Going green: Six greenways for all the family to explore over the Easter long weekend

Looking for a lovely way to spend time together over the school holidays? Get on your bikes and go exploring these trails

Fri, 15 Apr, 2022 - 16:00

Denise O’Donoghue

WALKING TRAILS

Blessington Greenway

Wicklow

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The Blessington Greenway is a shared use trail linking the historic town of Blessington with the Palladian mansion at Russborough House. The trail starts at The Avon Activity Centre at the southern end of Blessington and leads south along the shores of Blessington Lakes, through forest and natural woodland.

The route crosses an ancient medieval Ringfort and uses the footpath along part of the N81 before turning back into the forest at Burgage Moyle lane. It then crosses the Valleymount Road and makes its way to Russellstown Bay adjacent to Russborough House. Along the way you will have the opportunity to appreciate the magnificent scenery and wildlife in the area.

In association with Sport Ireland.
Image: www.visitwicklow.ie

WALKING TRAILS

Royal Canal Greenway - Westmeath

Westmeath

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Along the old canal towpath, beside tranquil waters, the delightful Royal Canal Greenway winds its way for 130km from cosmopolitan Maynooth, through friendly Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Clondra in Longford. It’s a relatively flat trail, once the domain of placid barge horses, today the realm of walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages and stages. Passing through picturesque waterside villages, it gives a glimpse of a very special part of Ireland so often passed by unnoticed.

This peaceful, green sanctuary is home to a cornucopia of native wildlife yet it is remarkably easy to access by both road and train. Users can join the Royal Canal Greenway at any trailhead and travel in either direction, or complete as a long-distance linear trail, from east-to-west or west-to-east.

There’s always a welcoming café or pub to stop at for refreshments, often with outside seating as well as picnic spots, playgrounds and attractions along the way. The Greenway is accessible by public transport (the Dublin-Sligo train line) and it passes through four counties (Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford) all the way from Ireland’s Ancient East to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It’s a photographer’s dream with gentle constantly changing scenery — a boat passing through one of the traditional locks, or mother duck with her brood of ducklings serenely paddling by.

In association with Sport Ireland.