Grand Canal Greenway

Overview

The Grand Canal Greenway is a 117 km (≈ 73 mi) linear park that follows the historic towpath of the 19th‑century Grand Canal. It begins at Lucan Road Bridge just west of Dublin and finishes at Shannon Harbour in County Offaly, threading through Dublin, Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly and Longford. Designated as an Easy (Grade E) National Waymarked Trail, the route is marked by a yellow arrow on a black background and combines tarmacked sections, compacted gravel and well‑maintained grass tracks, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, families with prams and wheelchair users.

History / Background

Conceived in the 1750s to link Dublin with the River Shannon, the Grand Canal was completed in 1804 after decades of engineering challenges, including crossing the Bog of Allen. It carried commercial traffic – from Guinness barrels to turf – until the early 1950s. After a period of decline, Waterways Ireland, local authorities and the Irish government restored the waterway for leisure in the early 2000s, formally designating the towpath as the Grand Canal Way/Greenway. Recent milestones include the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch section opened in March 2026, a 5 km stretch built to be wheelchair‑accessible, buggy‑friendly and safe for all cyclists.

What to See & Do

Practical Information

• Length: 117 km (≈ 73 mi) – typically completed in 5 days for the full route.
• Surface: Grass towpath, compacted gravel, occasional tarmac; about 31 km follows local roads where way‑marking can be less clear.
• Grade: Easy (suitable for all ages and abilities).
• Waymarking: Yellow arrow on black background.
• Dogs: Allowed on a lead; please clean up after them.
• Accessibility: The 5 km Hazelhatch section is wheelchair‑ and buggy‑friendly; other sections are generally flat but may have uneven grass. Note that a newly‑installed kissing‑gate near Hazelhatch has drawn criticism for restricting larger wheels and wheelchairs – users are advised to approach it cautiously.
• Accommodation: B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels are available in the villages along the way, with Tullamore being a popular base for the western half.
• Facilities: Public toilets, water points and picnic areas are spaced at most villages and lock sites.
• Season: Open year‑round; spring and summer offer the best wildlife spotting, while autumn brings vivid foliage.

Accessibility Update

The 12th Lock‑to‑Hazelhatch section, opened in March 2026, was promoted as fully accessible. However, a kissing‑gate barrier installed just east of Hazelhatch Road has been reported to impede wheelchairs, cargo bikes and prams. Local cycling groups have called for a less restrictive solution, such as a staggered gate. Until the barrier is modified, users needing wider access may need to dismount and manually manoeuvre through the gate.

Cycling Tips & Gear

• Surface mix: Expect smooth tarmac in urban sections, compacted gravel in Kildare, and grass or cinder tracks in Offaly. Wider tyres (32 mm or more) improve comfort on the grass and occasional muddy stretches.
• Carry a repair kit: Puncture‑repair kit, spare tube and a small pump are essential, especially on the longer off‑road stretches.
• Hydration: Water points are intermittent; carry at least 1 L of water on day‑long rides.
• Safety: Wear a helmet (available at bike‑hire points) and obey the occasional “cyclists dismount” signs near private land crossings.

Nearby Attractions

• Lough Boora Discovery Park – Lakes, sculpture trail and bird‑watching hides; bike‑hire available at the park entrance.
• Royal Canal Greenway – Connects to the Grand Canal Greenway at the Dublin Docklands, offering an extended off‑road network for ambitious cyclists.
• Kinnitty Woods – A pleasant woodland walk in Co. Offaly (see hero image) that can be accessed via the off‑road spur near Pollagh.

Future Extensions & Timeline

• Completed greenway: ~110 km of the 131 km Grand Canal now meets greenway standards (Waterways Ireland, 2026). This includes the Dublin‑to‑Hazelhatch urban link, the Sallins‑to‑Hazelhatch stretch, and the Tullamore‑to‑Shannon Harbour segment.
• Under construction (2026): 3 km in Offaly (Pollagh‑to‑Henesey’s Bridge) and a short 200 m gap at the Hazelhatch road crossing.
• Planned works: A 2 km urban link from Grand Canal Dock to Wilton Terrace (already finished) and a 5 km extension from Inchicore to Lucan, expected later in 2026.
• Long‑term goal: An uninterrupted off‑road corridor from Dublin Docklands to the Shannon, linking with the Royal Canal Greenway and the Lough Boora spur.

Note: During construction you may encounter temporary diversions or sections still using local roads. Signage is generally clear, but a printed map is advisable.

Getting There & Transport

• By Train: Dublin’s commuter rail serves Lucan, Hazelhatch & Celbridge, and Sallins. From Tullamore you can catch Iarnród Éireann services to Dublin, making it easy to start or finish the trail at either end.
• By Bus: Dublin Bus routes connect Lucan and nearby suburbs to the trailhead. Bus Éireann runs services through Edenderry, Tullamore and other Offaly villages.
• By Car: Parking is available at Lucan Road Bridge (free street parking), at the Hazelhatch lay‑by, and at larger villages such as Edenderry and Tullamore (public car parks). Check local signs for any time‑limited restrictions.
• Cyclist Facilities: Bike‑hire points at Sallins, Ballycommon (near Lough Boora) and in Tullamore. Helmets are supplied on request.

Maps & Resources

• Official Waterways Ireland PDFs (downloadable):
  • Grand Canal Way – Overview Map
  • Individual segment maps (e.g., Lucan Bridge to Henry Bridge, Henry Bridge to Sallins, etc.) are listed on the Waterways Ireland site.
• Interactive online map: Hiiker – Grand Canal Way (third‑party but regularly updated).
• For real‑time way‑marking issues, consult the Waterways Ireland contact line (01‑8680148).