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Welcome to . . .           Waterway Walks |
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The inland waterways of Ireland present visitors with a myriad of recreational opportunities. Most visitors are aware of the numerous water based activities available and of the excellent evening entertainments ashore. These pages describe yet more interesting recreational opportunities. They introduce visitors to a set of fascinating places to visit that are within walking distance of the shores and banks of these waterways. Many visitors pass these by, unaware of their existence as they rush up and down the main navigation’s seeking to tick off yet another item from the ‘been there done that’ list. To fully enjoy Ireland’s waterways – slow down and spend more time exploring fewer places. If you think that message may apply to you then stop surfing, stop browsing, and start grazing these pages. Hopefully they will provide you with at least a few ideas that will help you to slow down and enjoy some of the fascinating places so many visitors never see. First, a small number of important points to note: Warning 1: The standard of driving on Irish roads often leaves a lot to be desired. In particular, many drivers do not slow down when approaching pedestrians. Consequently, it is essential to adopt a very defensive attitude when walking on Irish roads. This detracts considerably from the enjoyment of some walks. Walks that are predominately on public roads with no pavements are given at most a three star rating. A key to the symbols used in this e-guide and to the rating system is provided below. Warning 2: Some of the walks pass by deep water. When ashore we may be less vigilant than when afloat. Take care walking alongside deep or fast flowing water. Be particularly careful in the vicinity of locks as locks can be very dangerous. For example, it is easy to fall into a lock and often very difficult to get out. Life saving equipment is often not available. If you have children in your group consider requiring them to wear life jackets. Crews of hire boats should note that access to the start points of some walks described on these pages, and to some of the locations pictured on these pages, involves navigating waters that are off limits to hire boats. If in doubt check with your hire boat company. Key to symbols and grading system
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The Walks Almost all the walks described on these pages start and finish by a waterway that is or has been navigable by medium sized cruisers. Included are walks along canal and river tow paths, through natural woods, by lake shores, by historic buildings, through wonderful scenery, in urban areas, and to the tops of hills overlooking various waterways. You will find walks varying in length from less than 1 km to 20 km and more. The short walks are included where there are places of outstanding interest to visit. Some walks follow circular routes, others return by the outbound route, while other walks start on a waterway and finish at another point along the same waterway. The walks included are listed in the Index of Walks by Name page. These walks were discovered over a number of years by studying maps, reading books, and talking with many individuals. You are strongly encouraged to use similar methods. Indeed at the present time, to get the best value from these pages, you will have to apply these methods. There are two reasons for this:
Visitor comments and contributions Visitors to these pages are encouraged to contribute material such as comments about how the pages might be improved, notes about walks that might be added, pictures, and specialist comments
Walking times have been estimated assuming 4 km per hour plus 10 minutes per 100 meters of ascent. These are reasonably generous walking times but do not provide for significant stops along the way. On some of the walks it is easy to be tempted to spend |
Waterway Walks Index of Walks by Name |
Key to symbols | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shannon-Erne navigation – From Belleek to Killaloe: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lower Lough Erne: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Archdale * * * * |
10 | 2.5 | On paths, forest tracks and estate roads. Country park. Historic. | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Caldwell * * |
10 | 2.5 | On paths. Forest park. Flora and fauna. | |||||||||||||||||||
Ely Lodge Forest * * * * |
10 | 2.5 | On forest tracks and lakeside paths. Forest park. | |||||||||||||||||||
Lough Navar Forest * * * * |
 | 20 | 5.75 | On roads, forest tracks, and mountain paths. Partly on of the Ulster Way. Superb scenery. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tully Castle * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On paths. Plantation castle with recently planted 17th century style gardens. |
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Other suggestions * * * |
 |  |  | Boa Island, Devenish Island, Inchmacsaint, and White Island. |
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Upper Lough Erne: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Coole * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads and estate avenues. Great country house. National Trust property. | ||||||||||||||||||
Crom Castle * * * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | On paths by lake, parkland and woods. National Trust property. | ||||||||||||||||||
Enniskillen Castle * * * |
 | 1 | 0.25 | On footpaths. Historic castle with important museum. | ||||||||||||||||||
Knockninny Hill * * |
 | 7 | 2 | On roads and hill track. Pleasant county views with panoramic view of Upper Lough Erne. |
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Shannon Erne Waterway: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Lough Scur Circuit * * |
 | 12 | 3 | Good walk mostly on quiet country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
O’Carolan Walk * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads. Pleasant county walk. Nearby archaeology interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Towpath Walks * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | Towpath walks along the Shannon-Erne Waterway. |
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Lough Allen to Carrick: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Leitrim Way * * |
 | 100 |  | See notes on Lough Allen to Carrick page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Shannon Pot * * |
 | 19 | 5 | See notes on Lough Allen to Carrick page. |
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Lough Key: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Drum Bridge to Boyle * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On roads. Historic. |
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Historical Trail * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On paths and roads. Forest and lake shore. |
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Lough Key Forest Park * * * * |
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7Â | 1.75Â | On paths. Forest park. Many interesting features. |
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Carrick to Lanesboro: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Mullaghmacormick * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | Mostly on quiet roads through rural countryside. Panoramic views. |
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Strokestown Park * * * |
 | 12 | 3 | On busy roads to Strokestown. Historic, architecture, garden |
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Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Cavan and Leitrim Railway at Dromod, and Derrycarne Woods. |
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Lough Ree: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Barley Harbour * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On roads by farmland; Pleasant architecture. Cultural | ||||||||||||||||||
Hodson Bay * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On roads by golf course & shore | ||||||||||||||||||
Inchcleraun (Quaker Is.) * * * |
 | 4 | 1 | Cross country by farmland & shore; Historic – Monastic | ||||||||||||||||||
Portlick * * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On paths & roads by woods & farmland; Historic | ||||||||||||||||||
Portrunny * * |
 | 3.5 | 1 | On paths, roads and shore by farmland | ||||||||||||||||||
Rindoon * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | Cross country by farmland & shore & woods. Historic |
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Athlone to Portumna: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Athlone The Connaught Walk * * |
 | 3 | 0.75 | On roads. Tourist trail. Guidebook adds a lot of interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Athlone The Leinster Walk * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On roads. Tourist trail. Guidebook adds a lot of interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Ballinasloe Line * * |
 | 4 | 1 | Along disused canal bank through bog land and above Callows. | ||||||||||||||||||
Banagher * * * |
 | 1 plus |
0.25 plus |
On footpaths and the path of a dismantled railway. A number of short walks to places of historical and literary interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Callows at Shannon Harbour * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On road and tracks, by canal and river, and through Callow meadows. Historic. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonfert * * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads across bogs. Historic ecclesiastical site. Post-war home of Oswald Mosley. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonmacnoise * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On paths and roads. One of Ireland’s finest historic ecclesiastical sites. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway * * * |
 | 8 | 3 | On busy roads. Includes conducted rail tour of Blackwater bog. | ||||||||||||||||||
Meelick * * * |
 |  |  | A number of short walks to places of historical interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Meelick to Portumna * * |
 | 17 | 4.25 | On paths of varying quality. Fine riverside walk in remote countryside. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Banagher to Meelick, The Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, Ballinasloe, and walks from Shannonbridge. |
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Lough Derg: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Aughinish Point * * |
 | 8 | 2 | On paths and roads. Attractive rural walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Caherhurley * * |
 | 10.5 | 2.75 | At Scariff. On-road walk with attractive views of the Scariff region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Cappaghabaun * * |
 | 17 | 4.25 | At Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of the Scariff region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrowmore * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | At Scariff. A short walk with panoramic views of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrownakilly * * |
 | 7 | 2 | At Rinnaman Point. On country roads with attractive views of hills and lake. | ||||||||||||||||||
Craggwood * * * * |
 | 6 | 1.75 | At Rinnaman Point. Hill walk on country roads, tracks, and forest paths. Superb views of Lough Derg and surrounding region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Derrycon * * |
 | 6 | 1.5 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Dromaan & Williamstown * * |
 | 8 to 23 | 2 to 6 | At Dromaan & Williamstown. On-road walk with attractive views of the Whitegate region and Lough Derg. Read options on Dromaan and Williamstown walks page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Garraunboy * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Glen * * |
 | 24 | 6 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Inishcealtra (Holy Is.) * * * |
 | Up to 1 | 0.25 | Across fields; Historic – Monastic | ||||||||||||||||||
Kilraterra * * |
 | 11 | 2.75 | At Mountshannon. On country roads with wonderful views over Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Lackareagh * * |
 | 15 | 3.75 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Lough Derg Way * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | At Dromineer. On roads and lakeshore paths. Pleasant country walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgans Lane * * |
 | 3 | 0.75 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. A very attractive short walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Mountain View * * |
 | 16 | 4.0 | The big walk at Mountshannon. On country roads with an off-road option. Includes magnificient views. | ||||||||||||||||||
Portumna Forest Park * * * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On paths and forest roads. Forest park. Historic, flora and fauna. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sellernaun * * |
 | 9 | 2.25 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. A particularly scenic and mystical route. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sheaun * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | At Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sli Eala * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | At Dromineer. A walk of discovery by road and riverbank. Historic. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sliabh Bernagh * * |
 | 19 | 6 | The big walk at Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of the Scariff region and of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Brian Boru Oak at Tuamgraney. Circular walks at Garrykennedy, and Terryglass. |
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Canals and rivers of Leinster: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Royal Canal Way * * |
 | 145 |  | See notes on Royal Canal page. |
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Grand Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Grand Canal Way * * |
 | 127 |  | See notes on Grand Canal page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Milltown Feeder and the Pollardstown Fen * * |
 | 18 | 4.5 | By canal on roads and paths; Historic; Flora and fauna | ||||||||||||||||||
Sallins to Naas via the Leinster Aqueduct * * |
 | 5.5 | 1.5 | By canal on roads and paths; Historic; Flora and fauna | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Circular walks from Lowtown |
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Barrow navigation: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Barrow Way * * |
 | 126 |  | See notes on Barrow navigation page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Borris and the Mountain River, and Brandon Hill |
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Canals and rivers of Ulster: |
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Lagan Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
The Broadwater Walk – Soldierstown Bridge to Aghalee * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | On rural tow path with historic interest. |
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Sprucefield to Hilden * * |
 | 4 | 1 | An interesting walk along an urban section of the historic Lagan Canal. |
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Newry Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Scarva to Poyntzpass * * |
 | 9 | 2.25 | On rural tow path with historic interest . |
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Key to symbols
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Waterway Walks Index of Walks by Name |
Key to symbols | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shannon-Erne navigation – From Belleek to Killaloe: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Lower Lough Erne: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Archdale * * * * |
10 | 2.5 | On paths, forest tracks and estate roads. Country park. Historic. | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Caldwell * * |
10 | 2.5 | On paths. Forest park. Flora and fauna. | |||||||||||||||||||
Ely Lodge Forest * * * * |
10 | 2.5 | On forest tracks and lakeside paths. Forest park. | |||||||||||||||||||
Lough Navar Forest * * * * |
 | 20 | 5.75 | On roads, forest tracks, and mountain paths. Partly on of the Ulster Way. Superb scenery. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tully Castle * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On paths. Plantation castle with recently planted 17th century style gardens. |
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Other suggestions * * * |
 |  |  | Boa Island, Devenish Island, Inchmacsaint, and White Island. |
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Upper Lough Erne: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Castle Coole * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads and estate avenues. Great country house. National Trust property. | ||||||||||||||||||
Crom Castle * * * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | On paths by lake, parkland and woods. National Trust property. | ||||||||||||||||||
Enniskillen Castle * * * |
 | 1 | 0.25 | On footpaths. Historic castle with important museum. | ||||||||||||||||||
Knockninny Hill * * |
 | 7 | 2 | On roads and hill track. Pleasant county views with panoramic view of Upper Lough Erne. |
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Shannon Erne Waterway: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Lough Scur Circuit * * |
 | 12 | 3 | Good walk mostly on quiet country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
O’Carolan Walk * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads. Pleasant county walk. Nearby archaeology interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Towpath Walks * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | Towpath walks along the Shannon-Erne Waterway. |
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Lough Allen to Carrick: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Leitrim Way * * |
 | 100 |  | See notes on Lough Allen to Carrick page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Shannon Pot * * |
 | 19 | 5 | See notes on Lough Allen to Carrick page. |
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Lough Key: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Drum Bridge to Boyle * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On roads. Historic. |
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Historical Trail * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On paths and roads. Forest and lake shore. |
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Lough Key Forest Park * * * * |
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7Â | 1.75Â | On paths. Forest park. Many interesting features. |
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Carrick to Lanesboro: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Mullaghmacormick * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | Mostly on quiet roads through rural countryside. Panoramic views. |
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Strokestown Park * * * |
 | 12 | 3 | On busy roads to Strokestown. Historic, architecture, garden |
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Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Cavan and Leitrim Railway at Dromod, and Derrycarne Woods. |
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Lough Ree: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Barley Harbour * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On roads by farmland; Pleasant architecture. Cultural | ||||||||||||||||||
Hodson Bay * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On roads by golf course & shore | ||||||||||||||||||
Inchcleraun (Quaker Is.) * * * |
 | 4 | 1 | Cross country by farmland & shore; Historic – Monastic | ||||||||||||||||||
Portlick * * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On paths & roads by woods & farmland; Historic | ||||||||||||||||||
Portrunny * * |
 | 3.5 | 1 | On paths, roads and shore by farmland | ||||||||||||||||||
Rindoon * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | Cross country by farmland & shore & woods. Historic |
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Athlone to Portumna: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Athlone The Connaught Walk * * |
 | 3 | 0.75 | On roads. Tourist trail. Guidebook adds a lot of interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Athlone The Leinster Walk * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On roads. Tourist trail. Guidebook adds a lot of interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Ballinasloe Line * * |
 | 4 | 1 | Along disused canal bank through bog land and above Callows. | ||||||||||||||||||
Banagher * * * |
 | 1 plus |
0.25 plus |
On footpaths and the path of a dismantled railway. A number of short walks to places of historical and literary interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Callows at Shannon Harbour * * |
 | 4 | 1 | On road and tracks, by canal and river, and through Callow meadows. Historic. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonfert * * * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | On roads across bogs. Historic ecclesiastical site. Post-war home of Oswald Mosley. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonmacnoise * * * |
 | 2 | 0.5 | On paths and roads. One of Ireland’s finest historic ecclesiastical sites. | ||||||||||||||||||
Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway * * * |
 | 8 | 3 | On busy roads. Includes conducted rail tour of Blackwater bog. | ||||||||||||||||||
Meelick * * * |
 |  |  | A number of short walks to places of historical interest. | ||||||||||||||||||
Meelick to Portumna * * |
 | 17 | 4.25 | On paths of varying quality. Fine riverside walk in remote countryside. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Banagher to Meelick, The Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway, Ballinasloe, and walks from Shannonbridge. |
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Lough Derg: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Aughinish Point * * |
 | 8 | 2 | On paths and roads. Attractive rural walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Caherhurley * * |
 | 10.5 | 2.75 | At Scariff. On-road walk with attractive views of the Scariff region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Cappaghabaun * * |
 | 17 | 4.25 | At Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of the Scariff region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrowmore * * |
 | 5 | 1.25 | At Scariff. A short walk with panoramic views of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Carrownakilly * * |
 | 7 | 2 | At Rinnaman Point. On country roads with attractive views of hills and lake. | ||||||||||||||||||
Craggwood * * * * |
 | 6 | 1.75 | At Rinnaman Point. Hill walk on country roads, tracks, and forest paths. Superb views of Lough Derg and surrounding region. | ||||||||||||||||||
Derrycon * * |
 | 6 | 1.5 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Dromaan & Williamstown * * |
 | 8 to 23 | 2 to 6 | At Dromaan & Williamstown. On-road walk with attractive views of the Whitegate region and Lough Derg. Read options on Dromaan and Williamstown walks page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Garraunboy * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Glen * * |
 | 24 | 6 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Inishcealtra (Holy Is.) * * * |
 | Up to 1 | 0.25 | Across fields; Historic – Monastic | ||||||||||||||||||
Kilraterra * * |
 | 11 | 2.75 | At Mountshannon. On country roads with wonderful views over Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Lackareagh * * |
 | 15 | 3.75 | At Killaloe. On country roads. | ||||||||||||||||||
Lough Derg Way * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | At Dromineer. On roads and lakeshore paths. Pleasant country walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Morgans Lane * * |
 | 3 | 0.75 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. A very attractive short walk. | ||||||||||||||||||
Mountain View * * |
 | 16 | 4.0 | The big walk at Mountshannon. On country roads with an off-road option. Includes magnificient views. | ||||||||||||||||||
Portumna Forest Park * * * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | On paths and forest roads. Forest park. Historic, flora and fauna. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sellernaun * * |
 | 9 | 2.25 | At Mountshannon. On country roads. A particularly scenic and mystical route. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sheaun * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | At Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sli Eala * * |
 | 10 | 2.5 | At Dromineer. A walk of discovery by road and riverbank. Historic. | ||||||||||||||||||
Sliabh Bernagh * * |
 | 19 | 6 | The big walk at Scariff. On-road walk with panoramic views of the Scariff region and of Lough Derg. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Brian Boru Oak at Tuamgraney. Circular walks at Garrykennedy, and Terryglass. |
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Canals and rivers of Leinster: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Royal Canal Way * * |
 | 145 |  | See notes on Royal Canal page. |
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Grand Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Grand Canal Way * * |
 | 127 |  | See notes on Grand Canal page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Milltown Feeder and the Pollardstown Fen * * |
 | 18 | 4.5 | By canal on roads and paths; Historic; Flora and fauna | ||||||||||||||||||
Sallins to Naas via the Leinster Aqueduct * * |
 | 5.5 | 1.5 | By canal on roads and paths; Historic; Flora and fauna | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Circular walks from Lowtown |
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Barrow navigation: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Barrow Way * * |
 | 126 |  | See notes on Barrow navigation page. | ||||||||||||||||||
Other suggestions * * |
 |  |  | Borris and the Mountain River, and Brandon Hill |
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Canals and rivers of Ulster: |
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Lagan Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
The Broadwater Walk – Soldierstown Bridge to Aghalee * * |
 | 7 | 1.75 | On rural tow path with historic interest. |
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Sprucefield to Hilden * * |
 | 4 | 1 | An interesting walk along an urban section of the historic Lagan Canal. |
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Newry Canal: | Km | Hours | Comment | |||||||||||||||||||
Scarva to Poyntzpass * * |
 | 9 | 2.25 | On rural tow path with historic interest . |
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Key to symbols
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Waterway Walks References |
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Visitors to these pages who are planning a visit to Ireland may wish to acquire some of the documents listed on this page prior to arrival in Ireland. Below is a small set of links to sites on the web that may be able to help.
The provision of these links does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the IWAI of the businesses concerned. For additional information contact:
Please send comments to webmaster@iwai.ie about your experience with these organisations or links for other organisations that you found particularly helpful when sourcing material about the inland waterways of Ireland. |
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Maps:
Office of the Admiralty Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, Outdoor Pursuits Series 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland, 1:50,000 Series Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series 1:50,000 |
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Books:
1998. Guide to the Barrow Navigation of Ireland. Delany, Ruth. 1987. By Shannon Shores. Gill & Macmillan Pamphlets: Dixon, Hugh; Johnston, John. 1980. Enniskillen Castle. Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. On the Web: Boyle Abbey Castle Coole near Upper Lough Erne Carrick-on-Shannon – Historical Walking Trail Cavan and Leitrim Railway Cloghan Castle Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway Crom Castle by Upper Lough Erne Enniskillen Castle King House at Boyle Lough Key Forest Park Rindoon Strokestown Park near Grange Lough Tully Castle by Lower Lough Erne |
by Michael Fewer |
Waterway Walks Acknowledgements |
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Many individuals who contributed to the development of these pages are unaware of their contribution. Those contributions were made long before the Internet was established and the idea of writing these pages came to mind. Of these I will single out one – Syd Shine, skipper of the M.V. Fox. Syd introduced me and many others to the joys of the Shannon. I was one of the crew that manned the Fox on the first Shannon Boat Rally. On Saturday, 5th August 1961, fourteen of us “awoke at 0430hrs, to prepare for the early start scheduled for 0600hrs” (Note 1). That was a magical day. We experienced many more fascinating days on that rally and on other trips on the Shannon. So it is no wonder that over the years I have been tempted back to the waterways again and again, have had the pleasure of passing on the Shannon bug to my family and friends, and now in retirement, look forward to exploring it further as I develop these pages.
Over the years we have enjoyed reading many books about the waterways. One author, Ruth Delany, stands out amongst the rest in contributing to our enjoyment. Her book By Shannon Shores has provided us with more clues and ideas for interesting days than any other. If you see a copy – buy it. Other excellent sources of information are listed on the Waterway Walks References page and on the IWAI Publications page. Most of the walks described on these pages were discovered by reading books and pamphlets and by studying maps. Since letting it be known that I was developing these pages individuals have contributed descriptions of walks they enjoy:
I have no doubt that in the months and years ahead I will have the pleasure of adding many more names to this list. Thanks are due to Syd Shine for permission to use his picture of M.V. Fox. My appreciation is also due to the IWAI Web Development Group:
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by Ruth Delany (38kb) Â |
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I am also indebted to those who provided technical help and ideas. These include:
Finally I want to acknowledge the major contributions made by my wife Heather to the development of these pages. These include having the faith to embark upon our first Shannon holiday many years ago one cool and damp April week in a small and not very well equipped boat. In subsequent years we have had many happy family holidays on the river. More recently we spent a number of years exploring the waterways in our own boat. Heather’s good company and culinary skills added greatly to the enjoyment of those trips. And now she has encouraged me to embark on this project, put up with many lonely evenings as I struggle with the keyboard and slow Internet connections, and encouraged me to return to the waterways for a few more years so that we may work on these pages together. My thanks are due to all of these and many more for introducing me to the wonders of Ireland’s inland waterways and for helping me develop these pages. Hopefully you will also enjoy researching the shores of our waterways and exploring the myriad of fascinating places that are to be found there. David Algeo Notes:
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