Where the Royal Canal and River Shannon meet in Cloondara

In Cloondara, the Royal Canal meets the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river. Richmond Harbour lies on the water and is the heart of the village. Cut stone blocks, a lock and the elegant Richmond Bridge shape the area. For travellers interested in waterways and their history, Cloondara offers a specific place to start: the harbour connects the history of the canal with opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring the waterways.

Richmond Harbour and the history of the canal

The Royal Canal reached Cloondara on 26 May 1817. Richmond Harbour was named after the Duke of Richmond, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when this end of the waterway was completed. The harbour is built from cut stone blocks and is home to the last lock on the Royal Canal. Many buildings around Richmond Harbour were built for trade on the canal. The harbour, lock and surrounding buildings are therefore part of a shared history of water transport.

Numerous barges call Richmond Harbour home; the number of boats there at any given time can vary. Richmond Bridge is also part of the historic village scene: the Royal Canal Greenway passes beneath its horseshoe-shaped arch. A walk here combines views of the bridge with the course of the canal. Those interested in architectural forms will find a striking contrast between the bridge’s arched span and the harbour’s cut stone blocks.

On foot, by bike or along the waterways

Cloondara is a possible starting point for a trip on the Royal Canal Greenway. The section from Cloondara to Keenagh is listed as taking three hours on foot or 45 minutes by bike. These times are estimates and depend on conditions and your own pace; check current conditions before setting out. The A1 cycling route from Cloondara to Keenagh is 32 kilometres long and follows the Royal Canal for most of its length. This provides both a walking-time estimate and a designated cycling route to help you plan your trip along this stretch of the canal.

The Shannon Blueway can also be explored from Cloondara. Access and conditions may vary seasonally. If you would prefer to take in a longer historic route, the National Famine Way is a 165-kilometre cultural walking trail suitable for walkers, cyclists and families. In County Longford, it follows the Royal Canal Greenway. The signposted walking and cycling route traces the last known journey of 1,490 people who were forced to leave Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847. The region thus brings together waterways and the history of this forced journey.

More nature experiences in County Longford

As a separate point of comparison in the region, Newcastle Woodland is in Newcastle near Ballymahon in County Longford. Managed by Coillte, the mixed woodland covers 325 hectares and extends along both sides of the River Inny, an important tributary of the River Shannon. A 14-kilometre network of trails offers routes of varying lengths. These include a 400-metre Access for All trail and a 1-kilometre wheelchair-accessible trail through the forest. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the information before visiting. The woodland trails at Newcastle Woodland and the waterways around Cloondara are different regional highlights for you to weigh up when planning your trip.

If Richmond Harbour, canal history and activities on the water are what you’re looking for, Cloondara is the right place to focus your search. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to match this focus to the activities you have in mind: the walking and cycling times provide a guide to the Greenway, while the National Famine Way offers a longer historical perspective. This lets you choose a location based on the kinds of outings you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Mosstown, Longford, Granard, Lanesborough, Moyne, Killashee

For the overview of the wider region: County Longford.