• Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
  • Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
  • Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
  • Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
  • Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
  • Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal
Ireland

Discover authentic Ireland by bike: The Royal Canal

Réf : YGVKEQ

In summary

  • Sports
    Gravel biking
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Level
    Beginner

    Levels

    Gravel biking
    Beginner
    For recreational cyclists or commuters: you are active and engage in occasional physical activity. You wish to cover short distances—between 40 and 60 km per day—over mixed terrain with an elevation gain of up to 800m.
    Intermediate
    For recreational cyclists or commuters: you are active and engage in occasional physical activity. You wish to cover short distances—between 40 and 60 km—over mixed terrain, with an elevation gain of 800 to 1,200 meters per day.
    Confirmed
    For those who cycle regularly and competitively: you are active and engage in physical activity every week. You wish to cover distances of 50 to 80 km over mixed, unfamiliar terrain, with an elevation gain of 1,000 to 1,500 meters per day.
    Advanced
    For those who regularly go on long rides with friends, you train several times a week. You want to cover distances of 70 to 80 km over mixed or unfamiliar terrain, with 1,500m of elevation gain per day.
    Expert
    For those who regularly go on long rides, you train several times a week. You aim to cover distances of up to 100 km per day over mixed or unfamiliar terrain, with an elevation gain of 1,500 m per day.
  • Destination
    Europe / Ireland
  • Age
    From 18 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    49.24 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
A minimum of 2 people (including at least 1 adult) are required to book this stay.
See our solo trips

In a few words

Escape the crowds of Dublin and discover the real Ireland along the Royal Canal Greenway , Ireland's longest off-road cycle route with its 130 km of peaceful towpaths. Starting in the historic university town of Maynooth —with its 18th-century St. Patrick's College and castle—you'll follow the canal through the lush Midlands countryside, passing working locks, waterside villages, and traditional Irish pubs. This is the Ireland of rolling fields, river heritage, and local life, far from the tourist crowds.


The route crosses counties Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford, with highlights including Abbeyshrule (voted Ireland's cleanest village), Mullingar Harbour (with its watersports area and cafes), and the Corlea Trackway (an Iron Age road preserved in the bog). Enjoy flat, traffic-free paths suitable for all abilities, with bike hire, luggage transfer, and accommodation in family-run guesthouses and farms available along the way.


Ideal for active couples, solo travelers or small groups, this multi-day cycling trip offers the opportunity to meet locals, sample regional cuisine and soak up the tranquil beauty of the heart of Ireland.

Book now for a truly unforgettable glimpse of the real Ireland.


The highlights

  • Maynooth — a historic college town home to St Patrick's College
  • Mullingar Harbour — a lively stopover with cafes
  • The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre — a preserved Iron Age road
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Photos

Sport

Level

Gravel biking

Beginner

Levels

Gravel biking
Beginner
For recreational cyclists or commuters: you are active and engage in occasional physical activity. You wish to cover short distances—between 40 and 60 km per day—over mixed terrain with an elevation gain of up to 800m.
Intermediate
For recreational cyclists or commuters: you are active and engage in occasional physical activity. You wish to cover short distances—between 40 and 60 km—over mixed terrain, with an elevation gain of 800 to 1,200 meters per day.
Confirmed
For those who cycle regularly and competitively: you are active and engage in physical activity every week. You wish to cover distances of 50 to 80 km over mixed, unfamiliar terrain, with an elevation gain of 1,000 to 1,500 meters per day.
Advanced
For those who regularly go on long rides with friends, you train several times a week. You want to cover distances of 70 to 80 km over mixed or unfamiliar terrain, with 1,500m of elevation gain per day.
Expert
For those who regularly go on long rides, you train several times a week. You aim to cover distances of up to 100 km per day over mixed or unfamiliar terrain, with an elevation gain of 1,500 m per day.
For recreational cyclists or commuters: you are active and engage in occasional physical activity. You wish to cover short distances—between 40 and 60 km per day—over mixed terrain with an elevation gain of up to 800m.

Management

Enjoy an independent stay, where you follow the program at your own pace.
Independently
Progress at your own pace and according to your desires 🌏

Management

Security

The Royal Canal Greenway is a designated walking and cycling route that runs from Maynooth to Cloondara. To this end, Waterways Ireland publishes a Greenway Code of Conduct to promote safe and courteous behavior. The route is generally flat and paved, with minimal elevation changes and numerous rest areas along the way, making it a safe choice for recreational cyclists and mixed-ability groups.


For added peace of mind, trail guidelines advise cyclists to yield to pedestrians, slow down when approaching others, use a bell or hand signal, keep dogs on a leash, and use designated road crossings when marked. In practical terms, this means visitors can enjoy a peaceful, off-road cycling holiday with clear trail etiquette, visible signage, and a well-maintained environment.
Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Day 1 - Arrival in Strokestown

    • Accommodation 3-star hotel
    • Breakfast included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included
    1. Arrival and check-in
    2. Introducing the National Famine Way
    3. Optional cycle loop (11 km) to the Rathcroghan visitor centre


    Day 1

Accommodation

Access

Departure
Maynooth University North Campus, Maynooth, County Kildare, Irlande
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Clondra Lock, Cloondara, County Longford, Irlande
Day 5 - 17h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toMaynooth Train Station
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby

Price details

The price includes

  1. Bed and Breakfast accommodation
  2. Bicycle rental (hybrid or electric options available)
  3. Helmets, locks and basic equipment
  4. Luggage transfer between accommodations
  5. Digital route maps and navigation assistance
  6. National Famine Way Passport (stamp trail experience)
  7. 24/7 telephone support
  8. Assistance with pre-departure travel planning

The price does not include

  1. Airport transfers (Dublin, Shannon, Knock, Belfast)
  2. Additional nights in Dublin or along the route
  3. Guided Experiences
  4. Bike upgrade (electric bikes)
  5. Entrance fees for cultural and heritage sites

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).


For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.


ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.

The Brendan team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Brendan team

• 1 stays

Based in Ballymahon, our local expert Brendan founded his agency in 2023 to offer sustainable adventure tourism in Ireland. Specializing in slow travel along the Royal Canal, he designs cycling, e-bike, and hiking trips that combine authenticity and accessibility. From luggage logistics to selecting local accommodations, our local expert creates tailor-made experiences for all types of travelers, showcasing the heritage of the Midlands with a responsible and inclusive approach.

Discover their team and their trips
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Best price guaranteed Our promise is simple: to guarantee you the best price for your adventure. If you find an identical offer cheaper on another French website, We'll offer you twice the difference.
The key principles for benefiting from it:
  • ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
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Free cancellation more than 30 days before departure Something unexpected come up? Change your mind with peace of mind. You can cancel your booking free of charge and without giving a reason if you cancel more than 30 days before your departure.
Important conditions:
  • ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
  • ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
Details regarding cancellation fees: For the Standard fare booked 30 days or less before departure, and for the Flex fare booked less than 24 hours before departure, the cancellation fees defined in the partner's terms and conditions apply.
Payment in 2 installments without fees Secure your spot now and manage your budget with flexibility. This option allows you to confirm your adventure right away by paying only a portion of the total cost.
How does it work?
  1. You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
  2. The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
Eligibility requirements: This option is available for all stays:
  • ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
  • ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.