Overview
There is no village here in the usual sense – no square, no shop, just a scatter of houses, one canal-side pub and a growing tangle of traffic-free paths. Hazelhatch (Irish: Collchoill, ‘hazel wood’) is a townland on the R405, roughly halfway between Celbridge and Newcastle, straddling the border between County Dublin and County Kildare. Just over 60 people live here permanently. What brings everyone else is the combination of two things running side by side: the Grand Canal and the main southern railway line.
The Grand Canal and greenway
The canal has shaped Hazelhatch since it was cut in the early 19th century to carry trade between Dublin and the Shannon. Today the water is the preserve of leisure boats and heritage narrowboats, with former Grand Canal Company vessels – the 36M, 42M, 56M and 58M among them – often tied up near Hazelhatch Bridge.
In March 2026 the 5km stretch of greenway between the 12th Lock and Hazelhatch opened, the work of South Dublin County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Waterways Ireland. It replaced a broken-up route with a single continuous surfaced path, built to take wheelchairs, prams and every kind of bike. That makes it one of the genuinely accessible sections of the 130km Dublin-to-Shannon corridor, with gentle gradients and clear signage that suit a short stroll, the school run or a longer ride.
Train-spotting at Stacumny Bridge
A short walk from the towpath, Stacumny Bridge is one of the best places in Ireland to watch trains. The main Dublin–Cork/Galway line runs through Hazelhatch on a quadruple-track formation, widened in the mid-2000s to handle more commuter and InterCity traffic. Railway staff and enthusiasts call the spot ‘The Hatch’.
From the bridge you get a steady procession of electric and diesel locomotives, regional commuters and heavy freight, much of it moving at speed. The frequency, the four tracks and the long clear sightlines are what set it apart for photographers. Bring binoculars and a camera, and use the open fields nearby for a safe vantage point well back from the track.
Walking and cycling routes
Several canal-side routes start here:
- Hazelhatch to Sallins (13km): an out-and-back along the towpath westward, past Aylmer Bridge, the double-chambered 13th Lock and the Cliff at Lyons. The surface drops from paved greenway to a mix of hard-packed road and grassy trail. Sallins has a station, cafés and the 13th Lock Gastro & Brew Pub for a turnaround stop.
- McEvoy’s Pub loop (6.6km): a flat, easy circuit pairing a short stretch of greenway with the canal-side pub – good for a morning or evening out.
- Hazelhatch to Devonshire Bridge (18km): a longer out-and-back into open country, under old stone bridges and along quiet roads.
Getting there and practical information
By train
Hazelhatch & Celbridge station is on the Heuston–west line, with regular services to Dublin Heuston, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. It is unstaffed but has ticket machines, sheltered waiting areas and bike racks. Wheelchair-accessible spaces are limited to a few per service, so book ahead. Children under five travel free with a ticket-holder, and QR tickets save straight to your phone’s wallet.
By bus and road
Several Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland routes connect the station with Celbridge town centre, River Forest and the surrounding estates. The R405 gives direct road access, and the townland sits roughly equidistant from the M4 (via Celbridge) and the N7 Naas Road. There is parking near the station and Hazelhatch Bridge, but it is tight and fills fast at weekends – the larger public car parks in Celbridge are the safer bet if you are coming any distance.
Facilities and accessibility
There are no public toilets or visitor centre in Hazelhatch itself; the nearest amenities are in Celbridge, about 2.5km east. McEvoy’s Pub, right beside Hazelhatch Bridge, is the one place for a drink or a light meal through the day. The greenway is well signposted and maintained, but be aware that the sections west of Hazelhatch turn to softer surfaces that go muddy after rain. For anything beyond the paved stretch, bring waterproof footwear or a hybrid or mountain bike.
Nearby attractions
Castletown House and its formal gardens are a short drive east, and Lucan adds further greenway links and amenities. West along the canal, the village of Ardclough holds the grave of Arthur Guinness, while the Clonburris development continues to grow on the Dublin side. Check the station timetable before you set out – planning around it is what makes the car-free side of Hazelhatch worth the trip.