Royal Canal Greenway Wins European Cycle Route Of The Year 2022
The Royal Canal Greenway has been awarded European Cycle Route of the Year 2022 by leading Dutch walking and cycling fair Fiets en Wandelbeurs at a season opening event held in the Netherlands.
The canal greenway was competing against long distance routes in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
The Fiets en Wandelbeurs European Cycle Route of the Year Award is judged by leading, activity, tourism and journalist experts from across the Netherlands. Waterways Ireland chief executive John McDonagh said he was delighted by this international recognition of the “exceptional waterway, heritage and Irish countryside experience offered by the Royal Canal Greenway”.
“We look forward to welcoming many Dutch and other European tourists to the Royal Canal Greenway in future.”
The Longford County Council cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan said that the Royal Canal Greenway has the winning formula. “It is evident that the greenway is fast becoming a destination of choice for those looking for an active holiday,” she said.
“Set in beautiful countryside and going through some of our most friendly towns and villages, the greenway is a fantastic amenity for tourists and locals alike. County Longford looks forward to welcoming more visitors thanks to this recognition on the European stage.”
Other successes for the Royal Canal Greenway this year include the recently awarded 2021 All-Ireland Community and Council Awards for the ‘Best Tourism Initiative’ 2021, and the ‘highly commended’ in the ‘Excellence’ category at the European Greenway Awards.
The Royal Canal Greenway recently celebrated its first birthday by announcing that over 600,000 visits had taken place since its launch in March 2021 deriving €17.2m for the local economy.
It was developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with the four local authorities of Westmeath, Longford, Meath and Kildare.