What are Blueways?

A network of stunning trails running on and alongside Ireland's most idyllic lakes, canals and rivers. Taking you into the heart of her most unspoilt landscapes - by canoe, bike or on foot. As you meander through inspiring, picturesque vistas, soak in the charming rural atmosphere and explore life at a different pace.

Learn more about Blueways
Click on a link on the map or the links below to view a Blueway.

Get Inspired

Charming Towns and Pretty Villages image

Charming Towns and Pretty Villages

Fabulous Food image

Fabulous Food

Family Fun image

Family Fun

Hidden Gems image

Hidden Gems

Paddling Paradise image

Paddling Paradise

Scenic Cycles image

Scenic Cycles

Where to Stay image

Where to Stay

Wonderful Walks image

Wonderful Walks

Itineraries

Short Break on the Lough Derg Blueway image

Short Break on the Lough Derg Blueway

Whether you’re visiting Lough Derg and Killaloe/Ballina for one, two or three days, we’ve got some great ideas on what to do, see and enjoy!
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Family Fun on the Shannon-Erne Blueway image

Family Fun on the Shannon-Erne Blueway

While the waterside beauty here lulls you into a state of relaxation, Leitrim Village and the Shannon-Erne Blueway offer lots to do from gentle rural walks to lively towns.
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Weekend away on the Shannon Blueway image

Weekend away on the Shannon Blueway

Intriguing castles, lakeside trails, endless blueways and charming towns. These cherry-picked delights of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands are yours to uncover with this ready-made 48-hour itinerary.
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Lough Derg Blueway (East) - Nenagh, Dromineer and Garrykennedy  image

Lough Derg Blueway (East) - Nenagh, Dromineer and Garrykennedy

With a fabulous selection of heritage, craft and hospitality, Nenagh and the other villages along the lakeshore provide the Blueway visitor with endless exploration options.
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Lough Derg Blueway (North) - Portumna  image

Lough Derg Blueway (North) - Portumna

Portumna has much to offer the Blueway visitor which add to the overall experience, from the Castle to the Workhouse, there are layers of history to uncover, great food, and even a quirky glamping village.
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Lough Derg Blueway (South) – Killaloe / Ballina image

Lough Derg Blueway (South) – Killaloe / Ballina

Sitting side by side, connected by water, the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina are the perfect base for a Blueway break.
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Lough Derg Blueway (West) - Tuamgraney, Mountshannon and Scarrif image

Lough Derg Blueway (West) - Tuamgraney, Mountshannon and Scarrif

Explore the towns and villages of Lough Derg’s western shores - they provide a warm welcome for the hungry, thirsty Blueway visitor!
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Highlights

Adventure on the water in Leitrim and Cavan image

Adventure on the water in Leitrim and Cavan

Discover a different side to the Shannon-Erne Blueway with an adventure to suit all tastes.
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5 Of The Most Instagrammable Places in Ireland's Blueways image

5 Of The Most Instagrammable Places in Ireland's Blueways

Whether you travel by land or by water, the Blueways in Ireland are a thrilling journey through time.
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6 Reasons To Take Up Canoeing  image

6 Reasons To Take Up Canoeing

Canoeing is one of those classic activities that puts you right in the centre of nature.
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Historic Shores of Lough Derg image

Historic Shores of Lough Derg

Saints, scholars and High Kings: they may conjure up ethereal images of a distant past, but this rich history is alive and well on the shores of Lough Derg....
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Portumna in 24 Hours image

Portumna in 24 Hours

Introduce yourself to Portumna, by exploring this vibrant market town on land and on water.
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The Fairies of Lough Allen and Lough Key image

The Fairies of Lough Allen and Lough Key

Watch Roscommon and Leitrim open up before your eyes, spilling secrets of long-forgotten saints, crumbling castles and fairy-filled forests…​
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Westmeath and the Royal Canal image

Westmeath and the Royal Canal

What Westmeath lacks by way of a coastline, it makes up for in an abundance of lakes, canals, fascinating stories and historic attractions.
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Family Fun in Killaloe/Ballina image

Family Fun in Killaloe/Ballina

Keep the energy up on fun family breaks that blend lots of fresh air with sublime natural surroundings and host of activities
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Fabulous Food in Killaloe/Ballina image

Fabulous Food in Killaloe/Ballina

Savour the great local flavours of Lough Derg in waterside pubs, smart restaurants and buzzy little cafés.
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Destinations

Lough Derg image

Lough Derg

Shannon image

Shannon

Shannon-Erne image

Shannon-Erne