Ireland's Greenways and Blueways pave the path to better health

Discover the restorative power of our blueways and greenways as you reset, re-energise, and expand your horizons through accessible outdoor adventures this summer

Ireland has been following the European trend of ditching the treadmill for green corridors

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 - 02:00

Thom Breathnach

When it comes to travel trends, nature is very much the new wellness. The myriad benefits of unplugging from the helter-skelter of work, life, WhatsApp group dramas, and TikTok, and reconnecting with nature-based exercise are leading more and more of us to incorporate the great outdoors into our daily rituals like never before.

And fortunately, you don’t need to scale a mountain or run a marathon to achieve it either. In recent years, the advent of greenways and blueways across Ireland has been providing us with accessible, nature-based solutions for exercise, following the European trend of replacing the treadmill with green corridors, designed to recharge us emotionally and physically.

Greenways are mushrooming across the nation, spurred not only by their benefits as a family- and multigenerational-friendly local amenity but also by their positive impacts on local tourism. Greenways can not only invigorate their users but also regenerate the surrounding areas.

Call them the perfect intersection of 2020s trends: A yearning for wholesome activities, soft adventure, being enveloped by nature, and, in many cases, the increasing appeal of visiting less touristed areas — greenways are leading a charge that can only benefit us all.

All the more reason to lace up, saddle up or paddle up for the season ahead. So what are our options? Here are ten of our favourite destinations across the country, from Down to Dungarvan, along with where you can find everything from a matcha coffee to a mobile sauna to unwind along the way.

Meelick Weir Walkway, River Shannon, Co Galway, Co Offaly

Waterford Greenway

Widely considered the gold standard in its class, few natural amenities have transformed their area’s tourism fortunes like the Waterford Greenway. So what’s the secret? The 51km route, which stretches from Dungarvan to Waterford City, offers both a mountain and coastal backdrop, all punctuated with some of Munster’s hottest food spots.

Expect lots of characterful features too, from the Kilmacthomas viaduct to the tunnel at Ballyvoyle, while the sandy stretch at Clonea is arguably the route’s money shot. The blockbuster beach also makes a great spot for some sea-swimming; better still, pair it with a session at the Hot Pod mobile sauna.

Couple at O'Mahony's Pub, County Waterford

Note: Like many of the entries on our list, there are abundant bike rental opportunities on the greenway.

Recharge: Coach House Coffee at Kilmacthomas, Mount Congreve Gardens, or AndChips in Dungarvan … you’ve earned it.

Midleton to Youghal Greenway

Neighbouring East Cork now has its own much-awaited addition. The Midleton to Youghal Greenway winds through 23km of East Cork countryside, gearing through the villages of Mogeely and Killeagh all the while.

Park-up highlights include Midleton’s farmer’s market, the Jameson Experience and Youghal’s Front Strand and boardwalk.

Thinking of combining a little pampering en route? Take the short detour from Mogeely to Castlemartyr Resort to soothe your body with a spa treatment.

Recharge: Boardwalk Coffee in Youghal, Coleman’s food truck in Mogeely offers gastro-level burgers, while in Midleton, Zuni Coffee dishes up delicious, healthy lunches.

Littleton Labyrinth

Here’s a little-known treasure just off the motorway in North Tipp. Launched just last year, the Littleton Labyrinth is a charming route which takes you on an 11km loop along a former bog railway line in the heart of Ireland’s peatlands. Given the remote setting and the habitat, you can expect a serene switch-off with a lonesome habitat bursting with biodiversity; keep an eye out for everything from heathers to bog cotton across the season.

The ruins of Derrynaflan Church also make for a fine photo stop.

Recharge: The iconic Horse & Jockey has you covered — choose between its horsebox coffee truck, cafe, or historic Enclosure Bar for coffee, snacks, and sambos with bread from its own in-house bakery.

Carlingford Lough Greenway

Cyclists at Carlingford Lough and Greenway

Here’s one very much on my own list for 2026. Set in one of the east coast’s most picturesque pockets, this bucolic trailhead stretches 21km from the medieval hotspot of Carlingford, Co Louth, to the bustling city of Newry, Co Down. An impressive backdrop will flank your journey from the mountains of the Cooley peninsula to the majestic Mournes themselves. And don’t forget to keep a little space in your backpack for any shopping hauls up north.

You’re very much in oyster country here, so foodie enthusiasts could also experience the seafood trails around both these counties, too.

Recharge: The Táin coffee stop in Omeath is a popular midway spot.

Limerick Greenway

Limerick’s very own greenway launched in 2024 and has already drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to its tracks. The 39km route connects the market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastlewest and Abbeyfeale, taking in West Limerick’s scenic county scapes.

For an added workout, you can even stitch on a further 16km to the town of Listowel, which is part of the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways. Consider basing yourself in the wonderful Mustard Seed country house for the perfect rustic retreat.

Recharge: Greenway Cafe 1709 in Rathkeale or John B Keane’s Bar in Listowel for a creamy pint.

Shannon Blueway

More of a water baby? Ireland’s longest river offers a parallel world of languid riverscapes to soothe the soul. No more so than in all-too-often-overlooked Co Leitrim, where the blueway from Drumshanbo to Carrick-on-Shannon offers 16k of paddling paradise.

That stretch is divided into five individual journeys with plenty of access points along the trail to refresh. A 10km walking and cycling trail meanders alongside the river, while you can even walk on water on Ireland’s only floating boardwalk at Acres Lake.

Recharge: Jinny’s Bakery & Tearoom in Drumshambo is a very much a local and visitor favourite.

Passage West Greenway

Here’s a bite-sized option in Co Cork to quickly woo you into greenway living. The Passage West Greenway (of The Young Offenders fame) is now one of many urban Irish routes attracting both locals and visitors to soak in the city at a more unplugged pace. Kicking off from the Marina, the 11km route flanks Cork Harbour and Mahon Lough before reaching Passage. It’s hard to believe the South Link is purring just behind you for much of the relaxing route.

Make a day of it with attractions from the Maritime Museum in Passage to Blackrock Castle.

Recharge: Blackrock Castle is a fine brunch spot to settle down after your exertions.

Royal Canal Greenway

Kayaking in the Royal Blueway, Co Westmeath

Looking to really switch off for a few days? Then why not saddle up for Ireland’s longest greenway, which follows the 130km along the Royal Canal. Stretching four counties from Maynooth in Co Kildare to Longford town, the route languidly weaves along the idyllic backdrop of what was once Ireland’s most significant waterway. Attraction highlights include the historic estate and gardens of Belvedere House, and there’s even a 22km blueway stretch if you fancy taking to the water. Bougie overnight options from Carton House to Johnstown Estate add to the appeal here.

Recharge: Rye River Cafe in Maynooth, Nomad in Enfield for your açai bowls and juice fix.

Suir Blueway

This is one attraction that will keep your Fitbit in check, whether you favour a spot of stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, jogging, or simply a leisurely stroll. Tipperary’s signature blueway, the river-based playground equates to 32km of paddling routes along the tranquil Suir itself and 21km of scenic towpath trails for land-based leisure.

Highlights along your route from historic Cahir Castle to the postcard Swiss Cottage all add to this most scenic of riparian retreats.

Recharge: Nagle’s Bar in the village of Kilsheelan is a popular spot to relax along the way.

Great Western Greenway

We couldn’t create a greenway wishlist without mentioning the OG of them all. First launched back in 2010, Co Mayo’s Great Western Greenway has been Ireland’s true pacesetter for the sector. And it’s little wonder why it’s been so successful. The 42km route kicks off in the scenic town of Westport before traversing the very best of Wild Atlantic Way scenery via the villages of Newport and Mulranny, before ending at the Achill Island Sound. Views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, and Wild Nephin National Park provide the drama here, while colourful activities en route include everything from the Irish Soda Bread Way in Westport to Eskape Seaweed Baths on Achill.