North West Network Greenway – Strabane

Strabane Castlefin

Distance

10.6km

Elevation

47m

Time

Cycling: 42m

Walking: 2h 7m

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

Bound asphalt surface

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Map of North West Network Greenway – Strabane

Overview

The Strabane–Lifford–Castlefin Greenway is part of the North West Greenway Network, a cross-border initiative linking Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. This 11km route provides a safe, traffic-free connection between the market town of Strabane in Northern Ireland and Castlefin in County Donegal, via the border town of Lifford. Designed to encourage cross-border active travel, the Greenway also serves as a recreational facility for walkers, cyclists and families. It integrates with local schools, workplaces and public amenities, making it a daily-use resource as well as a tourism product.

The route is fully off-road and surfaced, with gentle gradients and multiple access points. Along the way, users encounter the River Foyle and Finn catchments, farmland and townscapes. The Greenway is also a symbol of cross-border cooperation, supported by EU INTERREG VA funding, highlighting how green infrastructure can contribute to peace-building and regional development. With cultural landmarks in Strabane, historic sites in Lifford, and community hubs in Castlefin, the Greenway fosters stronger connections between towns and people. It is both a practical route for commuters and a leisure trail for visitors, showcasing the landscapes and communities of the northwest.

Strabane – Lifford

1.5 km

Starting in Strabane, the Greenway crosses the border into Lifford, capital of Donegal. This short stage connects two county towns, with the River Mourne and Finn providing scenic backdrops.

Lifford – Castlefin

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Amenities

Café
Accommodation
Restaurant
bus-station
EV Charging
bike-repair
Bike Parking
Toilets
Parking
Bike Hire
bus-stop

The Strabane–Lifford–Castlefin Greenway passes through the catchment of the Rivers Foyle and Finn, both of which are designated Special Areas of Conservation. These rivers are important for Atlantic salmon, lampreys, otter and white-clawed crayfish. The riverbanks support kingfisher, grey wagtail and dipper, while whooper swan and wigeon are found in adjacent wetlands in winter. Hedgerows along the route provide feeding and nesting sites for small birds such as linnet, goldfinch and blackcap.

Mammals such as badger, fox and hedgehog use the surrounding farmland, while bats forage over rivers and hedgerows at dusk. In spring, wildflowers like primrose, violets and cowslips brighten verges, and in summer meadowsweet and clover attract pollinators. The ecological value of this Greenway lies in its role as a linear habitat, connecting fragmented areas across the border region. Sensitive landscaping, such as planting native trees and wildflowers, enhances biodiversity, while interpretation panels highlight key species and habitats. Visitors are asked to remain on the path, keep dogs under control and avoid disturbing riverside wildlife to ensure the area continues to support its rich biodiversity.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

There is no direct rail routes to get to the greenway.

Can I access the route by bus?

Several routes serve towns along or near the Greenway, including:

32, X32: Dublin – Letterkenny

932: Dublin – Annagry

487: Strabane – Raphoe – Letterkenny

987: Lifford – ATU Letterkenny

489: Letterkenny – Carrigans – Strabane

494: Strabane – Ballybofey

288: Ballybofey – Derry

290: Ballybofey – Letterkenny Hospital

Strabane Town Service

These routes also connect with Belfast, Derry, Artigarvan, Donemana, Castlederg, Moville, Omagh, and Glenmornan, providing wide regional access to the Greenway.”

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

Yes. Local EV charging points are located at:

Canal Basin Car Park, Strabane

Railway Street Car Park, Strabane

Three Rivers Centre, Lifford

Daly’s Circle K, Lifford

Patterson’s Kitchens, approximately 1.5 km west of Lifford

News and Updates

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Route Updates

02 Oct 2025

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