Welcome to the official Greenways Ireland website; a central hub for exploring our growing network of scenic, sustainable trails. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this platform is designed to help you plan your next cycling or walking adventure through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes.
What Is a Greenway?
Greenways are segregated, traffic-free routes designed for shared use by people walking, cycling, using wheelchairs, or pushing buggies. They are built to high accessibility standards, offering smooth surfaces, gentle gradients, and enough space to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all users.
They are generally off-road routes that may run on the track bed of a former railway line, on a towpath beside a canal or river, or run through open countryside. They can also run adjacent to a road where there is adequate separation or indeed use short sections of quiet roads in rural areas.
A Growing National Network
Ireland’s first greenway; the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo; opened in 2010, transforming a disused railway into a vibrant and well-used outdoor route. Since then, the network has expanded significantly across the country, with major investment accelerating growth from 2021 onward. The Department of Transport oversees the national programme, setting policy direction and providing funding for greenways that are generally over 20 kilometres in length. Local authorities work in partnership with national agencies such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority to develop, deliver and maintain these routes.
Built on Quality and Safety
All Department-funded greenways must meet national technical standards. These ensure routes are designed with consistent width, surface quality, and gentle gradients to accommodate people of all abilities. A key focus is to ensure each route is user-friendly, low-risk, and accessible to the widest possible group of people. Responsibility for maintaining these standards and guidelines is shared between national agencies and the local authorities delivering each greenway. More information on route standards and what a user can expect to travel on can be found here.
About The Greenway Website
This website was created to provide easy access to accurate and up-to-date information about Ireland’s completed greenway routes. Here, you can explore detailed route information, view interactive maps, access travel planning tools, and learn about route updates. The site features greenway routes that fulfil defined criteria including length, gradient, surface finish, associated facilities and whether the route is open to the public. As the national network grows, the website will be updated and expanded to include additional greenways and connecting active travel infrastructure.
Information on Services and Amenities
Information has been provided primarily by local authorities in relation to the range of services and amenities available on a specific greenway route, such as the availability of toilets, water fountains and playgrounds. This information is displayed in a consistent way on individual routes pages, but the detail provided may differ between routes. Specific information on bike hire operators and cafes located in direct proximity to the greenway route may feature on a route page – this information should not be regarded as a recommendation for their specific services.
Why Greenways Matter
Greenways contribute to a wide range of national goals. They promote sustainable travel, encourage local tourism, and support the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. By providing safe, accessible paths, greenways offer an alternative to car travel for everyday journeys and connect people with nature, their towns, and each other. Their positive impact is felt through improved physical activity levels, increased visitor footfall and economic benefit to rural areas, and the creation of welcoming spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Your Journey Starts Here
We hope this website becomes a trusted resource as you plan your next outing, commute, or holiday. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful trail through nature or a scenic route along the coast, Ireland’s greenways offer something for everyone; at your own pace, in your own way.