Cycling on the Royal canal and its Origins

Starting in Dublin, the work on constructing the canal was completed in 1817 when it reached Richmond Harbour in Clondara. By the 1950's the canal had fallen into disrepair and was officially closed in 1961. Following extensive restoration work the Royal Canal was opened to navigation in 2010 reigniting enthusiasm for the triangular route from Dublin to the Shannon via the Royal and Grand Canals.? As with all of Ireland's waterways the canal passes through some of Europe's most beautiful countryside and, whether you are on a boat,Bike or simply on foot, you'll have ample opportunity to enjoy it all. The towpath that has been so lovingly cleared has now been designated The Royal Canal Way (a National Way Marked Way). The Royal Canal is truly a snapshot of the past. There are bridges dating back over 200 years and buildings in Abbeyshrule that can be traced back to 1200 A.D. As with old buildings some superstitions have thrived, like Deey Bridge at the 13th Lock, which is reputed to be haunted; the old boatmen would never moor there overnight.

Please check our link for Midlands Historical Cycle tour including  cycling part  of  the Royal Canal - 5 Day Cycle Tour.   We also have 1 day and half  day bike rental running from Clondra Harbour up to Newcastle House and Ballymahon. Please Contact us for further details.

More News

Apr 16European Cycle Route of the year

The Royal Canal Greenway - 2022 European Cycle route of the year

Mar 07EBike Hire on The Royal Canal

Midlands Cycle Hub now renting and selling EBikes on the Royal Canal.

Dec 04Christmas gift vouchers now available

Order a gift voucher with Midlands Cycle Hub

Nov 22Midlands Cycle Hub - What we offer

Midlands Cycle Hub - What to expect

Aug 22Independent Newspaper includes Midlands Cycle Hub / Discover Ireland

Midlands Cycle Hub is now part of the Discover Ireland brand as per recent advertisement in Independent newspapers.

Aug 15The Famine Way | Bike Hire

Midlands Cycle Hub continue to promote The National Famine way all year round.

Jun 20Irish Times Article on Famine Way and Midlands Cycle hub

Irish Times Article Discussing Midlands Cycle Hubs new drop off points

Jun 05Midlands Cycle Hub included in Independent Newspapers 20 best things to to this weekend.

The Great Outdoors are calling as the country opens up after lockdown, writes Pol O Conghaile - Irish Independent

May 27Knights on Bikes

Morning outing with Deirdre and Bartle from Knights and Conquests Granard.

May 22Clondra Included in Irish Times 32 county cycle trails

Midlands Cycle Hub - Bike Hire / 32 great Cycling routes in Ireland - One in every county

Apr 11Outdoor Activities Re-Opening

Outdoor Activities to re-open 26-April - Midands Cycle Hub - Bike Hire to Open May 26th

Apr 04Midlands Cycle Hub - Bike hire, Launching May 26th , Book now

NEW! Bike Hire Service - Midlands Cycle Hub Clondra, Co Longford - launching May 26th for Traffic free Cycling on the Royal Canal - Now taking bookings

Oct 12Ireland's Top 10 visitor attractions for 2020

Ireland's Top 10 visitor attractions for 2020 - by Independent Reader Travel Awards 2020

Oct 07Am I fit enough for a Cycling holiday?

Bicycle Tours In Ireland - What tour suits my fitness level?

Sep 29The National Famine Way Cycle tour

Cycle the National Famine Way

Mar 12Wild Atlantic Way No 20 on BIG7 Travel Top 50 Bucket list

The Wild Atlantic Way No 20 on BIG7 Travel Top 50 Bucket list

Mar 04Visit the Iconic Kylemore Abbey with Cycle Tours Ireland

As part of our Lake & Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Tour, We recommend a stop off at the Iconic Kylemore Abbey.

Feb 26Explore Ireland's best beaches with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Explore Ireland's Best Beaches?

Feb 19Explore Irish Greenways with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Cycle on Traffic free Roads? Please Contact Cycle tours Ireland for further information.

Jan 29Cycle Tours Ireland - Doolin Cycle Routes

Doolin, County Clare in ‘Top Ten Most Welcoming Places on Earth’

Jan 22A Cycle Tour in Ireland for all the family.

Want the Perfect Family Cycling Holiday in Ireland?

Jan 17Irelands Hidden Heartlands

Cycle Tours Ireland are members of Ireland's Hidden Heartland's

Jan 12Midlands Historical Cycle Tour

Cycle Tours Ireland - New Cycle Tour through the Heart of Longford and Roscommon

Jan 02Trace your Irish Ancestors with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Explore your Ancestral homelands by Bicycle?