Overview
Worth knowing before you load the bikes: the Dublin-Galway Greenway is not yet a through route. The full plan is a 276 km coast-to-coast corridor that will form the western leg of EuroVelo 2, the 5,000 km cycle route from Galway to Moscow, but only the eastern half is built. The long stretch from Athlone west to Galway is still largely on the drawing board.
What is open – over 100 km of it – is genuinely good: a patchwork of Royal Canal towpath, repurposed railway and new urban path running from Dublin’s northside through the midlands and across the Shannon at Athlone. It is free, well signposted, and almost entirely flat. For now, treat it as a midlands canal-and-rail ride rather than a Dublin-to-Galway expedition, and you won’t be disappointed.
Route Sections & Highlights
Dublin to Maynooth: The Royal Canal Way
The greenway officially begins at Spencer Dock in Dublin city centre, where it merges with the Royal Canal towpath. Recent upgrades have significantly improved urban connectivity, most notably the July 2024 opening of the northern towpath between Cross Guns Bridge (Glasnevin) and Binns Bridge (Drumcondra). This section features a newly installed pedestrian and cycle bridge at Lock 3 and a fully resurfaced path alongside the railway line.
Cyclists heading west from Dublin should note the “Deep Sinking” stretch near Ashtown, which remains steep and unsuitable for amateur riders until planned upgrades are completed. Beyond this, the route levels out and follows the canal through Kildare and Meath, arriving at Maynooth Harbour. The towpath here is wide, flat and ideal for casual cycling or a quiet walk.
Mullingar to Athlone: The Old Rail Trail
East of Mullingar, the greenway transitions onto the Old Rail Trail, a 43 km route built on the disused Midland Great Western Railway line. The surface is a mix of compacted gravel and paved sections, making a hybrid or mountain bike the best choice. The trail passes through restored station buildings at Moate and Castletown Geoghegan, which now serve as rest stops and photo landmarks.
At Athlone, the route crosses the River Shannon via a dedicated cycle and pedestrian bridge that opened in August 2023. The bridge offers clear views of the river and connects directly to the Athlone Marina and town centre.
If you only ride one section, make it this one. The Old Rail Trail is the longest fully finished run, it has the train at both ends for an easy return, and Athlone gives you a proper town to eat in at the far side.
The Athlone to Galway Stretch
This is the missing half, and it is finally moving. “Route 5” was confirmed as the preferred alignment in December 2021, running from Athlone through Shannonbridge, Ballinasloe, Clonfert, Meelick, Portumna, Gort, Coole Park, Kinvara and Oranmore to Galway city. In June 2026, Transport Infrastructure Ireland approved the first 27 km – Athlone to Shannonbridge – with about €10 million in funding, the first concrete step after years of stalled announcements. The rest remains in planning, so don’t plan a Galway finish off the back of it yet.
What to See & Do Along the Way
The greenway is designed to be more than just a transit route; it stops at heritage sites, parks and community hubs that reward a slower pace.
- Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park – Located near Athlone, this park features themed gardens, walking loops and family facilities, making it a natural rest stop.
- Streamstown Station & Café – Funding approved in 2022 is converting the old railway station into Jack’s Stop Café, complete with outdoor seating and a playground. The adjacent Bee Pollinator Trail offers a short, themed walk highlighting local wildflowers and insect habitats.
- Athlone Abbey Graveyard – Just before the Shannon bridge, the trail passes through a 17th-century burial ground. Visitors can download a free audiobook featuring Irish actors reading fictionalised accounts of those interred there, turning a quiet stretch into an immersive heritage experience.
- Royal Canal Lock-houses – Scattered along the Dublin-to-Maynooth section, these historic structures are now interpretive stops. Informational plaques explain the canal’s 18th-century engineering and its role in Ireland’s transport history.
Practical Information & Access
The greenway is free to use and open year-round, though temporary closures occasionally occur for maintenance or bridge upgrades. Most trailheads feature car parking and public toilets.
Access points & transport links
- Spencer Dock, Dublin – Reachable via DART (Connolly) and the Luas Red Line. DublinBikes stations are located nearby.
- Maynooth Harbour, Co. Kildare – Served by Iarnród Éireann commuter trains on the Maynooth line.
- Athlone Castle & Town Centre – Accessible via Bus Éireann routes from Dublin and direct train services on the Dublin-Galway line.
- Mullingar, Co. Westmeath – Major rail and bus hub with ample parking.
Surface, difficulty & accessibility The majority of the open route is flat and paved, making it suitable for families, casual cyclists and walkers. The Old Rail Trail between Mullingar and Athlone uses compacted gravel in places, so a sturdy hybrid or mountain bike is recommended. The newly resurfaced Royal Canal towpath between Cross Guns Bridge and Binns Bridge is fully wheelchair-accessible. The “Deep Sinking” section near Dublin remains steep and uneven; standard road bikes and users with limited mobility should avoid it until upgrades are finished.
Amenities & safety Recent works (2023-2024) have added lighting, bike racks, seating and picnic tables along the Royal Canal section. Distance markers and directional signage are clear. Mobile coverage is generally reliable along the canal and rail-trail corridors, but signal can drop in more remote midlands sections. Carry a basic repair kit, wear a helmet, and keep to the marked path, especially where the route runs close to the canal edge.
Planning Your Journey
Because the greenway is still being completed, it is best tackled in sections. The official website provides interactive maps, downloadable route brochures and real-time updates on temporary closures. The Greenways Ireland app and the dedicated Dublin-Galway Greenway app also push notifications about section openings and points of interest.
Bike hire is straightforward: DublinBikes covers the city start point, while private rental outlets operate in Athlone and Mullingar. If you prefer not to ride the full distance, the greenway’s alignment with Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann routes means you can easily hop on and off trains or buses to tackle manageable 15- to 30-km stretches.
The route also connects to Ireland’s wider national network. Cyclists heading north can link to the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, while those heading south can join the Great Southern Trail or the Waterford Greenway via the EuroVelo network. Check the official site for the latest section status before setting out, and book bike hire in advance during peak summer weekends.