Mindful meanderings along Ireland’s peaceful blueways and greenways are the perfect way to connect with the spirit of the island.
Take time to explore Ireland by boat, bike or on foot and you will find beautiful, tranquil landscapes dotted with cultural gems and story-filled sites. The island has multiple blueways and greenways that offer the chance to step away from busy roads and cities, slow down and sink into nature.
Blueways are rivers and waterways where people can safely kayak, canoe, paddle board or cruise, or walk along picturesque waterside trails. Currently Ireland has four blueways, with plans for six more. The mighty River Shannon has two blueways and is the cruising heart of Ireland. In the east the smaller Boyne blueway wends its way past historic sites such as Trim Castle and is a great kayaking site while in the south the Suir blueway is a paddlers paradise.
Cruising on the River Shannon is a sustainable and hugely enjoyable way to explore Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and you can pick up a cruiser at multiple spots along its length. Hire a sustainable Carrickcraft HVO boat in Carrick-on-Shannon and head north towards Lough Key to view its romantic castle island and enjoy the many activities in its forest park. Then head for Drumshambo and visit The Shed Distillery – home to Gunpowder Gin. Heading south will take you to the village of Dromod with its railway museum.
Another great spot to moor up along the Shannon is Athlone where you can spend the afternoon exploring its historic castle and relax for the evening in Sean’s Bar, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub. Cruising on down the Shannon will take you to the ancient spiritual centre of Clonmacnoise where you can wander through the atmospheric ruins of a sixth-century monastic site.
If you pick up your cruiser further south at Lough Derg, you’ll have a world of watersports to enjoy in the lake as well as being close to heritage gems such as Portumna castle and Brian Ború’s Fort in Killaloe.
The freedom of a cruising adventure means you can stop to explore when and where you want. Enjoy great waterside meals in places like Hodson Bay Hotel on the shores of Lough Ree or spend an evening in a lively music-filled pub.
If you prefer to stay on terra firma, Ireland’s many greenways offer tranquil routes that are ideal for gentle walks or cycling. From the 130km Royal Canal Greenway, which stretches all the way from Dublin to County Longford, to the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo with its breath-taking views over the Atlantic, Ireland’s expanding network of greenways offers safe, serene spaces where you can explore at a leisurely pace. Recent additions include the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, a 15km route through east Cork’s rolling countryside, Dublin Port Greenway which follows a coastal path through the city’s revitalised docklands, and the North West Greenway connecting Derry~Londonderry and Donegal.
Travelling the island’s blueways and greenways is a peaceful immersion in nature and staying in accommodation that complements that experience is essential to keep the vibe chilled. Happily, finding great places to stay in stunning countryside settings is easy. If your journey takes you to County Laois, don’t miss the experience of staying in Glamping Under the Stars. With both a mountain and a meadow glampsite you can choose to fall asleep in a bell tent, wood lodge, shepherd’s hut or even a grass-roofed hobbit house.
Great glamping accommodation along the Great Western Greenway includes Mayo Glamping which provides a range of novelty places to stay. There are also many luxury hotel options near the greenways such as the Wineport Lodge, Glasson, County Westmeath, which offers balconied rooms with lakeside views, a spa and excellent rustic-style dining.
