Attractions and places to see around Ballymahon are characterized by its natural landscape and historical waterways. Located in County Longford, the area features the Royal Canal and the River Shannon, offering diverse outdoor activities. Woodlands and riverside trails provide opportunities for exploration and connecting with nature. This region presents a mix of historical sites and natural beauty.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Built between 1814 to 1817 to carry the Royal Canal over the River Inny, the Whitworth Aqueduct is a notable landmark on the Royal Canal Way. It provides superb views across the rolling green countryside around Abbeyshrule.
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The Royal Canal Way is Ireland's longest greenway, offering cyclists and hikers a peaceful and flat route to ride or walk. Abbeyshrule is set in classic rolling green countryside and is a good stopping point on the canal. The Rustic Inn provides both rooms and sustenance.
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Pake Bridge is one of the many arched stone bridges built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when the Royal Canal was first constructed. Like others along the route, it was designed to let horses tow barges beneath while carts and livestock crossed above. Today it’s a quiet spot to pause, with a bench beside the bridge that makes it perfect for a break.
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The Royal Canal Greenway is a 130 km long trail that runs from Spencer Dock in Dublin to the town of Cloondara in County Longford. This scenic route follows the path of the historic Royal Canal. The greenway passes through charming villages, lush landscapes, and over 40 locks, providing visitors with a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks.
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Great trails at Newcastle Woods, near the Inny River. Surrounded by pine trees, these forest trails are ready for you to explore.
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Lanesborough is a pretty town on the banks of the Shannon. The town is popular for watersports and its rich ecology including mixed woodlands and freshwater marsh.
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If you fancy a rest in some peaceful woods or perhaps to extend your ride on off road track then head into Newcastle woods off of the road here. Once part of the Newcastle Demense, owned by the King-Harman family, Newcastle Woods is a wonderful place to hike and connect with nature. As you walk through the peaceful woodland, keep a careful eye out for Pine Martens who are resident here.
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Once part of the Newcastle Demesne, owned by the King-Harman family, Newcastle Woods is a wonderful place to run and connect with nature. As you pass through the peaceful woodland, keep a careful eye out for Pine Martens who are resident here.
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Ballymahon is rich in natural beauty, offering woodlands, rivers, and canals. You can explore peaceful woodland trails at Newcastle Woods, or follow the Royal Canal Greenway which winds through lush landscapes. The area around Lanesborough also features mixed woodlands and freshwater marsh.
Yes, many attractions around Ballymahon are suitable for families. The Newcastle Woods and the Center Parcs Perimeter Trail offer easy walks. The Royal Canal Greenway is also a great option for family strolls or bike rides, passing by historical features like Pake Bridge.
The region is known for its historical waterways. The Royal Canal Greenway itself is a historical route, featuring over 40 locks and passing by structures like Pake Bridge, an 18th-century stone bridge. Another notable historical structure is the Whitworth Aqueduct.
Ballymahon offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as those in Newcastle Woods or the Center Parcs Perimeter Trail. For cycling, the Royal Canal Greenway is a 130 km long trail perfect for bikes. You can find more detailed routes for hiking, cycling, and running on the dedicated guide pages for Hiking around Ballymahon, Cycling around Ballymahon, and Running Trails around Ballymahon.
Yes, the Royal Canal Greenway offers a relatively flat and well-maintained path, making it suitable for easy walks. The Center Parcs Perimeter Trail is also open to the public and provides an accessible option for a leisurely stroll.
The woodlands and riverside areas around Ballymahon are home to various wildlife. At Newcastle Woods, you might spot Pine Martens. The rich ecology around Lanesborough, with its mixed woodlands and freshwater marsh, also supports diverse species.
Ballymahon's attractions, particularly its outdoor trails and waterways, are enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and watersports. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the woodlands. Even in winter, the trails like those in Newcastle Woods can offer peaceful, crisp walks.
Many of the outdoor trails and greenways, such as Newcastle Woods and the Royal Canal Greenway, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and to protect local wildlife.
While popular, the extensive nature of the Royal Canal Greenway means you can often find quieter stretches, especially outside peak times. Newcastle Woods also offers peaceful woodland trails where you can connect with nature away from larger crowds.
The primary cycling route is the Royal Canal Greenway, which offers 130 km of scenic, flat cycling. You can find various routes starting from Ballymahon, including easy loops and longer rides. For detailed cycling routes and their difficulties, refer to the Cycling around Ballymahon guide.
Lanesborough is a charming town situated on the banks of the River Shannon. It's popular for watersports and is surrounded by rich ecology, including mixed woodlands and freshwater marsh, making it a great spot for nature observation and riverside activities.

