Cycle Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/cycle/ Explore scenic lakes, heritage sites, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable Irish escapes. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:19:00 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://visitlongford.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-Favicon-Nvy-Wht@3x-32x32.webp Cycle Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/cycle/ 32 32 Midlands Cycle Hub, Cloondara https://visitlongford.ie/activity/midlands-cycle-hub/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:00:41 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15304 Midlands Cycle Hub Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Explore the Royal Canal Greenway with expert local guidance and unforgettable cycling tours. Midlands Cycle Hub is a family-run bike hire […]

The post Midlands Cycle Hub, Cloondara appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>
Two people ride bicycles along a narrow tarmac path bordered by stone walls, with grassy fields, the sea, and distant hills in the background. Other cyclists are visible further along the path.
Three cyclists in matching red and black gear ride on a tarmacked road beside a scenic body of water, with green fields and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two people with bicycles stand on a grassy hill, looking out over a large lake and a scenic landscape with green fields and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Three cyclists wearing bright green jackets ride on a tarmacked road with a scenic backdrop of mountains, a lake, and grassy terrain under a cloudy sky.
Three cyclists ride along a coastal road with green cliffs, rocky shoreline, and the sea on one side. An old castle stands atop the distant hill under a cloudy sky.
Three people walk their bicycles up a tarmacked road, bordered by stone walls, with a ruined stone castle and the sea in the background under a cloudy sky.

Midlands Cycle Hub

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Explore the Royal Canal Greenway with expert local guidance and unforgettable cycling tours.

Midlands Cycle Hub is a family-run bike hire centre with over 30 years of experience in helping people cycle around Longford. They are located in Clondra, County Longford, at the end of the Royal Canal, so that you can easily start your journey on this traffic-free route.

Open year-round, they have over 80 bikes to choose from, including hybrid, electric and children’s bicycles.  

They also offer cycle tours, including the Famine Way Cycle Tour and the Midlands Historical Bicycle Tour.

Why Visit

  • Start Your Greenway Adventure in Clondra
    Located at the end of the Royal Canal, Midlands Cycle Hub is perfectly positioned for easy access to the traffic-free Royal Canal Greenway.
  • Extensive Range of Bikes for Every Cyclist
    With more than 80 bikes available, including electric, hybrid and children’s bicycles, there is an option to suit all ages and abilities.
  • Discover Longford Through Guided Cycle Tours
    Explore the region’s rich heritage and landscapes on unique experiences such as the Famine Way Cycle Tour and the Midlands Historical Bicycle Tour.

Good To Know

  • Family-Run with Over 30 Years of Experience
    The knowledgeable team has decades of experience helping visitors enjoy the best cycling routes and attractions across Longford.
  • Open All Year Round
    Bike hire and cycling experiences are available throughout the year, making it easy to plan your visit in any season.

Contact Details

X-twitter
More Info

The post Midlands Cycle Hub, Cloondara appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]> Ballymahon Greenway Cycles https://visitlongford.ie/activity/ballymahon-greenway-cycles/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:04:32 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15286 Ballymahon Greenway Cycles Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Your local gateway to the Royal Canal Greenway, with bike hire, repairs and expert route recommendations. Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is […]

The post Ballymahon Greenway Cycles appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>
A bike shop interior with several rows of bicycles lined up against a wall, a large fan, and a counter with a TV, water bottles, and a first aid kit on the wall. The floor and walls are clean and industrial in style.
An older person wearing a helmet sits on a bicycle, whilst another person stands beside them gesturing and talking. They are outside in front of a wall with a large bicycle graphic and the words "Greenway Cycles.
A woman and a child ride bicycles on a path beside a river, while several people kayak on the water under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Trees and grass line both sides of the path and river.
A row of bicycles is parked along a grey brick wall outside a building with a large circular bike shop logo painted on the wall.
Two smiling people stand behind a counter in a bike shop. The woman wears an orange jumper and holds a leaflet; the man wears a blue waistcoat. Papers, a plant, and a notebook are on the counter. A bicycle logo is on the wall behind them.
Two people ride bicycles along a gravel path beside a white cottage and a canal on a sunny day, with trees and grass bordering the scene.
A circular logo on glass reads "Ballymahon Greenway Cycles" and features a simple bicycle graphic in the centre. Reflections and bicycles are visible through the glass.
An older man in a blue shirt repairs a yellow bicycle on a stand in a workshop with bikes and wheels hanging on the wall behind him.

Ballymahon Greenway Cycles

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Your local gateway to the Royal Canal Greenway, with bike hire, repairs and expert route recommendations.

Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is a family-run business located on Mostrim Road, Ballymahon, County Longford. They offer bike hire for your holiday, as well as having bicycles and anything you might need for purchase and repair services. Their location makes them a great place from which to start your journey on the Royal Canal Greenway. They have a wide variety of bikes for you to choose from, including electric, hybrid and kids’ bikes. John at Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is a keen cyclist and can help you with choosing your route. 

Why Visit

  • Perfect Starting Point for the Royal Canal Greenway
    Conveniently located in Ballymahon, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is an ideal base for exploring the scenic Royal Canal Greenway.
  • Bike Hire for All Ages and Abilities
    Choose from a wide range of bicycles, including electric bikes, hybrids and children’s bikes, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a cycling adventure.
  • Friendly Local Expertise
    Benefit from the knowledge of experienced cyclist John, who can recommend routes, share local insights and provide free maps to help you make the most of your journey.

Good To Know

  • Family-Run Business
    Ballymahon Greenway Cycles offers a warm, personal service with a focus on helping visitors enjoy the best cycling experience possible.
  • Sales and Repairs Available
    In addition to bike hire, they stock cycling essentials and provide repair services, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth ride.

Contact Details

Facebook Instagram X-twitter
More Info

The post Ballymahon Greenway Cycles appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]> National Famine Way https://visitlongford.ie/activity/national-famine-way/ Wed, 20 May 2026 10:15:18 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8232 National Famine Way Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Historic trail tracing the footsteps of famine emigrants. The National Famine Way is a powerful 165km heritage trail passing through […]

The post National Famine Way appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>
A pair of old, worn-out black shoes with frayed laces are wrapped together with a tattered white cloth, sitting on a dark surface.
A group of people walk along a gravel path beside a calm canal, surrounded by green grass, trees, and bushes under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
People walk along a canal towpath under a clear blue sky, passing a stone bridge. Some are accompanied by a dog, with grass and trees lining the water on both sides.
A stone memorial with plaques and small shoes sits in front of a stone bridge, with colourful flower baskets on railings and houses in the background. The sky is cloudy.
A black cycling shoe sculpture is mounted on a stone plinth in the foreground, with two cyclists riding on a path and a stone bridge visible in the blurred background.

National Famine Way

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Historic trail tracing the footsteps of famine emigrants.

The National Famine Way is a powerful 165km heritage trail passing through County Longford as The Royal Canal Greenway, and following one of the most significant journeys in Irish history.

It is a moving journey through Ireland’s past, connecting landscapes, stories, and communities along one of the country’s most important heritage routes.

Overview

The National Famine Way is a waymarked walking and cycling trail following the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 men, women and children who  were forced to leave Strokestown, Co Roscommon in 1847.

Follow their route to Dublin, collect passport stamps and discover stories, landscapes and local heritage along the way.

These 1,490 people became known as the “Missing 1490”, a lasting symbol of famine-era emigration and hardship.

Why Visit

  • Experience a powerful true story of emigration, resilience and survival.
  • Follow Daniel Tighe’s journey through audio stories at Bronze Shoes locations.
  • Receive a ship ticket linking you to one of the families who left Strokestown in 1847, walk in their footsteps along the National Famine Way and discover their fate when you reach Dublin.

Good To Know

  • Suitable for walkers, cyclists and families, with options for both short and long route sections.
  • Passport Packs and trail information are available online.
  • Download the free National Famine Way app for maps, navigation and audio stories.

 

Contact Details

Facebook Instagram Youtube
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How long is the National Famine Way? The full route is 165km, stretching from Strokestown Park in County Roscommon to Dublin City. The trail is bookended by two award-winning museums: the National Famine Museum and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. County Longford is home to approximately 33.7km of the route, including Cloondara, Mosstown Harbour, Ballybrannigan Harbour, and Abbeyshrule.
  2. Do I have to complete the entire route? No. The National Famine Way can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Visitors can complete the full 165km route or choose shorter walking or cycling sections that suit their time, interests and ability.
  3. Can I plan my visit online before I arrive? Yes. The National Famine Way website Nationalfamineway.ie provides route maps, trail information, accommodation listings, Passport Pack details, FAQs, suggested itineraries and links to download the free National Famine Way app. It is the best place to start planning your journey.
  4. What is included in an Official Passport Pack? Each Passport Pack includes an official National Famine Way passport, a ship ticket linking you to one of the families who left Strokestown during the Famine in 1847, a commemorative Bronze Shoes lapel pin and trail information to help guide your journey.
  5. What happens when I reach Dublin? Present your National Famine Way Passport and ship ticket at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, where you will receive your final passport stamp, discover the fate of the family linked to your ship ticket, receive your completion certificate and enjoy a reduced admission rate to the museum.
  6. Can I take part in the Annual Remembrance Walk? Each May, the National Famine Way hosts its Annual Remembrance Walk, retracing the journey made by 1,490 men, women and children from Strokestown to Dublin in 1847. Participants can join for a day, a weekend or the full route. Follow our social media channels for registration details and event updates.
Immersive Experience
The National Famine Way tells a unique and poignant story dating back nearly two centuries. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine-stricken tenant farmers and their families who left Strokestown in 1847 as part of an assisted emigration scheme organised by their landlord. Their journey took them on foot to Dublin before they boarded ships bound for Canada via Liverpool. From the Glass Memorial Wall at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, the trail winds through the towns, villages and landscapes of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Ireland's Ancient East. It ends, appropriately, at the Famine Statues in Dublin’s Docklands near the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, meaning the trail is topped and tailed by two iconic award winning museums. The National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way are currently cared for and managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Today, visitors can follow this historic route through six counties, including Longford, using the free National Famine Way app. At each Bronze Shoes sculpture along the trail, audio stories bring the journey to life through the voice of Daniel Tighe, a twelve-year-old boy who made the journey with his family. Through Daniel's perspective, visitors experience the hopes, fears and realities faced by those leaving Ireland during the Famine.

 

More info

Further Information

You can visit NationalFamineWay.ie or follow the National Famine Way on Facebook to see their latest news.

The National Famine Way is an inter-county collaboration between Waterways Ireland and County Councils along the route: Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal and Dublin.

It has been developed by Strokestown Park House, the National Famine Museum, and the Irish Heritage Trust in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the ADAPT Centre for Digital Content.

The National Famine Way is a unique 165km waymarked walking and cycling trail with a poignant story dating back nearly two centuries. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine-stricken tenant farmers and their families who left Strokestown in 1847 as part of an assisted emigration scheme organised by their landlord. Their journey took them on foot to Dublin before they boarded ships bound for Canada via Liverpool. From the Glass Memorial Wall at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, the trail winds through the towns, villages and landscapes of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Ireland's Ancient East. It ends, appropriately, at the Famine Statues in Dublin’s Docklands near the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, meaning the trail is topped and tailed by two iconic award winning museums. The National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way are currently cared for and managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Today, visitors can follow this historic route through six counties, including Longford, using the free National Famine Way app. At each Bronze Shoes sculpture along the trail, audio stories bring the journey to life through the voice of Daniel Tighe, a twelve-year-old boy who made the journey with his family. Through Daniel's perspective, visitors experience the hopes, fears and realities faced by those leaving Ireland during the Famine.

Technology, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

The post National Famine Way appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]> Royal Canal Greenway https://visitlongford.ie/activity/royal-canal-greenway/ Tue, 19 May 2026 14:29:47 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=6995 Royal Canal Greenway Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Royal Canal Greenway is an historic greenway trail in County Longford Following a 225-year-old canal across Ireland’s Midlands from the River Shannon […]

The post Royal Canal Greenway appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>
Two women wearing helmets and jackets ride bicycles on a paved path through a green park, with trees and a stone bridge in the background. Both women are smiling and enjoying the outdoor activity.
A scenic canal path bordered by trees and grass leads to a stone bridge under a blue sky. In the top left corner, a Royal Canal Greenway logo reads, "One Trail, Endless Discoveries.
Two people ride bicycles along a paved path beside a canal with stone walls, greenery, and an old stone structure on the right. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day.

Royal Canal Greenway

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Royal Canal Greenway is an historic greenway trail in County Longford

Following a 225-year-old canal across Ireland’s Midlands from the River Shannon in Clondra, Co. Longford to the Capital Dublin.

.Overview

  • Ireland’s longest greenway (130km)
  • Passes through Kildare, Meath, Westmeath & Longford
  • Ideal for walking, running, and cycling
  • A flat landscape makes it accessible to most visitors

Why Visit

  • One of Irelands signature Greenway trails
  • Most of the Famine Way Path follows its route
  • Start in Clondra (stay in McPartlands), rest in Abbeyshrule (stay in The Rustic Inn) on your journey to Dublin
  • Experience nature, heritage and local culture
  • Kayaking experiences including night-time available

 

Contact Details

Facebook Instagram
Highlights
  • Over 640,000 trips since opening (2021)
  • Voted Best Greenway in Europe (2023)
  • Cycling Route of the Year (2022)
  • Scenic route through historic canal landscape
  • Strong tourism and local visitor appeal
What You’ll See Along the Way
  • 90 bridges
  • 33 locks
  • 17 harbours
  • 4 aqueducts
  • Heritage signage sharing canal history
County Longford Section
  • Clondra to Abbeyshrule 30km
  • Clondra to Longford on artery 16.5km
  • Peaceful rural scenery and village stops
  • Cafés, pubs, and picnic-friendly spots
  • Key access points across the county
Access Points in Longford
  • Longford Town
  • Cloondara
  • Killashee
  • Mosstown Harbour
  • Longford Bridge (Ballymahon)
  • Ballybrannigan Harbour
  • Abbeyshrule Harbour
  • Whitworth Aqueduct (Abbeyshrule)

The post Royal Canal Greenway appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]> County Longford Cycle Routes https://visitlongford.ie/activity/county-longford-cycle-routes/ Tue, 19 May 2026 14:23:59 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=6974 Cycle Routes County Longford Cycle Routes Explore scenic canal routes, historic boglands, and charming villages.   County Longford Cycling Routes A network of scenic cycling loops across County Longford, exploring canals, […]

The post County Longford Cycle Routes appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>
Cycle Routes

County Longford Cycle Routes

Explore scenic canal routes, historic boglands, and charming villages.

 

County Longford Cycling Routes

A network of scenic cycling loops across County Longford, exploring canals, boglands, lakes, heritage sites, and traditional villages.

Why Cycle Here

  • Scenic canal, lake, and bog landscapes
  • Rich Irish heritage and historic sites
  • Village cafés, picnic areas, and nature stops
  • Routes for both leisure and experienced cyclists
  • Quiet rural roads and greenway connections

County Longford offers a varied cycling experience — from gentle canal-side rides to challenging heritage loops through some of Ireland’s most historic countryside.

Two women wearing helmets and jackets ride bicycles on a paved path through a green park, with trees and a stone bridge in the background. Both women are smiling and enjoying the outdoor activity.
A scenic canal path bordered by trees and grass leads to a stone bridge under a blue sky. In the top left corner, a Royal Canal Greenway logo reads, "One Trail, Endless Discoveries.
Two people ride bicycles along a paved path beside a canal with stone walls, greenery, and an old stone structure on the right. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day.
Cycle Route

North Longford Cycling Routes

N1: Rebel Trail Loop (52km)

  • Longford Town → Ballinamuck → Drumlish → Newtownforbes
  • Includes Corn Hill climb with panoramic views
  • Steep section (~5km incline)
  • Historic “Rebel Trail” landscape
  • Difficulty: Difficult

N2: Ballinalee Loop (39km)

  • Passes General Sean MacEoin Monument
  • Views over Lough Gowna
  • Picnic stop at Leebeen Park (Aughnacliffe)
  • Long climb (~8km incline)
  • Difficulty: Difficult

N3: Granard Heritage Loop (42km)

  • Granard, Abbeylara & Lough Gowna scenery
  • Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre
  • Links to Michael Collins & Kitty Kiernan history
  • Picnic stops: Derrycassin Woods & Leebeen Park
  • Difficulty: Moderate

N4: Aughnacliffe – Ballinamuck Loop (29km)

  • Includes Edenmore Bog Walk
  • 1798 Battle of Ballinamuck historic area
  • Part of the Rebel Trail network
  • Steep climb (~5km)
  • Difficulty: Difficult
Cycle Route

South Longford Cycling Routes

A1: Cloondara – Keenagh (32km)

  • Follows the Royal Canal for most of the route
  • Canal bridges, gates, and rural scenery
  • Soft canal surfaces in places (not ideal for all road bikes)
  • Difficulty: Moderate

A2: Keenagh Loop (31km)

  • Quiet country roads and open bogland views
  • Passes near Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
  • Peaceful rural cycling experience
  • Difficulty: Moderate

A3: Ballymahon Loop (29km)

  • Shortest South Longford route
  • Follows sections of the Royal Canal
  • Passes Abbeyshrule village and River Inny
  • Nearby Newcastle Woods & Oliver Goldsmith birthplace (Pallas)
  • Cafés and restaurants in Ballymahon
  • Difficulty: Moderate

A4: Lanesborough Loop (36km)

  • Scenic route around Lough Ree shoreline
  • Views of islands, Barley Harbour & Saints Island
  • Passes Rathcline Castle
  • Stops in Lanesborough & Newtowncashel villages
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The post County Longford Cycle Routes appeared first on Visit Longford.

]]>