Corlea Trackway & Royal Canal
Longford
About This Route
Hidden in the Longford bogs lies one of Europe's most remarkable archaeological discoveries - a 2,000-year-old wooden road preserved in peat. This route combines the ancient trackway with the Georgian engineering of the Royal Canal.
Why This Route?
Longford reveals unexpected treasures:
- Corlea Trackway - Iron Age road preserved for 2,000 years
- Royal Canal - Georgian waterway with restored towpath
- Bog landscape - Midland raised bogs
- Undiscovered - Few tourists venture here
- Free attractions - Major sites have free entry
Corlea Trackway
In 148 BC, Iron Age people built a wooden road across the bog - possibly for ritual purposes rather than practical transport. The oak planks were preserved in waterlogged peat until discovered in 1984.
The Visitor Centre
- 18-metre section of original road on display
- Climate-controlled hall (essential for preservation)
- Audio-visual presentation
- Explanation of bog archaeology
- Free admission
Why Here?
The bog preserved what dry land would have destroyed. Similar trackways exist across Europe, but Corlea is among the finest.
The Route
Starting from Longford Town
The county town:
- St Mel's Cathedral (rebuilt after 2009 fire)
- Heritage centre
- Market town character
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
The highlight - allow 1-1.5 hours:
- Watch the film first
- See the preserved trackway
- Learn about Iron Age life
- Explore the bog setting
Keenagh
A village near the trackway site.
Royal Canal Greenway
The restored towpath is now a walking and cycling trail:
- 130km Dublin to Cloondara (Longford section)
- Flat, easy surface
- Lock houses and bridges
- Wildlife along the banks
Cloondara (Richmond Harbour)
Where the Royal Canal meets the Shannon:
- Historic harbour buildings
- Canal terminus
- Café and facilities
- Boat trips possible
Tarmonbarry
A Shannon crossing point with:
- Weir and lock
- River views
- Traditional village
Newtownforbes
A small estate village.
Carrigglas Manor
A Gothic Revival house with:
- Costume collection
- Gardens
- Tours by arrangement
Return via Longford
Complete the circuit through the county town.
Royal Canal History
Built 1790-1817, the Royal Canal was always the poor relation to the Grand Canal. Commercial traffic ceased in 1955, but restoration began in the 1970s.
The Rivalry
The Royal and Grand Canals competed for Dublin-Shannon traffic. The Royal took a more northerly route but never achieved profitability.
Today
The canal is:
- Fully navigable again
- Towpath restored as greenway
- Popular for walking and cycling
- Peaceful escape from roads
Walking & Cycling
Royal Canal Greenway
- Longford section: 25km
- Surface: Crushed stone
- Difficulty: Easy (flat)
- Facilities: Various access points
Corlea Bog Walk
Short trail at the visitor centre.
Wildlife
Bog Wildlife
- Hare
- Curlew
- Snipe
- Meadow pipit
Canal Wildlife
- Herons
- Kingfishers
- Swans
- Pike in the water
Practical Tips
- Corlea - Free admission; check opening times
- Trackway - Climate controlled; may feel cold
- Greenway - Bike hire available in Longford
- Cloondara - Small; limited facilities
- Carrigglas - Check opening arrangements
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
