Great Eastern Greenway

Great Eastern Greenway

This Greenway is work in progress between Carlingford and our friends in Newry to have a car-free trail to Newry. This Greenway is in two sections Carlingford to Omeath and Victoria Lough to Newry.

This Greenway is work in progress between Carlingford and our friends in Newry to have a car-free trail to Newry. This Greenway is in two sections Carlingford to Omeath and Victoria Lough to Newry.

Carlingford village is one of Ireland’s must- see medieval villages with its narrow streets packed full of life. The Great Eastern Greenway starts outside the town.

Carlingford village is one of Ireland’s must- see medieval villages with its narrow streets packed full of life. The Great Eastern Greenway starts outside the town.

This medieval town is dominated by the castle, which rises majestically above the Lough and offers magnificent views to the north, south and east. The castle was built by the great Norman lord Hugh de Lacy, but after King John of England spent the summer of 1210 in Carlingford, the castle became known as King John’s castle.

This medieval town is dominated by the castle, which rises majestically above the Lough and offers magnificent views to the north, south and east. The castle was built by the great Norman lord Hugh de Lacy, but after King John of England spent the summer of 1210 in Carlingford, the castle became known as King John’s castle.

Welcome to the Great Eastern Greenway, a new use of a historic route. From here you can travel to Omeath, mostly along the trackbed of the former Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway, This greenway resumes in Victoria Lough and will take you to Newry.

Welcome to the Great Eastern Greenway, a new use of a historic route. From here you can travel to Omeath, mostly along the trackbed of the former Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway, This greenway resumes in Victoria Lough and will take you to Newry.

Great Eastern Greenway

Great Eastern Greenway

Back in the 1860s, plans for the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway were drafted with the intention of bridging together several towns across Ireland. It provided connections between its three titular towns and also linked with the London and North Western Railway port at Greenore. The section between Greenore and Dundalk opened in 1873 and the Newry section followed in 1876. For decades, the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway would ferry passengers across Ireland and offered a convenient connection to the rest of the United Kingdom. It wasn’t until 1951 that the line would close down, then eventually dissolved in 1957 by act of consent.

Back in the 1860s, plans for the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway were drafted with the intention of bridging together several towns across Ireland. It provided connections between its three titular towns and also linked with the London and North Western Railway port at Greenore. The section between Greenore and Dundalk opened in 1873 and the Newry section followed in 1876. For decades, the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway would ferry passengers across Ireland and offered a convenient connection to the rest of the United Kingdom. It wasn’t until 1951 that the line would close down, then eventually dissolved in 1957 by act of consent.

The Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway stretched across the coastline overlooking Dundalk Bay and the Carlingford Lough. Between Newry and Greenore, the train would have a constant view of the lough, offering spectacular views when the weather was clear. The Greenore to Dundalk section of the railway hugs the coastline of Dundalk Bay, passing through Bush and Bellurgan before pulling into Dundalk.

The Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway stretched across the coastline overlooking Dundalk Bay and the Carlingford Lough. Between Newry and Greenore, the train would have a constant view of the lough, offering spectacular views when the weather was clear. The Greenore to Dundalk section of the railway hugs the coastline of Dundalk Bay, passing through Bush and Bellurgan before pulling into Dundalk.

This incredibly scenic route is now being revived as a long stretch of greenway that will eventually cover the entire trackbed of this iconic railway The Great Eastern Greenway is a proposed trail that covers a large section of the Dundalk, Newry, and Greenore Railway. As of now, the Great Eastern Greenway only consists of this section of the old railway, but there are plans to extend the greenway across the entire line using the old trackbed as the main path.

This incredibly scenic route is now being revived as a long stretch of greenway that will eventually cover the entire trackbed of this iconic railway The Great Eastern Greenway is a proposed trail that covers a large section of the Dundalk, Newry, and Greenore Railway. As of now, the Great Eastern Greenway only consists of this section of the old railway, but there are plans to extend the greenway across the entire line using the old trackbed as the main path.

The Great Eastern Greenway is a proposed trail that covers a large section of the Dundalk, Newry, and Greenore Railway. As of now, the Great Eastern Greenway only consists of this section of the old railway, but there are plans to extend the greenway across the entire line using the old trackbed as the main path.

The Great Eastern Greenway is a proposed trail that covers a large section of the Dundalk, Newry, and Greenore Railway. As of now, the Great Eastern Greenway only consists of this section of the old railway, but there are plans to extend the greenway across the entire line using the old trackbed as the main path.

As of today, plans for the Great Eastern Greenway have been approved and construction is underway to convert the old line into an active trail for tourists and locals alike.

As of today, plans for the Great Eastern Greenway have been approved and construction is underway to convert the old line into an active trail for tourists and locals alike.

Carlingford to Omeath

Carlingford to Omeath

While the entire route has yet to be constructed, tourists and locals are welcome to use the existing Carlingford to Omeath greenway for recreational activities. This section of the trail overlooks the Carlingford Lough and spans seven kilometres. It takes roughly two hours to walk and offers stunning coastline views the entire time. This section of the greenway uses the old railway line between Carlingford and Omeath as a pathway, and there’s plenty of space for cyclists as well.

While the entire route has yet to be constructed, tourists and locals are welcome to use the existing Carlingford to Omeath greenway for recreational activities. This section of the trail overlooks the Carlingford Lough and spans seven kilometres. It takes roughly two hours to walk and offers stunning coastline views the entire time. This section of the greenway uses the old railway line between Carlingford and Omeath as a pathway, and there’s plenty of space for cyclists as well.

You’ll find a couple of facilities at Carlingford such as bike hires, places to eat, and maps to help you understand where you are and what to expect along the trail. Throughout the greenway you’ll find benches to rest if you get tired and fences that will help you stay on track.

You’ll find a couple of facilities at Carlingford such as bike hires, places to eat, and maps to help you understand where you are and what to expect along the trail. Throughout the greenway you’ll find benches to rest if you get tired and fences that will help you stay on track.

Victoria Lock 

Victoria Lock 

This Greenway is off-road between Carlingford and before Omeath. The Greenway resumes here at Victoria Lock in  Northern Ireland.

This Greenway is off-road between Carlingford and before Omeath. The Greenway resumes here at Victoria Lock in  Northern Ireland.

It’s recommended to bring safety equipment such as a helmet if you’re cycling. You should also come equipped with a mobile phone, some snacks, plenty of water, and some waterproofs. Most people will finish the trail in under 2.5 hours, but if you like to take it slow to absorb all the sights and sounds, then it’s definitely recommended to pack some food and drink with you so you can take a break during the trail.

It’s recommended to bring safety equipment such as a helmet if you’re cycling. You should also come equipped with a mobile phone, some snacks, plenty of water, and some waterproofs. Most people will finish the trail in under 2.5 hours, but if you like to take it slow to absorb all the sights and sounds, then it’s definitely recommended to pack some food and drink with you so you can take a break during the trail.

If you do happen to lose your bearings, there are plenty of signs and maps along the route to help you stay on track. You’ll also find QR codes, emergency numbers, and other contact information on these signboards should you need assistance.

If you do happen to lose your bearings, there are plenty of signs and maps along the route to help you stay on track. You’ll also find QR codes, emergency numbers, and other contact information on these signboards should you need assistance.

This Greenway Ends in Newry

Newry to Dundalk

Newry to Dundalk

The Carlingford to Omeath greenway is a spectacular trail that offers some amazing views of Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foye. However, it’s just a small section of what the entire greenway will have to offer once it has been fully constructed.

The Carlingford to Omeath greenway is a spectacular trail that offers some amazing views of Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foye. However, it’s just a small section of what the entire greenway will have to offer once it has been fully constructed.

Planning for the Great Eastern Greenway started in June 2016. The route would be around 42 kilometres in length and cost an estimated £6.3 million with a timescale of completion between 2026 and 2040. That’s a really long time, but sections of the greenway will be opened as they are completed. For instance, construction on the Carlingford Lough Greenway started in 2017 and was eventually finished in July 2018 when it officially opened. This stretch of the greenway connects Newry with Victoria Lock.

Planning for the Great Eastern Greenway started in June 2016. The route would be around 42 kilometres in length and cost an estimated £6.3 million with a timescale of completion between 2026 and 2040. That’s a really long time, but sections of the greenway will be opened as they are completed. For instance, construction on the Carlingford Lough Greenway started in 2017 and was eventually finished in July 2018 when it officially opened. This stretch of the greenway connects Newry with Victoria Lock.

Proposals to connect Victoria Lock and Omeath have already been submitted, meaning we could see a Carlingford to Newry greenway in the near future. There’s also a proposed extension to the Carlingford to Omeath greenway that extends past the Marina into Carlingford itself.

Proposals to connect Victoria Lock and Omeath have already been submitted, meaning we could see a Carlingford to Newry greenway in the near future. There’s also a proposed extension to the Carlingford to Omeath greenway that extends past the Marina into Carlingford itself.

While the Dundalk side of the greenway has yet to see any major construction, it’s clear that things are progressing at a great pace. The existing greenways between Newry and Carlingford have proven to be a huge success and it’s only a matter of time until we see the entire coastline of the Carlingford Lough become a safe and attractive route for hiking, cycling, and even commuting.

While the Dundalk side of the greenway has yet to see any major construction, it’s clear that things are progressing at a great pace. The existing greenways between Newry and Carlingford have proven to be a huge success and it’s only a matter of time until we see the entire coastline of the Carlingford Lough become a safe and attractive route for hiking, cycling, and even commuting.

Things to do on the Great Eastern Greenway

Things to do on the Great Eastern Greenway

Even though the Great Eastern Greenway has yet to be fully completed, there are still plenty of things to see and do if you decide to hike across the existing trails along the coastline of the Carlingford Lough.

Even though the Great Eastern Greenway has yet to be fully completed, there are still plenty of things to see and do if you decide to hike across the existing trails along the coastline of the Carlingford Lough.

Carlingford Ferry

Carlingford Ferry

Many people start their journey at Greenore, one of the major towns that were once connected to Dundalk and Newry via the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway. While it’s not an official greenway, there are some beautiful sights to be seen if you decide to walk from Carlingford to Greenore across the coastline. Once you arrive at Greenore, you can hop on one of the Carlingford Ferry evening cruises to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

Many people start their journey at Greenore, one of the major towns that were once connected to Dundalk and Newry via the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway. While it’s not an official greenway, there are some beautiful sights to be seen if you decide to walk from Carlingford to Greenore across the coastline. Once you arrive at Greenore, you can hop on one of the Carlingford Ferry evening cruises to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

Skypark Carlingford

Skypark Carlingford

Skypark Carlingford is an adrenaline-filled park that offers activities such as axe throwing, archery, adventure courses, and even laser tag. If you plan to take children with you to the greenway, then you can also treat them to some fun-filled activities if you’re staying in Carlingford.

Skypark Carlingford is an adrenaline-filled park that offers activities such as axe throwing, archery, adventure courses, and even laser tag. If you plan to take children with you to the greenway, then you can also treat them to some fun-filled activities if you’re staying in Carlingford.

King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is a 12th-century castle that currently stands as a National Monument in Carlingford. There are tours to enjoy that will help you explore its fascinating history. If you want to learn more about Carlingford or Irish history as part of your trail adventures, then this is the perfect stop to make.

King John’s Castle is a 12th-century castle that currently stands as a National Monument in Carlingford. There are tours to enjoy that will help you explore its fascinating history. If you want to learn more about Carlingford or Irish history as part of your trail adventures, then this is the perfect stop to make.

The Great Western Greenway

The Great Western Greenway

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St Brendan Statue Fenit
St Brendan Statue Fenit

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The Royal Canal Greenway

Royal Canal Greenway
Royal Canal Greenway Ireland

The Athlone Greenway

The Cork Harbour Greenway