East of Ireland Walks - On River and Canal

A Walking Guide

Like secret highways, Ireland's rivers and canals wind their way through undiscovered parts of the country that are rich in wildlife, history and folklore. Walking our little-used waterside trails reveals hidden threads of wildness through rural and urban Ireland, rich in flora and fauna, and uncovers remnants of a time when life in Ireland revolved around its waterways rather than roads.

This guide introduces some of the best river and canal trails in Leinster, from short strolls to long day-hikes, and one multi-day trek. It features deep wooded valleys in Wicklow, the big rivers of the south-east, old canals that criss-cross the midlands, and suburban rivers in Dublin. With an eye out for wildlife, the author describes these walking routes by Ireland's rivers and canals, while recounting local history and offering practical advice for walkers. Whether you are new to hiking in Ireland or and experienced walker, these new and less-trodden paths will bring you to places of unexpected beauty.

The Dodder

01: Ringsend to Firhouse | 14km

The Liffey

02: Lucan to Leixlip | 6km

The Grand Canal

03: Lucan Road Bridge to Sallins | 17km
04: Milltown to Pollardstown Fen | 12km
05: Tullamore to Ferbane | 28km

The Royal Canal

06: Enfield to Kilcock | 13km
07: Mullingar to Ballynacargy | 18.5km

The Boyne

08: Boyne Ramparts Walk, Navan to Stackallen | 6.5km

The Barrow

09: Old Mill Loop, Glenbarrow | 10km

The Clodiagh

10: Brittas Loop, Clonaslee | 6.5km

The Silver River

11: Paul's Lane Loop & The Offaly Way | 17km

The Nore

12: Dunmore Woods Loop, Durrow | 15km
13: Nore Valley Way - Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge | 13km

The Barrow Way

14: Robertstown to Monasterevin | 24.5km
15: Monasterevin to Athy | 22.5km
16: Athy to Carlow | 19km
17: Carlow to Goresbridge | 25.5km
18: Goresbridge to St. Mullins | 22.5km

The Derry River

19: Railway Walk & Tomnafinnoge Wood River Walk | 10km

The Avonmore

20: River Walk, Avondale Forest Park | 5km
21: Blue Loop, Vale of Clara Nature Reserve | 9.5km

The Vartry

22: Waterfall Walk, The Devil's Glen | 5km