The Royal Canal | News | With Cycle Tours Ireland

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