Cycle the Royal Canal Greenway

Maynooth in County Kildare is just a short hop from Dublin city and it’s well-serviced by both Irish Rail and Dublin Bus, making it easy to get there. Before setting off on your canal-side adventure, take some time to explore the lively university town. Maynooth University’s grand 19th-century campus is a joy to wander around with its turrets, towers and church spires giving off quite the Hogwarts vibe. The medieval ruins of Maynooth Castle are also worth perusing. An exhibition in the old keep details the fortress’s history as the seat of power for the earls of Kildare, one of Ireland’s most fearsome families at the time.

Campus and castle tours complete, it’s time to hit the greenway! Waterways Ireland highlights several bike hire companies available along the route. The initial stretch from Maynooth to Enfield covers 20km of picturesque countryside and shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to cycle, making it a gentle introduction to the Royal Canal. Pedalling along, you’ll cross from County Kildare into County Meath.

You should reach the town of Enfield around lunchtime, which is ideal, as it’s only 450 metres from the Royal Canal and boasts an array of cafés and restaurants. The main street is dotted with small coffee shops, while The Bridge House and The Gregory Inn are two popular pubs serving tasty local dishes, such as beer-battered fish and chips. If travelling with kids, don’t miss the enchanting Enfield Fairy Trail down by the harbour.

Enfield is located in the historic Boyne Valley, so if you have more time in the area, there are some amazing historic landmarks to take in nearby, including Trim Castle, which starred in Braveheart, and the sacred Hill of Tara, where Ireland’s ancient high kings were crowned. Then, in the afternoon, it’s time to continue along the Royal Canal Greenway towards the centre of the island. On the way, you’ll cross from County Meath into County Westmeath, where the delights of Mullingar await.

When you arrive in the town of Mullingar, you’ll have cycled about half of the greenway, making it a good place to stop for the night. Annebrook House Hotel is a fine four-star option in town, while Bloomfield House Hotel is a luxurious retreat just a few minutes away by the shores of beautiful Lough Ennell. Mullingar is the county town of Westmeath and the third most populated urban hub in the region, so it’s a lively spot for a fun night out, with Smiddy's Bar being one of the most popular spots in town. Did you know Mullingar was the hometown of Niall Horan (of One Direction fame)? You never know who you might spot enjoying a sing-song here!

Dominik’s Restaurant is a popular local restaurant for dinner. Expect classic Irish cuisine with a modern touch. Beef cheeks, grilled goats' cheese, and sea bass are a few highlights on the delicious menu. After cycling around 60km today, it’s only right that you indulge a little as a reward. Round off your night in Mullingar with a nightcap in Montgomery’s Whiskey Bar, a cosy family-run joint with a fantastic Irish whiskey selection. There’s often a traditional Irish music session on here, too.

Start the second day of your trip along the Royal Canal Greenway by taking in some sights around Mullingar. Top of the list is Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, a stunning 18th-century Georgian country house. Tour the house and learn about the characters who shaped this 160-acre estate, before strolling through the woodland, walled garden and the Jealous Wall, Ireland’s largest folly. Not far off is the Hill of Uisneach, a mystical location and the sacred centre of ancient Ireland. Around 20 of the island’s 32 counties are visible from the summit of this hill! Many myths and legends are associated with this magical spot, including one that claims the Celtic goddess Ériu is buried here. Back in Mullingar, take a moment to enjoy the Cathedral of Christ the King, a grand edifice that dominates the town's skyline. Then it’s time to get going on the greenway. You’ve about a 50km cycle before your next destination: Longford town.

If you have more time in the area, you could explore the 43km Old Rail Trail, another greenway stretching from Mullingar to Athlone, along a repurposed railway line. Or take to the waters of the Royal Canal Blueway, a 22km Blueway Activity Zone that starts at Mullingar Harbour. Choose a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle-board and make a splash.

From the market town of Mullingar, you’ll head west along the greenway, crossing the border from County Westmeath into County Longford. The sleepy village of Abbeyshrule gives way to the small town of Ballymahon, before the route turns northward towards Longford town. The greenway continues to be extremely flat throughout this section, so sit back, glide along and enjoy the tranquil scenery. The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is an interesting attraction to stop at in this area. An interpretive centre has been built on the site where a “togher” – an Iron Age road – was discovered, dating back to 148BC! It’s the biggest of its kind in Europe and a must for history buffs and anyone interested in Ireland’s past.

Next, it’s on to Longford town, a busy spot where you can get lunch before the final leg of your journey. Don’t miss St Mel's Cathedral, a towering structure with an imposing exterior. The interior was destroyed in a devasting fire on Christmas Day 2009, but has since been restored. Enjoy a stroll along the main street, home to a range of local boutiques, independent coffee shops, traditional Irish pubs and more.

Savour the final short cycle from Longford town to the quaint village of Cloondara, the last stop on your two-day journey along Ireland’s Royal Canal Greenway. This is where the canal meets the mighty River Shannon and where County Longford borders County Roscommon. The stone-cut Richmond Harbour is the centrepoint of the village, and is full of colourful boats and barges, with several pubs and eateries lining the water. The Richmond Inn is a popular pub and guesthouse if you fancy staying the night.

Our tip: celebrate the final night of your canal adventure with dinner at the nearby Purple Onion, a local favourite on the banks of the Shannon. You can look back on a memorable few days traversing the Royal Canal, taking in market towns, quirky canal-side villages, working locks, picturesque countryside scenes and more. The island is your oyster from here. Continue west to the Wild Atlantic Way, explore more of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, or head up to Northern Ireland. The greenway may have ended but the fun has only begun.