Grand Canal Way: Tullamore to Ballycommon
About 8.5 km one way · Flat elevation
About
The Grand Canal reached Tullamore from Dublin in 1798 and is the reason the town is laid out the way it is. The towpath east from Bury Quay is part of the Grand Canal Way, and it is flat, quiet and well used by walkers and cyclists. Start at the quay, pass under Bury Bridge and follow the water out past Digby Bridge and its lock, through open country, to Cappyroe Bridge and on to Ballycommon Bridge. That is about eight and a half kilometres one way on the line we have mapped; Visit Offaly puts the Greenway distance at eight. The Ballycommon Bake House beside the bridge does coffee, toasties and bike hire, which makes it a natural turning point. Take care through the town section, where the route crosses roads, and remember the canal is deep.
Highlights
- ✓Bury Quay and the old canal warehouses
- ✓Digby Bridge and its lock
- ✓Open country east of town
- ✓Coffee at Ballycommon Bridge
Tips
- →The open canal water is deep; keep children and dogs close
- →Cyclists should carry a bell, because walkers share the towpath
- →Parts of the route through town cross roads, so take extra care there
- →Arrange a lift back, hire a bike at Ballycommon, or walk it as a return