Royal Canal Way, Dublin - Abbeyshrule, 144 km, 7 days

When opened in 1817, the Royal Canal was operated in competition with the Grand Canal. Both Canals connected Dublin with the west coast via River Shannon. This was the great era of trade and industry.

The Canal did its work for one and a half century! It was closed in 1961. Soon after, demand for it raised for leisure purposes, and nowadays much of it can be navigated again. And - better even - walked! On the grassy or gravel covered towpaths, over small side roads, we are able to follow the entire length of the canal from Dublin to River Shannon: the Royal Canal Way.

Imagine a clear and quiet day, a stroll along the smooth canal, enjoying the reflections in the water, the sounds of coots and small songbirds .. At intervals we can marvel the old locks and other works, two centuries old, and we can even watch them at work: Industrial Age archeology. A perfect walk, easy and relaxing.

Accommodation along the trail is sufficient available. Documentation - on paper or on the Internet - is available too.