A family take in the sights on the Royal Canal GreenwayWalkers on a section of the Royal Canal Greenway in Co MeathAn aerial photo of the Royal Canal Greenway in Co MeathThe Royal Canal Greenway officially launches today as Ireland's longest greenway, with 130km of level towpaths taking walkers and cyclists from Maynooth, Co Kildare to Cloondara, Co Longford, with a little time-travel along the way. “When we travel again, the Royal Canal Greenway will be a fantastic attraction ready to be enjoyed by all.”Expand Close The 130km Royal Canal Greenway route / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp The 130km Royal Canal Greenway routeFor now, of course, lockdown and travel restrictions mean the Greenway is only accessible to people living within 5km. In the future, there are plans to link the route all the way to Spencer Dock in Dublin. Expand Close The Royal Canal Greenway at Maynooth, Co Kildare / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp The Royal Canal Greenway at Maynooth, Co KildareThe Greenway also includes the bulk of the 165km National Famine Way, which launched last year and follows the footsteps of 1,490 emigrants – known as the ‘Missing 1,490’ – who walked from Strokestown, Co Roscommon to Dublin’s docks in 1847. The Royal Canal Greenway was completed in partnership with local authorities; the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Source: Irish Independent March 24, 2021 00:20 UTC