The Royal Canal Greenway starts at the unusual triangular shaped harbour in the bustling university town of Maynooth in County Kildare. In the centre of the harbour, a tiny island is home to graceful swans oblivious to the admiring glances of passers by.
Packed with great places to eat, shop and stay, Maynooth in County Kildare, is the ideal location to begin your Royal Canal Greenway adventure. The town is serviced by the Dublin to Sligo railway line which makes it a great choice for those staying in Dublin City looking to escape the hustle and bustle for an afternoon.
Watch out for the remarkable Jackson Bridge at the 14th Lock. The bridge forms an unusual design with five spanning arches, one for the canal, one for pedestrians, a railway arch and two arches for farm animals on the south bank.
The next stretch towards Enfield, passes by the beautifully restored Kilcock Harbour, a vibrant hub for watersports and home to Kilcock Canoe Polo Club.
Trail details
Type
Linear trail
Grade
Easy trail
Length
Maynooth to Kilcock Section: 6 km
Estimated time
Maynooth to Kilcock Section: Walking, 1 hour 12 minutes. Cycling, 18 minutes
