The busy market town of Mullingar, County Westmeath, in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East and only 79km from Dublin City, is the ideal location to base yourself for a day or weekend exploring the Royal Canal Greenway.
Boasting excellent facilities, award winning hotels, guest houses and activities to suit every age, you will be spoilt for choice during your visit to Mullingar, County Westmeath. Skirting the town in a horseshoe shape, the Royal Canal Greenway passes Mullingar Harbour.
Heading west and a few kilometres later, pretty Coolnahay Harbour comes into view, a perfect spot to rest and daydream awhile. Coolnahay and Lock 26 mark where the Royal Canal begins to descend from its summit level, all the way to the River Shannon, so from this point it is downhill all the way to Lock 46.
On the section from Ballynacarrigy to Abbeyshrule, look out for landmarks such as Bog Bridge, Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, and the Whitworth Aqueduct.
Trail details
Type
Linear trail
Grade
Easy trail
Length
11km to Coolnahay Harbour, west of Mullingar Town or
12km to McNead's Bridge, east of Mullingar Town
Estimated time
To Coolnahay Harbour, 2 hours 12 minutes walking, or 33 minutes cycling.
To McNead's Bridge, 2 hours 24 minutes walking, or 36 minutes cycling.
