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Development of the Royal Canal Towpath

Works are ongoing to develop the longest off road Greenway in Ireland, along the Royal Canal. Greenways are recreational, off-road routes for walkers, cyclists and other non-motorised transport. During the current development phase, you may experience some disruption to your walking or cycling journey. Below is a summary of the works ongoing and the restrictions to be aware of.

    • Works on the “Royal Canal Greenway” between Maynooth and Richmond Harbour / Longford Town are nearing completion.  At present, Waterways Ireland expects the launch of the Royal Canal Greenway to take place during Q1 of 2020.  These developments will provide a long-distance trail, suitable for both walkers and cyclists.

    • While the ambition is to deliver a Royal Canal Greenway that commences at Spencer Dock Dublin, it is not currently possible to cycle along all of the route from Dublin city to Maynooth, due to works ongoing or in planning. This section of the Royal Canal Greenway has a longer timescale to completion.

    • The existing “Royal Canal Way” will remain as a National Way Marked Way (Walking Route) along the entire length of the Royal Canal. For further information please click here.


CURRENT DEVELOPMENT WORKS ON THE ROYAL CANAL TOWPATH 


If you are a WALKER, following the Waymarked Way route, please be aware of the following works ongoing which may impact on your journey:

    • There is currently no access to the Royal Canal Way (Walking Route) from Sherriff Street to Newcomen Bridge due to works ongoing. Walkers should start their Royal Canal walking journey in Dublin after Newcomen Bridge on the south side bank (53°21'23.4"N 6°14'40.1"W). Users should then follow the Royal Canal Way (Walking Route) as normal. 

If you are a CYCLIST intending to follow the Maynooth to Richmond Harbour / Longford Town Greenway route, please be aware of the following works ongoing which may impact on your journey: 

  • Ferns Lock to Cloncurry Bridge - works are ongoing on the North bank side of the canal to create a surface suitable for cycling. This section of the Greenway is due to be completed towards the end of Q3 in 2019. The Royal Canal Way (Walking Route) on the South bank side is unaffected and can be used as a detour for walkers and cyclists. 
  • Kilmore Bridge to Moyvalley Bridge – works are ongoing on the South bank side of the canal to create a surface suitable for cycling. This section of the Greenway is due to be completed towards the end of Q3 in 2019. The Royal Canal Way (Walking Route) on the North bank side is unaffected and can be used as a detour for walkers and cyclists. 
  • Scally's Bridge to Webbs Bridge - works are ongoing on the North bank side of the canal to create a surface suitable for cycling. This section of the Greenway is due to be completed towards the end of Q3 in 2019. The Royal Canal Way (Walking Route) on the North bank side is unaffected and can be used as a detour for walkers and cyclists. 


ROYAL CANAL GREENWAY

The development of the towpath along with the installation of Greenway signage, the creation of marketing materials and marketing plans for the Royal Canal Greenway is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2020.  The full 130km Greenway will be branded appropriately with the national Greenway brand. Also, marketing materials such as brochures and guides are currently in production with the aim of being complete by the first quarter of 2020.  
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