Discover the 6 hidden Greenways of Ireland

The greenways in Ireland are one of the best ways to explore Ireland by bike and experience the beauty of the ever-changing landscapes the country has to offer. Rugged cliffs, dramatic mountain peaks, expansive countryside and sweeping Atlantic coastal views. This stunning, verdant island has it all.

1. Limerick Greenway (County Limerick and County Kerry) 

The Limerick Greenway Trail was developed along a stretch of the 85 kilometres Limerick to Tralee railway line, which operated for nearly one hundred years, opening in the late 1880s and closing in the 1970s. 

The trail can be split into five distinct sections, which are all waymarked for easy navigation. Along the way, you’ll encounter Norman castles, medieval ruins, abbeys and famine graveyards. Pass under beautiful cut stone bridges and enjoy the rolling hills as you ride through farmland, tranquil woodlands and head up into the Rooskagh hills, where you can enjoy incredible views over the Limerick Plains and the Golden Vale. 

Limerick Greenway, County Limerick

2. Great Western Greenway (County Mayo) 

The Great Western Greenway is a panoramic cycling route winding along the coast of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The scenery is a real highlight, with sweeping views of the dramatic Atlantic coastline, sprawling moorland and the imposing peaks of the Nephin Beg Mountains. 

Aerial of Clew Bay, County Mayo

3. Old Rail Trail Greenway (Country Westmeath) 

The Old Rail Trail Greenway takes you on a journey through the heart of Ireland. Connecting the two cultural hotspots of Athlone and Mullingar, this converted railway line carves through farmland past restored station houses and under stone-arched bridges. 

Old Rail Trail Greenway, Athlone to Mullingar, County Westmeath

4. Waterford Greenway 

Experience 46 kilometres of glorious, traffic-free pathways which stretch all the way from the historic Viking city of Waterford to the beautiful seaside town of Dungarvan. 

Cycling the Waterford Greenway gives you the chance to enjoy an exciting journey along the old railway, crossing eleven bridges, three viaducts and even a 400-metre-long tunnel. 

5. Royal Canal Greenway (County Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford) 

The Royal Canal Greenway is the longest off-road greenway in Ireland, stretching 130 kilometres along the 200-year-old Royal Canal which is steeped in history. 

Along the way, you’ll encounter bridges which are more than two centuries old, and buildings that date back almost 800 years. Tales of haunted locks and superstitions still weave their way alongside the canal even today. 

6. Suir Blueway (County Tipperary) 

Amphibious types will love the Suir Blueway. This unique route joins up with a 32-kilometre waterway along the River Suir, which can also be canoed or kayaked. This is why it is known as a blueway rather than a greenway. The river is the third longest in Ireland and runs from the Borrisnoe Mountain through Tipperary. 

The river element of the Blueway is optional, but visitors can enjoy a 21-kilometre bike route along the river and through the valley, offering stunning views of the Golden Vale. 

Kilsheelan Blueway, County Tipperary

Ireland’s greenways provide simple, and for the most-part, traffic‑free cycling routes through coastal, rural and historic landscapes. These six greenway routes offer good surfaces, clear signage and strong visitor infrastructure, making them easy to include in short breaks.

To explore these routes in more detail, including GPX maps, accommodation options and route highlights, visit the Epic Road Rides website: https://epicroadrides.com/cycling-blog/cycling-the-greenways-in-ireland/