Overview
Hazelhatch is a small townland straddling the border between County Dublin and County Kildare, situated on the R405 between Celbridge and Newcastle. Though its permanent population is modest – just 62 residents at the 2011 census – the area punches well above its weight in attractions. The Grand Canal threads through the landscape, spanned by the picturesque Hazelhatch Bridge, and the newly‑opened 12th Lock to Hazelhatch section of the Grand Canal Greenway offers a high‑quality, traffic‑free route for walkers and cyclists. Railway enthusiasts also flock to the nearby Stacumny Bridge, where four tracks race past at impressive speeds, earning the nickname “The Hatch”.
Geography & Boundaries
Hazelhatch (Irish: Collchoill) covers roughly 45 ha (0.45 km²) and lies in the Electoral Division of Newcastle, within the civil parish of the same name. It borders the townlands of Balscott, Commons (E.D. Newcastle), Dangan, Loughtown Lower, Ringwood, Straleek and others. The townland’s coordinates are 53° 19′ 18″ N, 6° 30′ 58″ W.
History
The name Hazelhatch reflects the area’s historic woodland character. The Grand Canal, completed in the early 19 century, transformed the locality into a hub for fishing, boating and trade. In 1846 the Hazelhatch and Celbridge railway station opened, linking the townland to Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Although goods traffic ceased in 1947, the line was expanded to quadruple tracks in the mid‑2000s, cementing Hazelhatch’s reputation as a prime train‑spotting venue. A proposal to electrify the line between Hazelhatch and Dublin was shelved after the 2008 economic downturn. The recent 12th Lock to Hazelhatch Greenway, inaugurated in March 2026, continues the tradition of improving connectivity along this historic waterway.
What to See & Do
Hazelhatch Bridge and the Grand Canal
The stone‑arched Hazelhatch Bridge spans the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal, providing classic Irish scenery that photographers love. From the bridge you can watch narrowboats glide by, or simply enjoy the quiet ambience of the towpath.
12th Lock to Hazelhatch Greenway
This 5 km stretch, opened by the Mayor of South Dublin and Minister Darragh O’Brien, is part of the 130 km Grand Canal Greenway that will eventually link Dublin to the River Shannon. The route is surfaced, well‑signposted and designed for wheelchair users, cyclists of all types and families with buggies. It offers a safe, low‑carbon alternative for commuting, leisure walks, or longer bike rides.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 5 km (12th Lock → Hazelhatch) |
| Surface | Paved, wheelchair‑accessible |
| Highlights | Canal views, historic lock structures, wildlife spotting |
| Suitable for | Walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users |
Sallins‑to‑Hazelhatch Section of the Grand Canal Greenway
A further 11 km stretch from Sallins to Hazelhatch opened to the public in late 2023. The project includes a new bridge at Sallins that was lifted into place in August 2023, improving local access and providing a seamless link to the existing greenway network. Users can start the walk or ride at the Sallins train station and follow the towpath south‑west to Hazelhatch Bridge, passing the 13th Lock and the popular coffee spot at Cliff at Lyons.
Train‑spotting at Stacumny Bridge
Just a short walk from the bridge, Stacumny Bridge is a magnet for railfans. The quadruple‑track section sees a mix of InterCity, commuter and freight services, often at high speed. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the sleek modern trains as they thunder past.
Local Pub – McEvoy’s (Hazelhatch)
A single pub sits beside the canal, offering a cosy spot to unwind after a walk or bike ride. The bar serves a selection of Irish ales and classic pub fare, making it an ideal place to refuel before heading back to Dublin or exploring nearby villages.
Walking & Cycling Routes
Hazelhatch → Sallins (Grand Canal Greenway)
A flat, 14.3 km walk or cycle from Hazelhatch Bridge to the village of Sallins. The route follows the towpath past the 13th Lock, the coffee‑friendly Cliff at Lyons and finishes in Sallins, where amenities and a train station make the return easy. The walk is suitable for all abilities and is popular with families and cyclists.
Hazelhatch Bridge to Devonshire Bridge Loop
An 11.2‑mile (18 km) moderate loop that takes in additional canal scenery and rural roads, ideal for a longer day out.
McEvoy’s Pub – Hazelhatch Bridge Loop
A 4.09‑mile (6.6 km) easy walk that combines a short stroll along the greenway with a stop at the local pub.
Nearby Attractions
Hazelhatch’s central location makes it a convenient base for visiting other points of interest: the historic Castletown House , the world‑class K Club, and the charming Lucan Pitch and Putt Club are all within a short drive. Other nearby landmarks include Lyons House, Stacumny House and the village of Ardclough.
Practical Information
Getting There – Rail
The Hazelhatch & Celbridge railway station (code HAZ) sits on the Heuston‑to‑West line and is served by regular InterCity services to Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, as well as the Dublin‑Portlaoise commuter line. Tickets can be purchased up to 90 days in advance via the Irish Rail Journey Planner, either online (click “Buy Now”) or at any ticket vending machine. QR‑tickets are also available for mobile wallets. Bicycles are allowed on most services outside peak commuter times.
Bus Connections
The Dublin Bus L59 route links Hazelhatch Station with River Forest and other stops along the R405. The service runs roughly every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, serving 29 stops between River Forest and Hazelhatch Station. Real‑time information and service alerts are available via the Transit app. The L59 has an on‑time performance of about 88 %.
Road Access & Parking
Hazelhatch lies equidistant between the M4 at Celbridge and the N7 Naas Road, providing easy car access. A small number of free parking spaces are available adjacent to the station and near Hazelhatch Bridge, but they fill quickly at busy times; visitors are advised to arrive early or use the larger public car park in Celbridge town centre.
Station Facilities
The station is unstaffed but offers ticket vending machines, a sheltered waiting area and limited wheelchair‑accessible seats on each service (best reserved in advance). There are no permanent restroom facilities on‑site; the nearest public toilets are in Celbridge town centre.
Accessibility
The 12th Lock to Hazelhatch Greenway has been deliberately built to accommodate wheelchair users and families with prams. The railway station provides a limited number of wheelchair‑accessible spaces on each train; advance booking is recommended during peak periods.
Opening Hours & Fees
There is no formal entry fee for the bridge, the greenway or the railway station – all are free to access. The local pub operates on typical Irish opening hours (generally 12 pm‑midnight), but exact times can vary, so checking ahead is recommended.
Facilities
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Ticket machines | At Hazelhatch & Celbridge station |
| Restrooms | None on‑site; nearest public facilities are in Celbridge town centre |
| Bicycle parking | Racks available near the greenway entry points |
| Wheelchair‑accessible spaces | Limited on trains; greenway fully accessible |
Seasonal Highlights
The greenway is popular year‑round, but the spring months bring a burst of wildflowers along the canal banks, while autumn colours make the towpath especially photogenic. Train‑spotters often report a higher frequency of freight and engineering movements during the summer maintenance window.
Safety and Infrastructure
The urban section of the Grand Canal Greenway (12th Lock to Blackhorse Bridge) has faced criticism over narrow gate barriers that can create pinch points for cyclists and pedestrians. Recent feedback from regular users has prompted South Dublin County Council to widen several of these barriers, improving safety for all users.
Construction on the remaining gap between the 12th Lock and Hazelhatch is slated to begin in early 2024, with a 12‑month programme expected to deliver a continuous, barrier‑free route by early 2025. This work follows the council’s 12th Lock Masterplan, which received €248,000 in 2026 funding to support visitor experience and infrastructure upgrades.
Future Transport Developments
Dart+ South West Extension
In March 2023 a railway order application was lodged with Bord Pleanála to extend the Dart electric service from Heuston to Hazelhatch & Celbridge. The proposed “Dart+ South West” line would add a new Hazelhatch & Celbridge station on the Dart network, increasing capacity from 5,000 to 20,000 passengers per hour per direction. Subject to approval and funding, construction is expected to start mid‑2024 with completion targeted for late 2029.
Funding and Visitor Centre Support
South Dublin County Council allocated €248,000 in its 2026 budget to the 12th Lock Masterplan, covering the completion of the Grand Canal Greenway from the 12th Lock to Hazelhatch, signage, and promotion. The same budget also supports broader tourism initiatives such as the Brú Chrónáin Round Tower Visitor Centre and local festivals.
Future Greenway Extensions
Work on the 12th Lock‑to‑Hazelhatch segment is expected to commence in Q1 2024 and take roughly 12 months, creating a seamless link from the urban greenway at Adamstown through to Hazelhatch. Longer‑term plans envisage extending the corridor further west towards Adamstown and eventually into Dublin city centre, completing the 130 km Grand Canal Greenway from Dublin to the River Shannon.
Enjoy Hazelhatch’s blend of historic charm, natural beauty and modern connectivity – whether you’re cycling the greenway, watching trains thunder by, or simply soaking up the peaceful canal atmosphere.