Royal Canal Greenway: Ballymahon to Mosstown Harbour

This section of the Royal Canal Greenway starts in Ballymahon. Ballymahon is a recognized access point with amenities, and you can typically find parking there. The trail concludes at Mosstown Harbour, which also has amenities and parking options.

Yes, the Royal Canal Greenway is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all users and to protect local wildlife.

The Royal Canal Greenway can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also great, but be prepared for more sun exposure. Winter jogging is possible, but check weather conditions for potential rain or colder temperatures.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the Royal Canal Greenway, including the section from Ballymahon to Mosstown Harbour. It is freely accessible to the public.

The route from Ballymahon to Mosstown Harbour is approximately 19.4 kilometers (about 12 miles) long. For an average jogger, it typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete this section.

While the Royal Canal Greenway is often described as easy and flat, this specific 19.4 km section from Ballymahon to Mosstown Harbour is classified as 'difficult' and requires 'very good fitness' for jogging. It features a 50-meter elevation gain, making it more challenging than other parts of the greenway. Beginners might find it a significant undertaking.

The terrain on this section is a mix of surfaces. You can expect mostly paved surfaces, including approximately 8.44 km of asphalt, along with about 9.83 km of compacted gravel. There are also smaller segments of other paved and natural surfaces.

Along the route, you'll encounter historical features such as Archie's Bridge (built in 1815) and Pake Bridge. You'll also pass by the Corlea Bog, which has a visitor center and an ancient Iron Age bog road nearby. The trail ends at Mosstown Harbour, home to the National Famine Way Shoes Memorial.

Yes, this route is part of the larger Royal Canal Greenway network. Along this specific section, you will also intersect with parts of the National Famine Way, The Royal Canal Way, and the South Longford Cycle Route A3.

Ballymahon, where the trail begins, is a well-equipped access point with various amenities. At the end of your journey, Mosstown Harbour also offers amenities. While the trail itself is primarily natural, you'll find options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation in these towns.

You can expect a picturesque journey along the historic 200-year-old Royal Canal, lined with colorful hedgerows. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife such as herons, swans, otters, badgers, and foxes. The route also offers views of the Corlea Bog and historical engineering marvels like the old bridges.