Slow Down and Soak It In: Traveling Ireland's Blueways and Greenways
Mindful meanderings along Ireland’s peaceful blueways and greenways are the perfect way to connect with the spirit of the island.
Cruiser at Athlone Town Bridge, Co Westmeath
Take time to explore Ireland by boat, bike or on foot and you will find beautiful, tranquil landscapes dotted with cultural gems and story-filled sites. The island has multiple blueways and greenways that offer the chance to step away from busy roads and cities, slow down and savour nature.
There are four blueways on the island - rivers and waterways where people can safely kayak, canoe, paddle board or cruise, or walk along picturesque waterside trails - with plans to develop a further six. The mighty River Shannon has two blueways and is considered the cruising heart of Ireland. To the east, the smaller Boyne blueway winds its way past historic sites such as Trim Castle and is a great kayaking site; while in the south, the Suir blueway is a paddler's paradise.
Cruising on the River Shannon is a hugely enjoyable way to explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with cruisers available to rent at multiple spots along its length. Hire a sustainable Carrickcraft HVO boat in Carrick-on-Shannon and head north towards Lough Key to view its romantic castle island and enjoy the many activities in its forest park. Then head for nearby Drumshambo to visit The Shed Distillery for a tour and tasting of the brand's signature Gunpowder Gin. Heading south will take you to the village of Dromod, where visitors can take in the charming railway museum.
River Shannon, Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly
Another great spot to moor up along the Shannon is Athlone where you can spend the afternoon exploring its historic castle and relax for the evening in the famous watering hole Sean’s Bar, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub. Cruising on down the Shannon will take you to the ancient spiritual centre of Clonmacnoise where you can wander through the atmospheric ruins of a sixth-century monastic site.
If you pick up your cruiser further south at Lough Derg, you’ll have a world of watersports to enjoy in the lake as well as a wealth of heritage gems within easy reach, including Portumna Castle and Brian Ború’s Fort in Killaloe.
The freedom of a cruising adventures means you can stop to explore when and where you want - whether that's enjoying a great waterside meal in places like the Hodson Bay Hotel on the shores of Lough Ree, or spending an evening in a lively music-filled pub.
If you prefer to stay on terra firma, many of Ireland’s greenways offer tranquil routes that are ideal for gentle walks or cycling. From the 130km Royal Canal Greenway, which stretches all the way from counties Dublin to Longford, to the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo with its breath-taking views over the Atlantic Sea, Ireland’s expanding network of greenways offer safe, serene spaces where you can explore at a leisurely pace. Recent additions include the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, a 15km route through east Cork’s rolling countryside, Dublin Port Greenway which follows a coastal path through the city’s revitalised docklands, and the North West Greenway connecting Derry~Londonderry and Donegal.
Great Western Greenway, Co Mayo
Travelling the island’s blueways and greenways is a peaceful immersion in nature and staying in accommodation that complements that experience is essential to keep the vibe chilled. Happily, finding great places to stay in Ireland's stunning countryside is easy. If your journey takes you to County Laois, don’t miss the chance to stay in Glamping Under the Stars; with both a mountain and a meadow glampsite, you can choose to slumber in a bell tent, wood lodge, shepherd’s hut or even a grass-roofed hobbit house.
Great glamping accommodation along the Great Western Greenway includes Mayo Glamping which provides a range of novel places to stay. For something slightly more refined, there are also many luxury hotel options near the island's greenways such as the Wineport Lodge, in Glasson, County Westmeath, which offers balconied rooms, lakeside views, a spa and excellent dining.