Royal Canal Way - starting point & tips

Ranjo · 2017-07-23 15:35:23

Looking for tips on where I can start the Royal Canal Way. I'm bringing my daughter who has a 24" 6-speed bike. I'll be driving there so parking essential. Goal is to cycle around 20-30k in total, and bonus poiints for a nice place to stop for food/drink/picnic. I'm coming up via the N11/M50, so looking to start around the…

23-07-2017 04:35PM

#1

Ranjo

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Looking for tips on where I can start the Royal Canal Way. I'm bringing my daughter who has a 24" 6-speed bike. I'll be driving there so parking essential.

Goal is to cycle around 20-30k in total, and bonus poiints for a nice place to stop for food/drink/picnic.

I'm coming up via the N11/M50, so looking to start around the Dublin end. Can either cycle out & back, or if it works to cycle longer & get the train back, that could work.

I'm not sure of any other greenways close to Dublin/Wicklow so alternatives to the RCW gladly received!

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#2 24-07-2017 09:11AM

Orobhsa

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Few other threads on this already e.g.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057747877

Phibsboro to Castleknock is a tarmac path. Mostly built-up along either side and nothing particularly memorable. Lunch at the 12th lock pub is fine. Relatively short ~ 8 km one way.

From Castleknock to Clonsilla there is a pretty dicey part called 'deep sinking' - best to be avoider to be honest.

If you want quiet countryside I'd start at Clonsilla Train Station (M50 Blanch exit & free parking weekends) and go to Maynooth - grass path through rural country side. About 12 km one way.

Maynooth probably has plenty od food options.

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#3 24-07-2017 10:34AM

smacl

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With a younger member of the family, Grand canal is worth a punt too. Conditions vary a fair bit based on recent weather, but starting at Hazelhatch here you'll get a pleasant 10k run on crushed gravel for a ~20k round trip with possibility of pub grub at the start/finish. If it has been dry, starting further back here extends it with a lovely unpaved grassy / single track section, but it gets muddy if its been raining. Still good fun if you don't mind a bit of mud, but knobbly tyres recommended in that case.

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