River Slaney walking path

gaiscioch

Does anybody know if I can walk along the Slaney from Altamont Gardens to, at least, Kilcarry Bridge and the Mill House beside it (yes, I'm inspired by the recent RTÉ Abhainn programme on the Slaney)?

Indeed, looking at the map, is there a walking path along the Slaney from Altamont to Kilcarry Bridge to Bunclody (visiting Newtownbarry House along the way)?


Here's a review of what seems like an interesting book on the history of the Slaney written by a guy from Tullow: 33 Bridges over the River Slaney

BarryD

Not as far as I know. There's bits of fishing paths here & there and places where you can access the river but joining them all up almost certainly crossing privately owned land etc. You used to be able to follow a good stretch of the river from a point below Kilcarry all the way into Bunclody but then a golf club was developed and disgracefully closed this off. They were supposed to implement alternative walks for the people of Bunclody who regularly used it but never have

The best way to see the Slaney remains by kayak, nice paddle from Aghade Bridge to Kilcarry and so on but shallow in summer low water.

brianblaze

Aghade bridge is overgrown along the banks. +1 on the kayaking

gaiscioch

What a pity as that part of Ireland looked stunning in the Abhainn programme.

There was an article in The Irish Times recently about an 11km walk along the Barrow from Ballyteigelea to St Mullin’s, Co Carlow, which got me looking at Carlow for the first time. It would be great if local people could do something similar for the Slaney.

(There's a class walk along the River Boyne from Navan to Slane which passes old mills, weirs and woods which draws loads of people to the area and could act as an inspiration.)

MrYlad

No, there is no dedicated walking path on the Slaney, or at least this section of it. But now that you say it, there definitely should be, I doubt it is a huge undertaking to establish a walkway next to it. Three is already a 'trail' made by frequenting locals and fishermen on parts, but it gets overgrown every year. I have went kayaking along the Slaney also and I would definitely recommend it if you want to see this lovely river.