Ireland has a new attraction for hikers and cyclists with the opening this week of the Royal Canal Greenway, a 130km that stretches along level canal towpaths from near Dublin to the heart of the island.
The route begins at Maynooth, west of Dublin to Cloondara in County Longford and followe the route of the 225-year-old Royal Canal. Along the way are arched bridges, 33 locks, harbors and heritage buildings. The route passes mostly through farmland, and passes waterside towns like Mullingar and Enfield along the way.
The €12 million project is managed by Waterways Ireland. Irish Transport Minister Eamon Ryan calls the greenway a “game changer for outdoor tourism and leisure in Ireland,” and says it is part of a planned growing network.
