Slowly (sometimes very slowly) but surely Ireland is putting together a greenway network. Already we have the more commonly known and well established Comber Greenway, the Great Western greenway (connecting Westport to Achill Island) and Waterford Greenway that opened in March 2017. In Waterford it is estimated that more than million people now use the greenway annually. The Royal Canal Greenway is Ireland's longest greenway at 144km. In the south greenway investment has increased significantly and we may be ...
(Permalink) Eire Greenways Ireland

What could make for a more relaxing holiday than strolling peacefully or cycling with the family on a smooth pathway specially designed for you, without any fear of honking horns, heavy trucks, or fast cars coming up behind?

Irish long-distance pathways are the answer. Greenways are a fairly new innovation, but they are proving hugely popular, especially with families and gentle walkers as well as keen cyclists. Many of these walking/cycling routes utilise old railway tracks which were, in their time, the latest and most startling invention to change Irish life, giving country folk the opportunity for the first time to travel further than the next village, and city residents the chance to get out and experience the beauties of the countryside.
(Permalink) Greenways Ireland

It raises an interesting question about how green our greenways really are. Every route turned over to cyclists and walkers is a nail in the coffin of rural rail. [Article requires subscription. -RS]
(Permalink) Airdrie-Bathgate Greenways High Peak Trail

Ireland's abandoned 19th century railways have been revitalised as greenways in recent years after falling into disrepair. Here's the inside story on the transformation.
(Permalink) Greenways Ireland Éire

Mike Harrison of HarrisonStevens outlines the changes happening to repurpose brownfield sites, canal towpaths and overgrown and unloved scrubland as more people are being encouraged to ditch the car and enjoy the benefits of active travel.
The canal towpaths and redundant railway lines that pass through the hearts of our cities are a legacy of our industrial past.
(Permalink) Greenways

Victorian railway bridges which were due to be filled in with concrete in an act previously decried as 'cultural vandalism' will be repurposed as part of a new scheme to encourage walking and cycling, the transport secretary has announced. The government is halting the demolition of historic railway lines in the hope that they can be remodelled as routes which encourage greener means of travel.
(Permalink) Cultural Vandalism Cycling Greenways Highways England Walking

Enda Kenny makes his TV presenting debut next week, as he fronts a new show about the long-abandoned railway routes of Ireland.
(Permalink) Enda Kenny Greenways Iarnród Enda Ireland RTE