Walking

The Grand Canal Way

Waterways Ireland - Eastern Re
Floor 2 - Block C - Ashtowngate - Navan Rd Dublin 15
Co. Dublin

Web: www.waterwaysireland.org
Email: info@waterwaysireland.org
Tel: +353 0(1) 8680148

The Grand Canal runs from Dublin port on a westerly course via Tullamore to join the River Shannon near Banagher. Construction on the canal began in 1756, in all there are forty-four locks on the main line. Several aqueducts were needed to cross the rivers along the route and a total of seventy-nine bridges were built. The canal itself thrived for about fifty years and goods traffic struggled to continue for many years after the arrival of the railway. Walkers can now use the towpath along the 114 km of the canal, a route sheltering a wealth of flora and fauna and allowing inspections of eighteenth and nineteenth century engineering works, some of which are still in use. All stretches give easy, level walking. The Offaly section, involving over 64 km of canal and crossing large tracts of bogland, enters the county near Edenderry and extends westwards through the towns and villages of Daingean, Tullamore, Rahan, Pollagh and Belmont to join the Shannon at Shannon Harbour.

The Royal Canal Way

Waterways Ireland - Eastern R
Floor 2 - Block C- Ashtowngate - Navan Rd Dublin 15
Co. Dublin

Web: www.waterwaysireland.org
Email: info@waterwaysireland.org
Tel: +353 0(1) 8680148

The Royal Canal dates from the great days of canal construction, the late eighteenth century and links Dublin with the River Shannon at Clondra in Co. Longford. Started in 1790, it was tended as a rival to the older Grand Canal, which runs from Dublin west to the River Shannon at Shannon Harbour. Following about thirty years of modest success, the arrival of the railway signalled its demise. In 1988 restoration work began on the canal. At the moment, with work partially completed the Royal Canal Way is open as far as Coolnaha Bridge just west of Mullingar, a distance of 77 km. However it is possible to follow the line of the canal westwards through attractive towns and villages such as Abbeyshrule, Ballymahon and Clondra.

Pilgrim's Path - Lemanaghan to Clonmacnoise

Heritage Council
Rothe House Kilkenny
Co. Kilkenny

Email: mail@heritagecouncil.com
Tel: +353 (0)56 7770777

The main route crossing early historic Ireland from east to west was known as an tSlí Mór, the Great Road, and where it crossed the Shannon River lay Clonmacnois, a place of peace and sanctity on the site of an ancient monastery which became a popular pilgrims‚ goal. The modern Pilgrim Path covers the stretch of that ancient road from Ballycumber to Clonmacnois. The first major stop is Boher where the remarkable shrine of St Manchan, one of Ireland's most important pieces of twelfth-century religious metalwork, is preserved in the Catholic church. Returning to the Ballycumber to Clonmacnois route, the road winds along the Esker Riada and provides the walker with an elevated view of the bog, rich in wild flowers and insect life. Doon Castle, approximately halfway along the route, was the fortified residence of the O'Mooney family in the sixteenth century and from here the route passes the small raised Mongan Bog, which lies to the south of the Pilgrim Path and is one of the few intact examples of its kind in the country, before progressing to its final goal, the ancient monastery of Clonmacnois. Founded by St Ciarán in 545, the modern site is exceptionally rich in ecclesiastical detail and includes a pre-Norman cathedral, seven other churches, several high crosses and two round towers.

Laois Tourism

Lyster Square
Portlaoise
Co. Laois

Web: www.laoistourism.ie
Email: info@laoistourism.ie
Tel: + 353 (0) 57 8664132

For further information on all walks in County Laois, use the above contact details.

Capard Loop

Web: www.walkireland.ie

Set off from the Glenbarrow Car Park and trace your way along the banks of the River Barrow, skipping over footbridges to explore both sides of the river. Numerous waterfalls tumble over the red sandstone rock beside the trail, but the most impressive of these has to be the triple-tiered Clamphole Falls, which cascade brilliantly alongside their woodland setting. Beyond the falls, follow the mountain track up onto the Ridge of Capard, which stands at 350m high. Take time to look around and you'll be rewarded with splendid panoramic views. To the southeast, check out the striking profile of the Wicklow Mountains. Your gradual descent takes you along clearly signposted bog roads, woodland paths and forestry tracks until you reach Glenbarrow Car Park once more.