There is no better way to see the beautiful
Irish landscapes than on your own two feet, on the seat of a bike and on a
jaunt along one of the country’s fantastic collection of off-road greenway
trails.
Travel on two wheels
Top of the list must be the Waterford Greenway in
Ireland’s Ancient East. At 46km, this is the island’s longest off-road cycling
and walking trail, though it is flat and easy to travel on.
Stretching from the Viking city of Waterford to the port of Dungarvan along a
gorgeous coastline known as the Copper Coast, it offers not only stunning views
but also a peak into Ireland’s past. The route passes a number of
historic sites including Woodstown Viking Site, Kilmeadan Castle, Kilmacthomas
Workhouse and the gardens of Mount Congreve.
Book a cycle tour or travel on your own.
One of the longest traffic-free greenway routes in Northern Ireland is the
37km Newry Canal Way. Packed
with things to see and do along the way, it runs from the town of
Portadown to Newry city. Walkers and cyclists can explore the linen history of
the villages en route, the museum at Moneypenny’s Lock and stop for something
to eat at Scarva Visitor Centre.
For a traffic-free journey along Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, head to
the 42km Great
Western Greenway in County Mayo. This
greenway brings spectacular views around Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s
holy mountain, as well as heritage towns, the stately Westport House,
archaeological artefacts and golden beaches.
The Connemara
Greenway
in nearby County Galway is also one to
look out for. With some sections open, it will eventually become a 76km route
through the stunning Connemara National Park.
Connemara Greenway is fine for
a family adventure.
Handy for those looking to a Belfast city break when the time is right, the
11km Comber Greenway steers out
through the east of the city starting from the famous Big Fish sculpture in the
Titanic Quarter. Alternatively, the 17 km Lagan Towpath takes
walkers and cyclists along the River Lagan and a canal system running from
Belfast to Lisburn.
Elsewhere on the island, some may prefer to explore the quieter 40km Limerick
Greenway which offers a spectacular ride
or walk through time, heritage and nature. Along this route you will find
Norman castles, abbeys, medieval ruins, old railway stations, a viaduct, the
Barnagh Tunnel and breath-taking scenery.
Royal Canal Greenway, Ireland's newest,
traverses lush landscapes of Ireland's
Ancient East toward River Shannon in
Ireland's Hidden Highlands.
There are many more greenways to be found around the island of Ireland and
there plans afoot for lots more. So whatever your fitness level and wherever
corner of the country you fancy exploring, there will be a greenway through
Ireland’s lush green landscapes to suit you, your family or group as soon as it
is safe to travel again.
E-bikes make the journey even easier.
And if any journey seems too daunting, you can always go electric and rent an
e-bike to make the hills a breeze.
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