, hospitals, gas stations and other places of interest. The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. Royal Canal in rural County Westmeath north of Kinnegad The Royal Canal (Irish: An Chanáil Ríoga) is a canal originally built for freight and passenger transportation from Dublin to Longford in Ireland. Emergencies - In the likely event of an emergency dial 999 or 112 to contact Emergency Services. The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. future Greenways Ireland. This happened the Heritage Boat Rambler during filming of the late Dick Warner’s Waterways – The Royal Canal series for RTÉ. The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. Cycle at a safe speed. A maximum of 7 species was taken any single station, It is nearly 1 kilometre from the end of the college wall to the next landmark of Jackson’s Bridge and the 14th Lock. Ironman VR7 Completed with a 5k run, 90k cycle and Half Marathon out past Ladychapel. Learn how to create your own. The access points are listed below and shown on the map, some of which will have parking facilities and amenities. This is a shared use trail so please be considerate of other users. Once you are fueled again you’ll be ready for the cycle back to Maynooth or, if you are taking it easy, the intercity from Sligo stops in Enfield roughly every 2 hours and will see you back to Maynooth or Dublin Connolly. The bridge coming into the lock no longer has an arch and now has a low concrete plinth which has been known to catch the top of wheelhouses of boats passing under it. After coming up onto the 16th level there is a small blue container. See www.transportforireland.ie for routes and timetables. Kilcock and Enfield are serviced by both bus and rail. We recommend you start your journey at a Trailhead. The Royal Canal opened to commercial traffic in December 1796, six years after construction started. However at some locations, the Greenway crosses a main road. Map showing the Royal Canal Greenway - 22km of it passes through Meath. The Old Bog Road was put to music by Madeline King O’Farrelly from Rochfortbridge in Westmeath and has been recorded by many artists. Located in the heart of Enfield Royal Canal Walk is an exclusive development of just 14 homes. The Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath passing through the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East to the Hidden Heartlands, taking in the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford. Like Maynooth and Kilcock, Enfield also has a Supervalu close to the canal for those looking for a supermarket. The new bridge opened in 2007 and also has cycle lanes over it with steps accessing the Royal Canal Greenway on the east side and a ramp down the west side. It is 1 kilometre from the start of the tarmac surface to Kilcock Harbour. Take a leisurely cycle along the beautiful scenic Traffic free Royal Canal Greenway to Enfield or Longford or why not try the Old Rail Trail to Athlone and New Lake Cycle to Lough Owel .We have bikes and accessories to suit all ages and fitness levels Hybrids,Electric Bikes,Road Bikes, Kids Bikes,Fun Tandams, Trailers , and Child Seats with our extensive fleet of new alloy bikes, we cater for all Familys , work … The 17th Lock is the last double-chambered lock on the Royal Canal coming from Dublin and marks the start of The Long Level which is a 32 kilometer stretch before the 18th Lock at Thomastown. Trailheads are where you will find most visitor services, accommodation, food, parking and hire. ( Log Out / Yesterday I took the train to Enfield and cycled back to Maynooth and I look forward to using your guides for more such trips on my trusty old high Nellie. Remember to Leave no Trace. In this post I am going to take a look at cycling from what is currently the start of the Royal Canal Greenway at Maynooth Harbour and heading west as far as Enfield Bridge. Littering spoils the Greenway experience for everyone. Bike at Maynooth Harbour In this post I am going to take a look at cycling from what is currently the start of the Royal Canal Greenway at Maynooth Harbour and heading west as far as Enfield Bridge. Enfield: Shops, pubs and eateries.Kilcock: Shops, pubs and eateries. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through charming Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. After passing under Bond Bridge we transition from tarmac onto a smooth, light stone dust surface which will be the norm for most the way to Enfield. Starting from the completed route from Maynooth (over 100km in total) – with sections still under various states of development in Dublin – it runs west toward Athlone or Longford Town, depending on what … Maynooth Harbour, located on the 13th level of the Royal Canal, is a great place to start. The canal was often on an elevated dam, affording us views of wintery fields left and right. There is just one remaining section between Kilcock and Enfield that remains to be completed and is currently in the planning process. She returned to Ireland in 1932 where she lived in nearby Kilbrook until her death in 1943. These measure the distance not from the River Liffey but rather from Broadstone. Description ***Now Selling*** Royal Canal Walk, Enfield, Co. Meath 2 Bedroom Detached 979 sq.ft. Kilgar House & Gardens, St Mary’s Abbey, Trim Castle, Trim Visitor Centre and Medieval Armoury, Boyne Valley Activities, Black Friary Archaeology School, Hill of Tara. Change ), Exploring the Banks of Ireland's Historic Canals, on Royal Canal Greenway: Maynooth to Enfield, Royal Canal Greenway: Enfield to Thomastown, Walking on the Royal Canal: Confey to Maynooth, Walking on the Royal Canal: North Wall to Cross Guns Bridge – Royal Canal Runner, Walking on the Royal Canal: Confey to Maynooth – Royal Canal Runner, Walking on the Royal Canal: Castleknock to Leixlip Confey – Royal Canal Runner, Walking on the Royal Canal: Cross Guns Bridge to Castleknock Train Station – Royal Canal Runner, Cycling the Royal Canal: Enfield to Thomastown – Royal Canal Runner, Cycling on the Royal Canal: Thomastown to Mullingar Harbour – Royal Canal Runner, Cycling on the Royal Canal: Mullingar Harbour to Coolnahay – Royal Canal Runner, Cycling the Old Rail Trail: Mullingar to Athlone – Royal Canal Runner, Walking on the Royal Canal: Coolnahay to Ballynacargy Bridge – Royal Canal Runner. ( Log Out / The new section does veer a little away from the canal at a few points but never too far to see and it includes a section where the path winds through a forest. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through charming Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages. She wrote widely on the themes of exile, nostalgic loss of homeland, nationalism and religion. Dogs need to be kept on a short lead at all times - please clean up after them. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. The next stop will be Enfield were lunch or a picnic will be arranged. ( Log Out / Wear appropriate clothing for your activity and the weather. Move curser to bottom of chart and click next to move to next table. There are several access points to the Westmeath Royal Canal Greenway from various public roads. The Royal Canal Greenway is generally level and surfaced. Southeast Greenway incorporating the Kilkenny Greenway; Youghal Midleton Greenway; Dublin – Galway (Athlone to Galway) These days, the towpath along the Royal Canal is a 130km-long walking and cycling greenway … As we continue west for 2.75 kilometres towards McLoughlin’s Bridge and the 17th Lock (which is locally known as Ferns Lock) we cross the county border from Kildare to Meath. One such barge is Anam Cara (previously Maeve) which was once used by actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales in their Channel 4 series Great Canal Journeys as they explored the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Just across the road from the canal is the very popular Black Forest Cafe and Cakery while just a little further into the town there is a Costa Coffee as well as a large Supervalu for supplies. Thankfully the north bank is now complete and is a pleasurable cycle. As Maynooth is often a starting or finishing point for many taking a day on the Royal Canal Greenway, it is worth noting Maynooth has a fantastic variety of places to eat and drink. Starting in cosmopolitan Maynooth, it follows the 200 year old canal through friendly Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafés, picnic spots and attractions along the way. There are several distances you can choose to cycle: Kilcock 7km, Enfirld 20km or Furey’s in Moyvalley 26km. Gradients are kept to a minimum and you'll find plenty of places to rest along the way. Greenways are also been built along river and canal towpaths. Buildings include the Railway Station, the Station Masters House, Warehouses, a Signal Box and Water Towers. Cyclists, please give way to walkers, slow down and ring your bell when approaching. The completion of the Royal Canal Greenway in 2019 will improve the tourism profile of Enfield, increasing visitor numbers to the town centre as well as providing an invaluable recreation resource for the town. In this post I am going to take a look at what is currently the start of the Royal Canal Greenway at Maynooth Harbour and heading west as far as Enfield Bridge, a distance of 18.7 kilometres. Ultra Distance Runner and Royal Canal Enthusiast. ( Log Out / It would have been built between 1790 and 1796 making it a contemporary of the near by St. Patrick’s University which opened in 1795. Littering spoils the Greenway experience for everyone. Royal Canal Greenway: Enfield to Thomastown. Until late in the summer of 2019 it was necessary to travel the 5.9 kilometre section from Ferns Lock to Cloncurry Bridge on the south bank. Unlike all the bridges we have met so far, McLoughlin’s Bridge has no abutment to a railway bridge and instead is level with a level crossing at the bridge. However when you pass under the bridge you can still see the original arch. The 130km trail passes through the lush green landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East towards the mighty River Shannon in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Work on the Royal Canal Greenway is well advanced between Maynooth in County Kildare and the Shannon in County Longford. Annex 1: The Old Rail Trail – Mullingar to Athlone. (97sq.m.) Royal Canal Walk, Enfield, Co Meath. Allen Bridge was originally built in 1796 but like Bond Bridge and Shaw’s Bridge, it was later modified for modern traffic. The Royal Canal Greenway is a major training ground for the runners of Maynooth and Kilcock. On coming out on the other side of Allen Bridge we return to the light stone dust surface. As we must dismount to cross the road at Shaw’s Bridge, you may wish to stop for some refreshments before continuing on. The tarmac continues from the 16th Lock for just over 1 kilometre as far as Allen Bridge which is known locally as Spins Bridge. That said the Royal Canal Greenway is a major training ground for the runners of Maynooth and Kilcock. The canal was officially closed to all navigation in 1961, but like the Grand Canal, much of the Royal has been restored in recent decades, and the Royal Canal Way currently follows grassy towpaths, gravel and sometimes tarmac canal-side roads from the Dublin suburb of Ashtown 105 kilometres to the village of Abbeyshrule in County Longford. Moving on past North Kildare Club with its rugby, cricket and hockey pitches it is another 750 metres to Chamber’s Bridge and the 15th Lock. We depart Maynooth heading west on a tarmac path heading a short distance of 500 metres before we encounter Bond Bridge which was originally built in 1795. The Royal Canal Greenway is part of European wide network of cycling routes. A new spillway has been completed not far west of the bridge which replaced a narrow wooden bridge over a dip of the old slipway. This old stone wall separates the canal bank from the playing fields and grounds of the old campus. In total it is just under 6 kilometres from Maynooth Harbour to Kilcock Harbour. Information on many of these places can be found on the Maynooth Town Website. This marks the start of the Royal Canal parkrun, Kilcock which is a weekly, free 5k run that goes out west and comes back on the banks of the canal. That said the Royal Canal Greenway is a major training ground for the runners of Maynooth and Kilcock. Distance from Meath Border. This map was created by a user. ... After lunch, you’re group will be fitted for your bikes before exploring the Royal Canal Greenway for the afternoon. Leaving Ferns Lock we remain on the north bank on one of the most recently completed sections of the Royal Canal Greenway. The Royal Canal Greenway is a long-distance walking and cycling trail that follows the towpath of the canal from Dublin's docklands to Clondra in county Longford, passing through Kilcock, Longwood and Enfield. A favourite of mine would be the Street Side Cafe. Finally we approach our destination of Enfield Bridge, 18.7 kilometres from where we started at Maynooth Harbour. Maynooth Harbour is a triangle shaped harbour with a slipway on the town side. Dist.1. Some caution is needed for the first kilometer of this as it is on a public road by the canal until you pass through a pair of wooden gates back onto the dust surface of the Royal Canal Greenway. An often overlooked plaque to mark the completion and opening of Maynooth Harbour as it is today complete with slipway. Royal Canal Way. We emerge on the upper 14th level after passing through the pedestrian arch with the 14th Lock revealing itself fully to view. Welcome to the Royal Canal Greenway, a long-distance, off-road walking and cycling trail connecting Maynooth with Longford Town.