European Cycle route of the year

Royal Canal Greenway Wins European Cycle Route of the Year 2022

The Royal Canal Greenway has been awarded European Cycle Route of the Year 2022 by leading Dutch Walking and Cycling Fair Fiets en Wandelbeurs at a season opening event held in the Netherlands. Competing against long distance routes in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, the Royal Canal Greenway took home the winning accolade. Normally attended by over 40,000 enthusiastic cyclists, the Fiets en Wandelbeurs European Cycle Route of the Year Award is judged by leading, activity, tourism and journalist experts from across the Netherlands.

Waterways Ireland Chief Executive John McDonagh said, “I am delighted by this international recognition of the exceptional waterway heritage and Irish countryside experience offered by the Royal Canal Greenway. We look forward to welcoming many Dutch and other European tourists to the Royal Canal Greenway in future.”

The 130km Royal Canal Greenway begins 25km east of Ireland’s capital city Dublin, in cosmopolitan Maynooth. It is a mostly flat, off-road route following a former towpath for horse?drawn barges, featuring 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts and links Maynooth with the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, at the tranquil harbour village of Cloondara, County Longford. The Greenway is well-serviced by bike hire operators, serviced and un-serviced accommodation providers and plenty of pretty, independent hostelries, cafés, bistros and coffee providers along its length. Luggage transport and other services are available to multi-day visitors, choosing the full trip or selecting one or more of the 14 sections on the Greenway.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan said, “The Royal Canal Greenway truly has the winning formula. It is evident that the Greenway is fast becoming a destination of choice for those looking for an active holiday. Set within the beautiful countryside and going through some of our most friendly towns and villages, the Greenway is a fantastic amenity for tourists and locals alike. County Longford looks forward to welcoming more visitors thanks to this recognition on the European stage.”

Other successes for the Royal Canal Greenway this year include the recently-awarded 2021 All-Ireland Community and Council Awards for Best Tourism Initiative 2021, and 'highly commended' in the Excellence category at the European Greenway Awards.

The Royal Canal Greenway recently celebrated its first birthday announcing that over 600,000 visits had taken place since its launch in March 2021 deriving €17.2m for the local economy. It was developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with the four Local Authorities of Kildare, Longfordd, Meath and Westmeath.

Royal Canal Greenway information can be found at royalcanalgreenway.org and for more information on the prize visit fietsenwandelbeurs.nl

Experience Europes best cycling route with a - 5 day tour  with Cycle Tours Ireland, or call Robert today on 0851125411.

More News

Oct 15Long distance Irish Cycling Tours

Ready for An East to West Cycle Tour across Ireland?

Oct 01Make a Secure Booking with Cycle Tours Ireland

How do I book? Is my booking Secure with Cycle Tours Ireland?

Sep 19Bookings for the 2024 Season

Cycle tours Ireland 2024 Season , Now taking bookings for season starting Sunday March 24th

Feb 26IAAT Group member

A member of Irelands Association for Adventure Tourism since 2019

Oct 15Traffic Free East to West Cycle tour

Cycle The traffic free Royal Canal Greenway and The great Western Greenway trail and explore Irelands hidden heartlands and Wild Atlantic way trails.

Oct 07Am I fit enough for a Cycling holiday?

Bicycle Tours In Ireland - What tour suits my fitness level?

Sep 29The National Famine Way Cycle tour

Cycle the National Famine Way

Mar 12Wild Atlantic Way No 20 on BIG7 Travel Top 50 Bucket list

The Wild Atlantic Way No 20 on BIG7 Travel Top 50 Bucket list

Mar 04Visit the Iconic Kylemore Abbey with Cycle Tours Ireland

As part of our Lake & Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Tour, We recommend a stop off at the Iconic Kylemore Abbey.

Feb 26Explore Ireland's best beaches with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Explore Ireland's Best Beaches?

Feb 19Explore Irish Greenways with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Cycle on Traffic free Roads? Please Contact Cycle tours Ireland for further information.

Feb 12Cycle from Maynooth to Clondra, Co Longford on the traffic free Royal canal

The Royal Canal - A little History and Cycling tours.

Jan 29Cycle Tours Ireland - Doolin Cycle Routes

Doolin, County Clare in ‘Top Ten Most Welcoming Places on Earth’

Jan 22A Cycle Tour in Ireland for all the family.

Want the Perfect Family Cycling Holiday in Ireland?

Jan 17Irelands Hidden Heartlands

Cycle Tours Ireland are members of Ireland's Hidden Heartland's

Jan 12Midlands Historical Cycle Tour

Cycle Tours Ireland - New Cycle Tour through the Heart of Longford and Roscommon

Jan 02Trace your Irish Ancestors with Cycle Tours Ireland

Want to Explore your Ancestral homelands by Bicycle?

Dec 19Christmas offers with Cycle Tours Ireland

Book a Bicycle Tour In Ireland with special Christmas Discount

Dec 06Cycle back through history with Cycle tours Ireland

Cycle back in Time with Tours of Ireland's historical houses and castles.

Nov 21Using Electric Bikes with Cycle Tours Ireland

What are the pro's and Con's of Electric Bikes. Will it prevent building fitness levels?

Nov 14Explore Sligo with Cycle Tours Ireland

Explore Sligo by bike with Cycle Tours Ireland