Royal Canal Greenway by E-Bike: Route, Range & Train Tips (+ Ireland's Best Greenways)

The Royal Canal Greenway is Ireland's longest greenway: about 130 km of level, traffic-free towpath from Maynooth to Cloondara in Co. Longford. It's ideal for an e-bike, being flat and quiet, and you can join it within an hour's ride of Dublin city centre. Here's how to plan it by e-bike, how far one charge really gets you, and Ireland's other best greenways.

Royal Canal Greenway at a glance

Section	Approx. distance	Good to know
Dublin city to Maynooth (Royal Canal Way)	about 25–28 km	Partly upgraded canal path through Ashtown, Castleknock and Leixlip. Some sections are being upgraded.
Maynooth Harbour to Enfield	about 19 km	The official start of the greenway. Passes Kilcock.
Enfield to Thomastown	about 24 km	The quiet "Long Level", with very few towns, so carry water and food.
Thomastown to Mullingar	about 17 km	Mullingar has cafés, hotels and the link to the Old Rail Trail to Athlone.
Mullingar to Cloondara	about 70 km	Via Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule to Richmond Harbour. Longford town is close by.

Distances are approximate and taken from Waterways Ireland and route guides. Waterways Ireland lists the greenway as 130 km of level path from Maynooth to Cloondara. Check its route status page before you go, as works can close short sections.

Can you do it on one charge? Real e-bike range

A manufacturer's "up to 100 km" figure is a best case. On the flat, smooth towpath, real-world range depends mainly on the assist level you use:

• Eco or low assist: roughly 70–100% of the claimed range. A flat canal path is about as kind as it gets.
• Medium assist: roughly 50–70%.
• High or turbo: often under half of the claimed figure.
• Cold weather (below about 5 °C), headwinds, a heavy rider or loaded panniers all cut range further.

As a rule of thumb, a 400–500 Wh battery in eco comfortably covers Maynooth to Mullingar and back to the train. For the full 130 km in a day you'll want a large battery (600 Wh+), a second battery, or a lunch-time recharge. Read the real truth about e-bike range in Ireland for the maths.

Charging and planning tips

• Carry your charger and ask cafés, pubs or your accommodation before you rely on a socket. Most are happy to help if you buy lunch.
• Plan an overnight in Mullingar or Longford for the full route: charge overnight and ride the second half fresh.
• The surface is mostly compacted gravel. Hybrid, trekking or wider tyres (40 mm+) ride better than skinny road tyres, and mudguards help after rain.
• Winter riding: daylight is short and parts of the towpath can be muddy or icy. Bring front and rear lights, which are a legal requirement after dark.
• Be courteous: greenways are shared with walkers, runners, children and dogs. Slow down, ring your bell and pass wide.

Getting back by train with an e-bike

• InterCity trains (Mullingar, Longford, Sligo line): book a bike space when you buy your ticket. Standard racks can't take fat-tyre bikes with tyres wider than about 65 mm.
• Commuter trains (Maynooth, Enfield): full-size bikes are allowed off-peak only, not on weekdays 07:00–10:00 or 16:00–19:00, and all day at weekends.
• Folding bikes travel free on all Irish Rail services once folded. A folding e-bike makes one-way rides easy. See folding electric bikes.
• E-scooters are banned on Irish public transport.

Rules can change, so check Irish Rail's bicycle information before you travel.

Best e-bikes for greenway touring

• Trekking and touring e-bikes: upright, comfortable, with racks and lights fitted. See touring electric bikes, including the Fiido Nomads.
• Hybrid and city e-bikes are great for day trips. See city and commuter e-bikes.
• Gravel e-bikes such as the Fiido C21, for faster riders who want lighter bikes.
• Folding e-bikes if you plan to use the train.

Not sure which suits you? Visit our Dublin e-bike shop at 157 Capel Street, or browse all electric bikes in Ireland.

Ireland's best greenways for e-bikes

Greenway	Length	Route	Why ride it
Royal Canal Greenway	about 130 km	Maynooth – Cloondara	Longest in Ireland, flat, close to Dublin
Waterford Greenway	46 km	Waterford City – Dungarvan	Viaducts, a tunnel and the Copper Coast
Great Western Greenway	42 km	Westport – Achill	Clew Bay and Atlantic views
Old Rail Trail	about 40 km	Mullingar – Athlone	Joins the Royal Canal Greenway at Mullingar
Limerick Greenway	about 40 km	Rathkeale – Abbeyfeale	Quiet market towns in west Limerick

Linking the Royal Canal Greenway and the Old Rail Trail lets you ride from the Dublin side to Athlone almost entirely off-road.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Royal Canal Greenway?

About 130 km, from Maynooth Harbour in Co. Kildare to Cloondara in Co. Longford, according to Waterways Ireland.

Where does the Royal Canal Greenway start?

The official start is Maynooth Harbour. From Dublin city you can follow the Royal Canal Way west through Ashtown, Castleknock and Leixlip to reach Maynooth.

Can I ride the Royal Canal Greenway on an e-bike?

Yes. Legal e-bikes (250 W, pedal assist, cutting out at 25 km/h) are treated as bicycles and can use greenways. E-mopeds, scramblers and electric dirt bikes can't.

How long does it take to cycle the Royal Canal Greenway?

Most e-bike riders cover it over two days, with an overnight in Mullingar. Fit riders can do it in one long day with a big battery or a recharge stop.

Can I take my e-bike on the train back to Dublin?

Yes. Book a bike space on InterCity trains, use Commuter trains off-peak, or bring a folding e-bike, which travels free on all Irish Rail services.

Is the Royal Canal Greenway suitable for children?

Yes. It's flat and traffic-free, which makes it one of the best family routes in Ireland. Supervise children near the water and at road crossings.

Sources: Waterways Ireland: Royal Canal Greenway; Sport Ireland: greenways; Ireland.com: Ireland's greenways; Irish Rail: bicycle information. Distances are approximate. Checked 12 November 2026.