Grand Canal & Bog of Allen
Kildare
About This Route
Beyond Kildare's manicured paddocks lies a different landscape - the ancient Bog of Allen and the Grand Canal that cuts through it. This route explores Ireland's industrial heritage and the unique ecology of the midland bogs.
Why This Route?
The bog and canal offer:
- Grand Canal - 18th-century engineering marvel
- Bog of Allen - Ireland's largest raised bog complex
- Industrial heritage - Turf cutting and barge transport
- Nature reserves - Recovering bog ecosystems
- Castletown House - Ireland's largest Palladian mansion
The Grand Canal
Built between 1756 and 1804, the Grand Canal connected Dublin to the Shannon. At its peak, barges carried passengers and freight across Ireland. Today, it's a heritage waterway for cruising and walking.
The Route
Starting from Maynooth
Begin at Ireland's university town:
- Maynooth Castle (13th century)
- St Patrick's College (seminary and university)
- Canal harbour
Castletown House
Ireland's largest Palladian mansion (1722):
- Guided tours of magnificent interiors
- Long Gallery (140 feet)
- Parkland walks
- Batty Langley Lodge (architectural folly)
Celbridge
Georgian town on the Liffey with:
- Swift connection (Vanessa Vanhomrigh)
- River walks
- Traditional character
Grand Canal Greenway
The towpath is now a continuous walking and cycling trail. Access at multiple points including:
- Sallins
- Robertstown
- Lowtown
- Ticknevin
Robertstown
A canal harbour village frozen in time:
- Grand Canal Hotel (1801)
- Warehouses and lock
- Traditional pubs
- Starting point for barge cruises
Lullymore Heritage Park
Educational centre on the Bog of Allen:
- Bog ecology explained
- Replica crannóg
- Fairy village for children
- Train rides
- Walking trails
Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Peatlands research and conservation:
- Boardwalk through living bog
- Information on bog ecology
- Conservation work
Rathangan
A planned estate village with canal harbour.
Monasterevin
Historic town where the Grand Canal meets the River Barrow:
- Moore Abbey (Georgian mansion)
- Aqueduct carrying canal over river
- Traditional streetscape
Walking & Cycling
Grand Canal Greenway
- Total length: 117km Dublin to Shannon
- Kildare section: Multiple options
- Surface: Crushed stone, suitable for hybrid bikes
- Highlights: Lock houses, bridges, wildlife
Lullymore Walks
- Various loops in the heritage park
- Boardwalk through bog
- Suitable for families
Bog Ecology
What is Raised Bog?
Formed over 10,000 years, raised bogs are domes of sphagnum peat that grow upward, fed only by rainwater. The Bog of Allen was once 100,000+ hectares; less than 10% survives undamaged.
Conservation
Former industrial bogs are being rehabilitated:
- Drain blocking raises water levels
- Sphagnum moss returns
- Specialist plants recover
- Birds and insects return
Wildlife
- Birds: Curlew, snipe, meadow pipit
- Plants: Sundew (carnivorous), bog cotton, heathers
- Insects: Large heath butterfly, dragonflies
Practical Tips
- Castletown - Guided tours best; book for busy periods
- Greenway - Bike hire at Sallins and other points
- Lullymore - Good family destination; allow 2+ hours
- Barge cruises - Book in advance from Robertstown
- Canal villages - Limited facilities; plan lunch stops
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
