Monasterevin

Follow the gentle curves of the Grand Canal through rural farmlands and across rolling pastures on this easy, linear 12 km stretch between Monasterevin and Vicarstown . 

Starting at the scenic harbour in Monasterevin, follow the canal south until the grassy towpath swings right, and you cross the road by an old lifting bridge. As you continue along the canal, look out for the abandoned Mountmellick Branch of the canal, which diverges westwards immediately after the aqueduct. As you eventually reach the 25th lock, the Barrow Way crosses over Moore’s Bridge by a small harbour, where you’ll follow a track out to a road, then pass under the Portlaoise Road bridge. The towpath can be quite overgrown here.

Up ahead, the towpath turns grassy and the canal becomes quiet, hidden from roads by hedgerows of willow. You’ll come to a farmstead marked by a line of beautiful cherry blossom trees, before joining a quiet road and passing a timber footbridge, continuing on the right bank. 

Here the towpath goes under a motorway and you’ll pass some cattle sheds, alongside hedgerows thick with hazel. At Fishertown Bridge you’ll see a fine thatched pub, 400m up the road to the right. Pause for a drink and a rest, or continue down the grassy towpath. You’ll see a quiet road on the far bank, with some picturesque farmouses. Pass Courtwood Bridge as the canal opens into wide pasture.

Soon, the Grattan Aqueduct – named for the 19th century MP Henry Grattan – carries the canal over the Glasha River on the softly wooded waterway. Then, you’ll arrive at the pretty canalside village of Vicarstown, where barges and cruisers are moored. Wander around the picturesque village or continue to the next stretch of the Barrow Way.