Grand Canal Way Greenway

Dublin Shannon Harbour

Distance

131.8km

Elevation

88m

Time

Cycling: 8h 47m

Walking: 26h 22m

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

Mix

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Overview

The Grand Canal Greenway runs for more than 130km from Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock through the counties of Kildare and Offaly to Shannon Harbour, where it meets the River Shannon. Following the original towpath of one of Ireland’s great 18th-century engineering projects, it is a route that blends urban bustle, quiet farmland, and bogland landscapes. The Greenway is being developed in phases, with long completed stretches in County Offaly and further upgrades progressing steadily. The trail is generally level, traffic-free and surfaced for multi-use, making it accessible for families, walkers and cyclists.

Along the way, users can explore canal towns such as Tullamore, Daingean and Edenderry, each with shops, cafés and heritage attractions. The Grand Canal is celebrated for its aqueducts, such as the Leinster Aqueduct at Sallins, which carries the canal high above the River Liffey, and its numerous stone bridges and locks. The Greenway also intersects with the Royal Canal at Dublin, offering the possibility of circular routes and extended journeys. Whether beginning at the city’s Docklands, surrounded by modern architecture, or finishing in the quiet village of Shannon Harbour, the Grand Canal Greenway provides a continuous ribbon of heritage and landscape, linking east and west in a uniquely Irish way.

Dublin – Sallins

30km

Beginning at Grand Canal Dock, this stage carries the canal through the capital’s south inner city, gradually emerging into suburban Lucan and then open countryside. Highlights include Hazelhatch and the Leinster Aqueduct at Sallins.

Sallins – Edenderry

Edenderry – Tullamore

Tullamore – Shannon Harbour

Need to Know

The route between Edenderry and Sallins is currently not provided to a Greenways standard. This may mean that there is no formalised path (with a smooth surface), gradients may be steep and overhanging branches and obstacles may be present along the path.

Amenities

Toilets
Café
Food & Drink
Tram
bus-stop
Historic Attraction
Refreshments
Bridge
Restaurant
Parking
Playground
Bike Hire
Accommodation
bike-repair
picnic-area
Tourist Information
Train Station

Route connects with…

Barrow Greenway

Lowtown Vicarstown

Leisure

Distance: 90.3km

Cycling: 6h 1m

Walking: 18h 4m

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The Grand Canal Greenway passes through a range of habitats, including grasslands, hedgerows, wetlands and peat bog margins. The canal itself, like the Royal Canal, is a designated Proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). It supports aquatic species such as coarse fish, freshwater mussels and the protected opposite-leaved pondweed. Otters are frequently recorded along its length, using the canal banks as resting and feeding grounds. In spring and summer, the towpath hedgerows are filled with wildflowers, supporting bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

Bird species include mallard, heron and moorhen on the water, as well as passerines such as warblers and finches in surrounding vegetation. The raised bogs adjacent to some stretches, particularly in County Offaly, support species of international importance, such as curlew and snipe. Amphibians like common frog and smooth newt are also found in ponds and cuttings along the route. Conservation initiatives encourage sensitive management of grass verges, tree planting and invasive species control to ensure biodiversity is maintained. For users, the canal provides a living classroom where wildlife can be observed at close quarters. Respecting signage, keeping dogs under control and avoiding disturbance of nesting or foraging areas are important steps in sustaining this ecological corridor.

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?

Yes, the Grand Canal Greenway is accessible by rail. Grand Canal Dock railway station provides rail access to the Dublin section, and Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station is located approximately 600 metres from the greenway. Check Irish Rail for stations near your preferred access point along the route.

Can I access the route by bus?

Yes, the Grand Canal Greenway is accessible by bus. The route is well-serviced by public transport, and towns and villages along the route have good public transport connections that can serve as starting points. Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann provide services to various access points.

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

Yes, EV charging points are available all along the route.

News and Updates

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Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Route Updates

26 Nov 2025

Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Kildare County Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the Maynooth to Leixlip section of the Royal Canal Greenway. The official opening...

Rathkeale Trailhead Officially Opens as Mayor and Minister Unveil Major Greenway Upgrade

The Rathkeale trailhead facility was officially opened today, by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...