Overview
The Foyle Greenway (also known as the Foyle Valley Greenway) stretches 34 km (21.1 mi) from the historic Craigavon Bridge in Derry, following the former Great Northern Railway line along the banks of the River Foyle. It is the first official cross‑border greenway on the island of Ireland, linking Northern Ireland with the Republic of Donegal and County Tyrone. The route is a blend of a purpose‑built 5 km traffic‑free riverside path and quiet, low‑traffic country lanes that lead to the border towns of Lifford and Strabane.
History & Background
The greenway re‑uses the trackbed of the old Londonderry‑Enniskillen Railway, a line that once carried passengers and freight across the north‑west. In 2015 a partnership between Derry City & Strabane District Council, Transport NI, Donegal County Council and Sustrans secured EU INTERREG VA funding to transform the disused railway into a high‑quality, asphalt‑surfaced trail. The project, completed in 2019, forms part of the wider North West Greenway Network, a 126 km web of routes that aim to boost sustainable travel, tourism and cross‑border cooperation.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 34 km (21.1 mi) |
| Surface | 100 % asphalt, 26.5 % traffic‑free |
| Key Artworks | Let the Dance Begin – twin 5.5 m stainless‑steel and bronze figures at the Strabane end; two viewing structures made from a disused railway footbridge by artist Noah Rose, illuminated by a laser‑light bridge at night |
| Museums | Foyle Valley Railway Museum, Gray’s Printer’s Museum (both near the Derry start) |
| Historic Sites | Cavanacor Historic House (Polk family ancestral home) |
| Scenic Highlights | Riverside views from Craigavon Bridge to Carrigans; rolling hills around Saint Johnston; the River Foyle crossing at Lifford |
The trail begins beneath Derry’s historic walls, close to the Tourist Information Centre and the Peace Bridge. Cyclists enjoy a smooth, traffic‑free stretch that hugs the river, passing the Railway Museum where vintage locomotives and rolling stock tell the story of the region’s industrial past. As the path reaches the Donegal border, it merges onto quiet minor roads that wind through the villages of Carrigans and Saint Johnston, offering glimpses of traditional farmsteads and open countryside.
Further south, the route climbs above the widening Foyle before descending into the lush valley of Ballindrait. Here cyclists can pause at the N14 crossing and explore Cavanacor Historic House, now a gallery and craft centre showcasing local art.
Crossing the River Foyle at Lifford, the greenway enters County Tyrone and soon arrives at the striking Let the Dance Begin sculpture in Strabane – a symbolic celebration of the North‑South cultural link. The twin viewing structures by Noah Rose, positioned on opposite banks of the river, invite walkers to experience the river from both sides; at night a laser‑light “virtual bridge” connects the halves, reinforcing the theme of unity.
Throughout the route, works by artists Marcella Ferguson, Colin Dark, Denzil Brown, Martha Lucas, Sarah Greavu and Brian McGhee are interspersed, many created in partnership with local schools. These installations encourage a deeper engagement with the river’s ecology and the shared heritage of the border region.
Community and Learning Programs
The greenway is a hub for active‑travel education. The North West Greenway Network’s active‑travel officer (based in Muff) and Sustrans run regular bike‑maintenance workshops, “learn to ride” sessions and school‑based bike‑proficiency programmes – for example the Good Shepherd Primary school rides reported in June 2023. These initiatives aim to build confidence for beginners, promote safe riding techniques and encourage families to use the route.
Events & Community Activities
The greenway is more than a route – it is a venue for a variety of community‑led events.
- School bike‑proficiency rides – Primary schools such as Good Shepherd Primary regularly organise supervised cycling trips along the greenway, introducing children to safe riding techniques.
- Sustrans training sessions – The partnership with Sustrans runs occasional bike‑maintenance workshops and “learn to ride” events, aimed at beginners and families.
- Seasonal art walks – Local artists and schools host guided walks highlighting the public‑art installations, often timed with the annual Foyle Greenway Festival (held each September, featuring live music, pop‑up stalls and family activities).
- Charity rides – The route is a popular venue for fundraising rides, including the annual Strabane‑Lifford Half Marathon and various community cycling challenges.
- Culinary Cycle Tour – Coille Dhoire – Launched by the Far and Wild adventure team during LegenDerry Food Month, this two‑hour guided bike tour departs from St Columb’s Park House, follows the greenway to Brook Hall Estate & Gardens and returns. Riders learn about the historic oak that gave Derry its name, sample local artisan foods and hear stories of the river’s salmon heritage. The tour runs on selected Saturdays (e.g., 10 Feb 2024) and tickets are booked via the Far and Wild website.
These activities are promoted through the North West Greenway Network’s active‑travel team, which provides resources for schools, workplaces and community groups.
Getting There – Public Transport
- By bus – Ulsterbus routes 111 and 115 stop at the Craigavon Bridge stop (near the Tourist Information Centre). In Strabane, the town centre is served by Ulsterbus routes 30 and 31, both of which have stops close to the greenway’s southern terminus.
- By train – The nearest railway stations are Londonderry (Londonderry‑Waterside) and Coleraine, each offering regular NI Rail services. From either station, a short bus ride (or a 10‑minute walk) brings you to the trailhead.
- By car – Free on‑street parking is available on the north side of Craigavon Bridge. In Strabane, the town‑centre car park on Main Street provides ample spaces.
Practical Information
The Foyle Greenway is open year‑round and free to use. The traffic‑free section is fully paved, making it suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, e‑bikes and walkers of reasonable fitness. The route is dog‑friendly, and several points along the way provide parking and rest facilities, especially near the Derry start and the Strabane finish.
- Accessibility – Most of the traffic‑free stretch is level and suitable for wheelchair users; a few minor‑road sections have uneven surfaces but remain passable for most users. No seasonal closures are in place – the trail remains open in all weather conditions.
- Safety – The route is largely flat, but some sections on minor roads involve gentle climbs, especially near Carrigans. Cyclists should be aware of occasional agricultural traffic and respect local road users.
- Navigation – Detailed maps are available on OS Maps (Foyle Valley Greenway on OS Maps) and via the GPS‑Routes website, which offers a downloadable GPX file for use with smartphones or dedicated GPS units.
Future Extensions & Projects
The greenway sits within the ambitious North West Greenway Network. Recent council minutes (Feb 2024) confirm several new routes are progressing:
- Strathfoyle Greenway – a 900 m riverside link opened in 2023, extending the network south of Derry.
- Derry‑Buncrana “Wee Greenway” – a cross‑border extension under design, aiming to connect the Foyle Greenway to Inishowen via a 1.5 km spur from St Columb’s College to the border.
- Muff‑Quigley’s Point Greenway – part of the €35 million INTERREG VA Northwest Greenways project, linking Derry to Muff and onward to Inishowen.
- Culmore‑Ballyarnett‑Galliagh route – a 10‑km urban greenway linking residential areas to the main trail.
- Strabane‑North Greenway – a 1.4 km section slated for completion by early 2024.
- Future proposals – council discussions include a Derry‑Buncrana link, a Newbuildings‑Strabane route, and a Strabane‑Sion Mills‑Victoria Bridge greenway.
These projects will further enhance cross‑border connectivity, offering more off‑road options for cyclists and walkers.
Nearby Amenities
Derry offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to B&Bs, many within walking distance of the trailhead. In Strabane, cafés and pubs line the town centre, providing a convenient stop after completing the trail.
Community Support
The project was funded by a €14.8 million EU INTERREG VA grant, matched by the Departments for Infrastructure (NI) and Transport, Tourism and Sport (Ireland). Ongoing support from Arts Council Northern Ireland and local community groups ensures the greenway remains a vibrant cultural corridor.
Visitors interested in exploring more of the coastline can combine the Foyle Greenway with the nearby Ballymacran Coastal Walk – Lough Foyle, a scenic 7 km path that runs along the lough’s edge and offers sea‑bird spotting opportunities.