Dates: July 4–14, 2026
Ireland: Royal Canal Strokestown to Dublin
10‑Day Self‑Guided Walking Tour
- Living history: Follow the famine emigrants’ path, guided by bronze shoes along the route.
- Scenic walking: Flat, peaceful canal towpaths rich with wildlife.
- Charming stops: Quaint towns and villages for refreshments.
- Memorable finish: Certificate at EPIC in Dublin.
- Cultural immersion: Meet locals, hear folklore, and discover Irish traditions.
- Wildlife spotting: Herons, swans, otters, and more along the Royal Canal Greenway.
Ireland | Royal Canal from Strokestown to Dublin
July 4–14, 2026 | Itinerary
Begin your journey with gentle countryside walking, passing rolling fields and quiet lanes before meeting the Royal Canal at Cloondara. Look out for your first bronze shoe markers and collect your first Passport stamp.
The Royal Canal Greenway stretches for 130 kilometres along a flat towpath, making it an ideal route for walkers of all ages and abilities. Beginning in the charming village of Cloondara in County Longford, the Greenway traces the historic 200-year-old Royal Canal. It meanders through quaint villages and vibrant towns like Mullingar, before reaching Enfield, Maynooth, and ultimately flowing into Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, with all its rich history and charm.
Along this picturesque journey, travellers are treated to a captivating blend of rustic and industrial landscapes. Rolling fields, serene waterside villages, operational locks, and notable local landmarks dot the route. As you cross numerous historic bridges, many of which are over 200 years old, keep an eye out for herons, swans, otters, badgers, and foxes thriving among the peaceful waterways and colourful hedgerows.
Meals: Breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a local café en route, dinner at leisure.
Photo by: Sarah777 at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3913914
A shorter stage leads you to bustling Mullingar. Explore its cafés, music venues, and shops. Optional evening walk to the harbour for sunset views.
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch in Mullingar, dinner at leisure.
Approach the vibrant university town of Maynooth. Visit the historic college or wander along the marina before settling in for the night. Approach the vibrant university town of Maynooth. Visit the historic college or wander along the marina before settling in for the night.
Savor the charm of this lively Irish town, where old-world architecture meets a youthful energy. Pause for a coffee in one of Maynooth’s cozy cafés, browse quaint shops, or stroll through leafy streets lined with Georgian facades. As the sun dips low, enjoy a hearty meal in a welcoming pub before retreating to your accommodations, ready for the adventures ahead.
If time allows, take a short detour to explore the lush grounds of Carton House Estate, once home to Irish nobility. Meander through its sweeping parklands, dotted with centuries-old trees and tranquil waterways, offering a peaceful contrast to the town’s lively center. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the day’s journey before settling in for a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch in Maynooth, dinner at leisure.
Photo by: William Murphy, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Your final walking stage takes you past the 12th and storied 13th Locks before entering Dublin. End at the Famine Memorial and receive your completion certificate at EPIC. Celebrate your achievement with a special dinner in the city.
Meals: Breakfast at your accommodation, lunch en route, celebratory dinner in Dublin.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Bid farewell to Dublin and the friends you’ve shared this journey with. Whether you’re heading straight home or continuing your travels, you’ll carry with you more than just photographs—your memories will be stitched together with the laughter along the towpath, the stories of Ireland’s history, and the warmth of its people. As the plane lifts off, take one last look at the patchwork of green below and know that Ireland will be waiting should you ever return.
| Day | Date | Start & Finish | Distance | Transfer Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 4, Saturday | Visit the National Famine Way Museum and pick up Passport | N/A | Pickup from airport and dropped to accommodation. |
| 2 | July 5, Sunday | Start the walk from Strokestown to Cloondara | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 3 | July 6, Monday | Cloondara to Ballymahon | 25km – average time 4 – 5 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 4 | July 7, Tuesday | Ballymahon to Ballynacarrigy | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 5 | July 8, Wednesday | Ballynacarrigy to Mullingar | 19km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 6 | July 9, Thursday | Mullingar to Hill of Down | 25km – average time 4 – 5 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 7 | July 10, Friday | Hill of Down to Enfield | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 8 | July 11, Saturday | Enfield to Maynooth | 20km – average time 3 – 4 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. |
| 9 | July 12, Sunday | Maynooth to Dublin | 27km – average time 5 – 6 hours | Transfers to/from your hike start/end point. Luggage Transfer next accommodation. |
| 10 | July 13, Monday | Second night in Dublin | N/A | Luggage Transfer. |
- Daily luggage transfers (one bag pp; weight limits apply)
- Bed & breakfast each morning
- Transfers to/from trailheads where needed
- Digital route maps + detailed route notes
- Pre‑trip travel planning advice
- 24/7 on‑trip phone support
- Dublin Bay Boat Trip (Dublin City → Howth; weather/ops permitting)
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches, dinners
- Personal expenses
- Museum/attraction fees unless stated
- Alcoholic beverages or specialty drinks
- Tips
- How hard is it? Mostly flat; longest day is 27 km (~6 hrs).
- Navigation? Waymarked; you’ll also have GPX/turn‑by‑turn notes.
- Solo travellers? Welcome—single‑room supplement applies.
- Weather? Changeable—bring waterproofs and comfy broken‑in shoes.
- Baggage? 1 bag pp (weight limits apply).
- Transfers? Trailhead shuttles to/from accommodations where needed.
- Sustainability? Follow Leave No Trace; support local cafés and family‑run stays.
- 50% at time of booking to confirm
- Balance due at 60 days prior to departure
- Time of booking to 90 days prior: $100
- 50%: 90 – 45 days prior
- 100%: 45 days to departure date
