The little tranquil harbour village of Cloondara, County Longford, is another option for starting your journey along the Royal Canal Greenway. The village takes its name from the Irish Cluain Dá Ráth meaning pasture of two ringforts.
Passing under the horse shoe shaped arch of Richmond Bridge, in Cloondara, County Longford, the canal opens out into the magnificent cut-stone Richmond Harbour, the focal point of the village, and a wonderful place which is home to plenty of barge boats and the final lock of the canal. Many of the buildings around it were built to service trade on the canal.
Cloondara is also the point where the Royal Canal meets with the mighty Shannon, Ireland’s longest river. From this location you can also explore the Shannon Blueway.
Before setting off, the Richmond Inn is the ideal spot to enjoy a hearty lunch and the owners are more than happy to share their waterways knowledge.
Trail details
Type
Linear trail
Grade
Easy trail
Length
Cloondara to Keenagh section: 15km
Estimated time
Cloondara to Keenagh section: 3 hours walking or 45 minutes cycling
