Royal Canal Walk

89 miles (144 km)

Follow the Royal Canal from Dublin to Termonbarry on this epic waterside walk in Ireland. The route follows the Royal Canal Way long distance trail which runs for 144 kilometres (90 miles) along the canal towpath.
Construction on the canal began in 1790 and completed in 1817. It fell into disrepair in the 20th century but has recently been restored with the length of the canal to the�River Shannon�reopened on 1 October 2010.
The walk starts at Newcomen Bridge in North Strand, Dublin. Several companies have a base here including the�Convention Centre Dublin,�Pricewaterhouse Coopers' Irish headquarters, offices of the�Central Bank of Ireland,�Nationwide Building Society,�Credit Suisse�and�TMF Group.
The path heads west, to Blanchardstown, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Mullingar, Ballynacargy, Rathconrath, Killashee and Cloondara where the route finishes near�Termonbarry�in County Roscommon. Here the canal meets with the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland.The canal runs parallel to the Grand Canal just to the south. You can pick up the Grand Canal Way near Adamstown,�on the Lucan Bridge about 16km outside Dublin city centre.
You could also try the Dublin Canal Walk which starts from the Grand Canal Dock and takes you through the suburbs of the city.

Royal Canal Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Royal Canal Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north and you could try the Boyne Valley Walk. This waterside route explores the lush green countryside of the River Boyne Valley, taking you from Navan along the canal towpath to the ancient site of Knowth. On the way you will also pass another local historic highlight at Slane Castle. The castle grounds include a whiskey distillery, woodland trails and a natural amphitheatre which has been used for many concerts.
The route is coincident with the National Famine Way. The historical walk follows in the footsteps�of the Strokestown tenants who were marched from Roscommon to Dublin after they failed to pay their rent during the Famine of 1847.