Grand Canal Greenway

The Greenway begins at Grand Canal Dock in Dublin City, an area once known as the city’s industrial heartland, home to bottle factories and iron foundries before falling into decline in the late 20th century and later regeneration. Setting off from the distinct plaza which is dotted with illuminated red poles, the initial route involves travelling on quiet streets before reaching a two-way cycle path and footpath separated from the road via a kerb at Clanwilliam Place that runs adjacent to the canal.

A statue of Patrick Kavanagh, designed as a public seat, sits along the canal at Baggot Street Bridge. A dedicated cycleway and footpath continue as far as Portobello Harbour, apart from a short, shared section near Leeson Street. After Portobello Harbour, the route crosses to the southern bank, requiring care at busy road crossings. Cyclists share a painted lane without kerb separation, alongside a separate footpath. Passing through Rialto, users must navigate a busy section at the junction of Dolphin Road and Suir Road, where the off-road Greenway resumes alongside the Luas line.

Continuing through Inchicore, the route diverges from the Luas line as the surroundings become increasingly industrial. Heading west, road noise briefly intensifies where the canal passes beneath the M50. Beyond this point, the route becomes quieter and more rural in character.

Approaching Hazelhatch, an eclectic mix of boats lines the canal, marking the transition into County Kildare. Hazelhatch Bridge offers an opportunity to pause, with a pub overlooking the water. Crossing to the south bank, the route passes under Aylmer’s Bridge. This signals the start of the Lyons Estate boundary wall stretching along the canal for several kilometres. This estate now operates as a hotel and café, with direct access beside the 13th Lock.

Rejoining the towpath, the route continues through Ardclough, where a low-traffic section can be used by cars. Passing under stone bridges and by locks and a former lock keeper’s cottage, the start of the approach into Sallins is marked by a railway bridge. Sallins offers cafés, services and a nearby rail station, with Naas just 4 km away via the canal branch road (developed as a branch line off the canal mainline).

This section has not yet been upgraded, and the towpath remains grassy and, at times, rutted, becoming muddy after wet weather. Users should take care, as the surface is uneven. A key feature on this section is the Leinster Aqueduct – located west of Sallins, it is a historic five-arch stone structure carrying the canal over the River Liffey. Beyond Digby Bridge and the 16th Lock, the towpath briefly changes to a road surface. The sounds of racing cars may be heard from the nearby Mondello Park.

Approaching Robertstown, the route narrows, with a rutted path enclosed by dense tree cover. Robertstown provides a good rest point before continuing; the next kilometre to Lowtown is on-road. Lowtown was historically an important canal junction, the Barrow Line taking vessels south towards Athy via Rathangan while the Grand Canal main line continued west to the Shannon. The recently completed Barrow Blueway extends from Lowtown to Athy along the Barrow Line of the Grand Canal. Approximately 16km remain, featuring remote, idyllic landscapes, varied surfaces, and crossings between the southern and northern canal banks. Shortly after passing the 20^th Lock at Ticknevin, the route crosses into County Offaly and becomes smooth and level for the rest of the route to Shannon Harbour. A short branch at Downshire Bridge provides access into the centre of Edenderry.

The section south and east of Edenderry is closed for upgrading works in 2026/27 so a diversion will be required to rejoin the canal west of Edenderry.

Leaving Edenderry, the route continues under two more stone bridges before entering open countryside as it heads west further in County Offaly. Rhode Bridge offers an opportunity for a break after c. 10km – a trailhead is located here with the village of Rhode a short distance away from the greenway. Continuing on, the wind turbines from the Mount Lucas wind farm are visible to the south from the greenway. Another interesting point of interest is a Bord Na Móna Lifting Bridge that runs through the bog and carries on south through the wind farm. These are clear markers of the role played by peat in energy generation in past decades.

The Greenway leads directly into Daingean, where the prominent storehouse near Molesworth Bridge marks the canal’s industrial past. Daingean offers a trailhead, playground, and refreshments, making it a useful stopping point roughly midway along this stretch. Shortly beyond, Ballycommon provides another rest option, with a café and trailhead. This section may occasionally be used by cars, though such use is rare.

After Ballycommon, there is an optional 13km diversion to Kilbeggan via the Ballycommon – Killbeggan Branch Greenway. The main route continues past the 21st Lock and a series of additional locks approaching Tullamore. The surroundings gradually become more urban, and the route busier. The Boland’s Lockkeepers cottage at the 26^th Lock is a whimsical looking property complete with a conical roof and a castellated bow-fronted element. The route then enters Tullamore, the bustling county town of Offaly, with options to explore the harbour or the wider town centre.

Leaving Tullamore, the route passes beneath road and railway bridges and continues through an area rich in history, including the ruins of Srah and Ballycowan castles, church remains at Kilbride, as well as a monastic site at Rahan. The route crosses from the north to the south bank at Ballycowan Bridge. Pollagh, a scenic canal-side village, offers a convenient rest stop with a community shop and nearby pub. Local heritage is represented by a bogman statue, symbolising the significance of the peat industry to the community in recent decades. St. Mary’s Church features an altar made of bog oak and stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke.

Leaving Pollagh, the route passes an old Bord na Móna Light Railway Swivel Bridge, a reminder of the extensive narrow-gauge rail network once used across the Midlands to transport peat to power stations and factories. Although turf-burning stations have ceased operations, many of these disused lines are being repurposed as recreational trails. Nearby, Turraun Wetlands and Lough Boora Discovery Park are accessible via quiet roads, offering opportunities to explore landscapes that combine ecological restoration, art, and industrial heritage.

The Greenway continues past notable canal features including Derry Bridge, McCartney Aqueduct, a former stone warehouse at Belmont, and the final series of locks along the route. Approaching Shannon Harbour, users pass moored boats and the ruins of the former Grand Canal Hotel and Harbour Master’s House. Facilities are available at the harbour, and just beyond lie the 35th and 36th Locks, where the Grand Canal meets the River Shannon. Refreshments in Shannon Harbour, or nearby Banagher, provide a fitting end to the journey.