Cycling The Grand Canal?

mallet head

Hi All.

Myself and my 11 year old son were out cycling the new grand canal tow-path last weekend past Inchicore. My son asked if we could cycle for a weekend along the tow-path. I thought what a great idea! (or are we mad).

Question is, Has anyone on here tried this before? How far can we get? We would be starting our adventure from the 3rd lock and would be going at our leisure. May even bring a telescopic fishing rod.

I've never cycled more than about 10 miles from home before and was wondering what I'd need to pack bike maintenance wise. We have two pretty decent mountain bikes and are both quite fit.

I would ideally like to plan my route in such a way so we can B&B as we go.

Thanks for all advice in advance.

Greyspoke

A great idea and something I'll do with the kids when they're a bit older. I've only cycled bits of the canal towpaths and the surface will vary from tarmac to long grass with a narrow track through it but it would be possible to go for as far as you like. The towpaths are marked on the OS maps as walking "ways" though in this case cycling is, I think, perfectly acceptable and means that the routes should be maintained to some extent. Beyond Sallins, the Grand Canal passes through Robertstown and very close to Edenderry which might be good places to stop. What I'd thought of doing sometime is to go out on the Grand Canal and at some point pick a route through the country lanes north and return via the Royal Canal.
As regards what to bring in the tool kit - just the usual I suppose - a few spare tubes, trye levers, instant patches and a good pump plus a chain tool and a multi-tool should pretty much see you through. Good luck!

DualFrontDiscs

I recall that certain sections are not safe for cycling, as there are deep holes that aren't well marked and whilst you 'might' see them as you walk along, you wouldn't see them from your bike/ at 'speed'.

Not sure where I read that.......

Anyway, if it's doable/ safe, it's a great idea.

DFD.

-K2-

Here's a short article about cycling the Royal Canal from Dublin-Athlone to give you an idea:

http://sportcrazy.net/cycling/dublin-to-athlone-cycle-royal-canal/

Gavin

Naas to Robertstown is a very nice stretch, well doable. Sounds like a good idea!

keenan110

I got this book recently on cycle touring in ireland and one of the routes covers Dublin to Limerick along the tow paths. From looking through the route it appears that you are able to cycle along the entire grand canal towpath.

Mountain bikes would be fine, as most of the tow paths are grass or gravel.

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy it!

short circuit

I was on the royal canal tow path last weekend ... and after having done Ashtown to Clonsilla ... a very small stretch compared to what you are planning .. it would be doable on a mountain bike if the condition is the same as I had between these spots. The worst was lots of roots on the path. I did it on a cross bike ... suspension wouldn't have gone amiss ... preferably even fatter tires might be Ok. Pick a weekend when there has been a few dry days leading up to it. Last saturday .. even after a week of dry weather the ground was damp under the foliage. Wouldn't want to do that after recent rain ... though some people might enjoy that. Must try Grand canal ...

mallet head

Great tips lads. Thanks again.

Think I may go for it. If we do I'll post up here on our experiences.

Wally Runs

Just trying to think of a family-friendly cycling adventure for a family of boys. So, did you do it, was it good, or did you do something else?