Grand Canal and the River Barrow

Our base at Tullamore is 60 miles (100k), about one hour by train, from Dublin (hirers can be collected at the station).

Tullamore is on the Grand Canal, built over 200 years ago and relatively unchanged. From the heart of Dublin it travels 85 miles to meet the River Shannon, crossing the Bog of Allen, and through Tullamore, the county town of County Offaly.

From Tullamore it is 25 miles west to the River Shannon. 

The 40 miles between Athlone and Portumna on the Shannon offer plenty of cruising and fishing grounds.

There are sights such as the ancient monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise and the fortifications at Shannonbridge, built to repel any Napoleonic invasion.

There are country towns to visit where you will discover many friendly pubs.

East of Tullamore it is 25 miles to Robertstown, and the canal branch leading to the River Barrow at Athy.

The River Barrow is reputed to be one of the most beautiful navigable waterways in Europe. Treelined sections with locks and cuttings provide attractive mooring places with an abundance of wild life and fish. 

The countryside becomes more wooded and hilly, through Carlow to Graignamanaugh and Mount Brandon, and ending at the ancient settlement of St Mullins. 

Grand Canal Routes Home Page