Royal Canal on a Road Bike

buffalo · 16-05-2023 10:02am

Access to the canal from that side of the road is through a tiny gap though. No bother fitting one person and a normal bike through, but I'd wonder would even a large single buggy fit? No hope with a double buggy, trailer or cargo bike I'd say.

From what I remember of the plans, the work was going to stop a good few metres short of the bridge. If they're building a ramp all the way up, I wonder does that mean they'll widen the entrance?

Seth Brundle · 16-05-2023 10:06am

There is an entrance both sides, each with a (removable) barrier...

https://www.google.com/maps/@53.3743507,-6.4849585,3a,75y,316.11h,60.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sm1a70uB1G1MhLFkxXTnwyg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

buffalo · 16-05-2023 10:44am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120602604#Comment_120602604

I don't know how many times I've gone through that gap, and in my head it's all wall! Probably because I'm just rushing to get the hell off the road.

Seth Brundle · 16-05-2023 10:51am

I know. I'm just familiar with the arrangement because I'd often walk past it on my way to our GAA club (Confey) - I think you notice it more when passing by rather than when using it.

Seth Brundle · 16-05-2023 5:24pm

I'll correct my own post (which was based on a tweet) but they've don't nothing for the ramp. Am just back from a walk and took this photo as I crossed Cope Br. where the end of the works is clearly identifiable...

tnegun · 24-05-2023 12:19pm

I was out by Jackson Bridge between Kilcock and Maynooth and there's a planning permission sign for the Naas to Kill cycle scheme posted. Are there plans to link the two canals or did someone from KCC get very lost when posting it?

Steoller · 01-06-2023 11:49am

Weird. They're heading in opposite directions at that point.

Steoller · 01-06-2023 11:55am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120634862#Comment_120634862

I'd let one of the maynooth councillors know about it, in case the wrong sign was printed off and there is something else planned for that location.

tnegun · 01-06-2023 6:58pm

I've tried them before for Greenway/Transport-related issues and none of them inspire any confidence. I know they have a lot to cover but none are infrastructure literate, I had one tell me the Dart already came to Maynooth and when I tried to point out their mistake I was told it was the "Green" trains, not the silver ones!

Niall145 · 01-06-2023 11:17pm

Just did this today from Maynooth to Mullingar, was stunning; 60 kms of nothing but birdsong, blue skies, flowers and gorgeous reflections in the canal.

Seth Brundle · 05-06-2023 6:18pm

Walked the stretch between Confey & Louisa Bridge a short while ago. The section from Louisa Br to the waterfall has yet to be given tarmac and is currently just a hard-core base...

The rest looks near complete with the lights every ~30m to be completed and possibly some landscaping to compete the gaps in the hedge.

Not sure how they will address the ramps at each end but so far they haven't been touched.

Overall, it's a tidy job and the hedge is much the same as it was before so whoever said it was badly damaged was talking out of their hat!

Citizen Six · 06-06-2023 9:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120679955#Comment_120679955

There were sections where the trees were definitely cut back. The hedge have been cut back too, but has regrown now?

Seth Brundle · 06-06-2023 10:03am

It's possible some trees were removed and hedges cut back but I didn't see any medium or large scale destruction.

The hedge there hadn't been managed at all prior to the works and in general was not in a good condition. Hopefully the upgrade will include proper hedgerow management including planting of native species which will allow a decent hedge to grow

magicbastarder · 06-06-2023 10:18am

i cycled from cross guns to ashtown along the canal yesterday - didn't have to dismount at any point, which i think i had to do last time i did it (this time last year) but the gates would definitely be a bottleneck if it did become a 'full' commuting greenway. the surface is quite poor in places too.

buffalo · 12-06-2023 1:58pm

Tarmac black-top is done as far as Louisa Bridge station now on the new stretch at Leixlip.

tnegun · 12-06-2023 2:00pm

Is that section almost complete then?

Seth Brundle · 12-06-2023 2:06pm

When I walked it recently, all I could see missing was the tarmac at the LB end and all lampposts needed to be completed (only the pole was in place) so if the tarmac is done then it shouldn't take much longer for it to open.

Seth Brundle · 12-06-2023 2:07pm

I assume the ramp at Confey still isn't done (nor will it be). I also expect that the barriers will be removed.

D-Generate · 20-06-2023 10:28am

Apologies if it has been asked before but i was wondering if some of the more experienced users of the greenway could offer advise. I am staying in Enfield and thinking about either cycling from Enfield -> Maynooth and back or cycling from Enfield -> Thomastown Harbour and back. Could someone opine on which direction is more scenic, what points of interest are along the way and if there are any other things to note such as a difference in surface quality?

Thanks!

Citizen Six · 20-06-2023 11:06am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120738247#Comment_120738247

You could also get the train to starting point, cycle both sections, and get the train back.

PhillySteak9 · 20-06-2023 11:20am

I would cycle to Thomastown if I were you. Surface is largely similar, mixture of tarmac & fine gravel/dust.

Thomastown direction is quieter, fewer pedestrians and more of a feeling of being “out in the country”

Also Nanny Quinn’s at Thomastown harbour has a nice outdoor seating area and does good food. Great spot for a halfway lunch & pint

Other stopping options are Fureys in Moyvalley, Moran’s at the Hill of Down and there is good coffee at Longwood (Ribbontail?) harbour at weekends

One point of interest in this direction is where the canal crosses over the Boyne near Longwood but most of the trip is just quiet flatland with lots of nature

cletus · 20-06-2023 3:46pm

I'd second @PhillySteak9's recommendations. I've been out that way a few times, and either Nanny's or Fureys (or both) are worth a stop.

There's nothing really spectacular along the route, it's all just very pleasant in a bucolic or pastoral sort of way

D-Generate · 20-06-2023 7:51pm

Thanks for the pointers. I will cycle to Mullingar and get the train back.

buffalo · 21-06-2023 12:46pm

View from Louisa Bridge today:

Surface looks immaculate for the main part, nothing either end. Lots of lampposts with no lamps still.

RunDMC · 22-06-2023 10:29pm

I cycled Longford to Maynooth last year and came to the realisation that the canals were built to get from A to B as efficiently as possible, not to provide spectacular vistas along the way. That said, it is always a pleasure to explore without traffic, and enjoy being in nature. I did Robertstown to Edenderry last week, and while it was a bit rough in spots, it was still a pleasure.

R

Peeling1979 · 23-06-2023 1:55am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120744092#Comment_120744092

Nice one. Hope Louisa Bridge to Maynooth is on the cards at some stage…

Citizen Six · 23-06-2023 3:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120744092#Comment_120744092

Big metal barrier going in all along the viaduct there today.

Mercian Pro · 24-06-2023 6:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120751719#Comment_120751719

The section of canal from Mullingar all the way to Cloondra is anything but the shortest route and all the more attractive because of that. Some of the straighter bits east of Mullingar can be a bit monotonous but the odd lock, swan or pub soon livens things up. The Old Rail Trail can be pretty boring though!

cletus · 28-06-2023 9:37pm

https://lovindublin.com/news/cycle-track-royal-canal

...

2011abc · 29-06-2023 6:34pm

Was in Leixlip library couple nights ago and there was a draft copy of proposed new ‘Canal ‘ legislation complete with copy of the standard €150 fine for everything short of breaking wind .Have mixed feelings about tarmacking the canal bank and calling it green .Anyway it seems they are ramping up fees for the canal barges and trying to get rid of them but I’m not sure how they will get on enforcing a ban on swimming and 15kmh cycling speed limit !!!!

Mizu_Ger · 30-06-2023 8:22am

Cycled down the stretch at Leixlip the other day. They're putting extra infrastructure in along the way. Lighting is still to be done, but ramp at Louisa Bridge much better now (forgot to take a picture of that).

Last pic above is at Confey Bridge. They're still working there. Not sure how they'll finish it.

The Davestator · 06-07-2023 8:39am

Ive done the canal before, but will be bringing a small group from Maynooth to Mullingar on an upcoming Saturday. The Irish Rail site is clear about the bikes on weekdays, but less so about weekends. I know its normally 2 bikes, but has anyone got more on?

If not, we'll get the expressway bus but train would be better

loyatemu · 06-07-2023 9:12am

are those bike stands actually near anything useful? I've noticed councils have a fondness for plonking racks in random locations where nobody would have any reason to lock up a bike.

KevRossi · 06-07-2023 1:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120811856#Comment_120811856

If you're going to Maynooth with the commuter service there is no limit on the amount of bikes and there's plenty of space for them.

The InterCity is a different matter. There are 2 bikes per carraige, sometimes 4 per train. We have gotten 5 bikes in 2 spaces, but they were all road bikes. I've also had a case where we had a couple of bikes in the hall at the end of the carraige, the conductor asked us to keep and eye on them at the stations and to get off and on again if they were hindering people. But I've also heard of people and bikes being removed.

The early service to Mullingar/Sligo on a weekend morning is usually quite empty. I'd suggest train to Mullingar and cycle back as you'll have less competition for space. Also has the advantage that if someone gets tired they'll have more options of jumping off in Enfield, Kilcock or Maynooth and others will have the option to continue on towards Dublin if they wish.

Bus Eireann also have limits on the number of bikes they take, but you can book a few of them in advance if you wish.

donaghs · 06-07-2023 3:38pm

As much as I love cycling, I'm going to miss the rough semi-wild long distance trail that was there for running and hiking/walking. It really felt like being out in the countryside - now it looks like the sections near Croke Park. Cant please everyone!

Is the Leixlip section now officially open? It was closed about November 2022. That's an incredibe amount of time to do a relatively short and and wide stretch. I'd expect them to take a lot longer then on the Deep Sinking, and up to Castleknock station.

Wishbone Ash · 06-07-2023 7:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120811963#Comment_120811963

.....or, as in my locality, installing bike racks along a coastal path where cycling is prohibited.

Citizen Six · 07-07-2023 8:48am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120812953#Comment_120812953

Intercity is actually two bikes officially per train set, not per carriage. But there is rack space set up to hold three bikes.

Some people take wheels off to fit more bikes in the double rack alright.

Bikes in the vestibule is a safety hazard. I’ve been on the train with my bike there before, but I’d never leave it unattended myself.

KevRossi · 07-07-2023 10:50am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120816620#Comment_120816620

Thanks. Trains set is the word I was looking for. 2 trains sets = 4 bikes.

Still an abysmal number by anybody's standards. They need carriages like these, especially at weekends. Sell specials and family tickets and encourage people to get out and enjoy the country. It's easy to convert half an existing carriage to the one below.

The annoying thing is that the canals (especially the Royal) are the safest long distance routes in the country to cycle along and are well serviced by trains. Pity they don't get their finger out and do something to promote them.

devonp · 07-07-2023 12:56pm

from the train today , saw that the builders are dismantling their depot at Louisa Bridge for the section btw LB and Confey...nice new surface, lights not on the poles yet

devonp · 07-07-2023 5:44pm

Update, RCW from Confey to Louisa bridge is fully closed and sealed off at both ends

donaghs · 07-07-2023 6:29pm

Jesus, that’s an insane amount of time to put in some tarmac on that stretch

Citizen Six · 07-07-2023 9:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120817185#Comment_120817185

Each intercity takes two bikes in the racks, and another one in a separate space, but a CSO or driver needs to open that for you.

They don’t currently have enough space for passengers, and are short on trains. So they can’t really retrofit the current carriages. That’s why they’ve got the new intermediate carriages coming at the end of the year. That will give the room as per the image you posted. And it’ll free up more trainsets for services.

To be fair, most CSOs are accommodating to cyclists. I got on a train at Maynooth a few months back, there was already five bikes on board, and myself and another lad got on. He just asked me to stay with the bike and not block peoples way getting past.

buffalo · 08-07-2023 9:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120819434#Comment_120819434

I'm surprised they didn't do it sooner, there was a lot of people walking and cycling on it at the weekends. However, I don't understand why you'd do it now, when the surface is pretty much done?

Mizu_Ger · 08-07-2023 11:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120821182#Comment_120821182

I've cycled along it a good few times in the last couple of weeks. Always met a few walkers/cyclists each time. The surface is good, but there's still heavy machinery at the Confey end, which makes it difficult to get out on to the road (I had to drag the bike across the field to get to the gate a few times). The workers never said anything to me, but it's obviously been noticed.

The amount of time they are taking to do this is crazy. It'll be a full year to complete the works at this rate. Some of the infrastructure is over the top too. The 3 sets of bike stands aren't needed.

VonLuck · 10-07-2023 5:01pm

I saw the below post from DCC on LinkedIn. Anyone know what it relates to? The link just leads to a survey with no documents!

As part of the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3, Dublin City Council has submitted an Amending Part 8 application to approved Part 8 (Ref. 2870/15), under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, to undertake development at the Royal Canal Towpath at Binns Bridge, Dorset Street Lower, Drumcondra, Dublin 7.

You can view details of the proposed development, and make submissions or observations before 23.59hrs on 23 August 2023, on Citizen Space here:

https://lnkd.in/eE9nDNxi

VonLuck · 11-07-2023 4:20pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120831057#Comment_120831057

Found out myself! Changing the gradient at Binns Bridge:

https://irishcycle.com/2023/07/10/revised-plan-for-royal-canal-greenway-to-reduce-gradient-of-ramp-at-drumcondra-road/

Mercian Pro · 17-07-2023 7:28pm

Decided to chance taking the bike down to Mullingar from Drumcondra on the train this morning and it worked out fine thanks to a helpful CSO(?). She advised me to leave the bike in the end lobby beside the full bike rack once I sat nearby. Interesting chat with the bike owners who were heading to Sligo before cycling around Donegal.

I had a fairly uneventful and fast return on the Greenway with no stops as the pubs were closed so no coffee until lunch at the Rye River Cafe in Kilcock. I stayed on the canal as far as Pike Bridge (Carton) and headed into Leixlip hoping to try out the new Louisa to Confey section. Unfortunately I hadn't checked here for a few weeks and assumed it must be open by now and of course it wasn't! After a detour through St Catherines Park, I met the canal again at Collins Bridge on the R149. Despite the fact that it was mainly unpaved, I made reasonable time before arriving at Porterstown Road and the bad sections of the Deep Sinking. Detours through Coolmine and Delwood/Roselawn brought me to Castleknock Station where I rejoined the canal again for the home stretch to Cross Guns Bridge.

Not for the first time, and I'm sure not for the last, I reflected on the rediculous situation where the sections of towpath that will eventually be the busiest are the last ones to be upgraded. Fingal Co Co, please wake up!

https://strava.app.link/WW3yfLhWvBb

https://strava.app.link/Rq5SLjpWvBb

tnegun · 17-07-2023 10:20pm

Unfortunately, the section at Leixlip is now closed indefinitely supposedly pending the outcome of a legal dispute between the contractor and the council. I don't know specifics but local councilors reported a legal issue and the local rumour is that it's between the council and the developer.

Gerry · 17-07-2023 11:06pm

That's terrible news. They had been taking ages with it so I wonder if that's it.

tnegun · 18-07-2023 12:04pm

Yeah it's very poor, I wonder is it related to the previous mess the council made with planning and the tenders expiring resulting it in going for planning and tender again. The whole project to Maynooth was to take 18 months!

Royal Canal on a Road Bike

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