There’s no shortage of parks to explore in Dublin on foot or by bike, including the Royal Canal greenway that starts at Spencer Dock at the River Liffey and could take you all the way to the River Shannon and Longford. We wouldn’t suggest taking on that 146km 6-day journey but we do recommend you to dip in and out of the route.

A beautiful stretch of the Royal Canal starts at Lock 2 and the Brendan Behan statue in Dublin’s Drumcondra, and is a 13 minute walk from the Castle Hotel. The restored tree-lined towpath of the Royal Canal is the perfect place to spot swans, herons, moorhens and red-beaked waterfowl.  

Historic landmarks rise into the skyline like Croke Park, Poolbeg Chimneys, O’Connell Monument at Glasnevin Cemetery and many more. You’ll find sculptures to Dublin hero’s such as writer Brendan Behan and acclaimed Irish musician Luke Kelly.

Some of the Royal Canal Way walk dovetails with the National Famine Way which is waymarked with bronze pairs of 19^th children’s shoes on plinths (Lock 6 & Croke Park). These highlight the plight of those forced to walk from Roscommon to Dublin in 1847.   

You’ll feel a countryside vibe, right in Dublin city and there’s no shortage of cafés and pubs to stop at along the way in Drumcondra, Phibsborough or Castleknock. Managed by Waterways Ireland.

Please note, certain parts of the full 146km greenway are not yet complete and like with all parks in major cities, take care with your personal belongings.