The Royal Canal Walk is a free waterside walking and cycling route that runs through Dublin and continues west along the Royal Canal.

In Dublin, it is a lovely option for a buggy walk, family cycle, scoot, or low-cost outdoor day out. The canal route connects neighbourhoods across the north side of the city and can be used for short local walks or longer family adventures.

Why It Is Good for Families

The Royal Canal Walk gives families a calm outdoor route away from the busiest streets.

It can be useful for parents and carers who want a free walk, somewhere to push a buggy, a safe-feeling cycling route, or a place to meet another parent. Children who enjoy walking, cycling or scooting may also enjoy the longer stretches of the canal.

A Good Family Route: Dublin City to Ashtown

One lovely family option is to follow the canal route out towards Ashtown.

This can work well as a family cycle or longer walk, especially if children are old enough for the distance. You can cycle or walk along the canal, stop at Ashtown, visit the playground, take a break, and then return back along the canal.

The playground at Ashtown makes this a nice route because there is a clear destination for children, not just a long walk.

The Wider Royal Canal Route

The Royal Canal does not only run through the north inner city. It continues west out of Dublin and eventually links towards the Shannon.

For families, this means you can use small sections of the route depending on your energy, time and children’s ages. You do not have to do a long walk for it to be worthwhile — even a short stretch of the canal can be a lovely free outing.

What You’ll Find There

The canal route includes waterside paths, bridges, planted areas, seating, cycling sections and views along the Royal Canal.

Depending on where you join the route, you may pass through or near areas such as the North Strand, Drumcondra, Phibsborough, Cabra, Broombridge and Ashtown.

Getting There

Useful Dublin access points include:

North Strand / Newcomen Bridge
Useful for families starting from Dublin 1, North Strand, Ballybough or Fairview direction.

Binns Bridge / Dorset Street Lower
Useful if coming from the city centre, Drumcondra or Mountjoy Square direction.

Phibsborough / Cross Guns Bridge
Useful for joining the route near Phibsborough.

Broombridge
Useful for Luas Green Line access and continuing towards Cabra or Ashtown.

Ashtown
A good destination point for families, especially because of the playground nearby.

For the most up-to-date public transport route, check the TFI Journey Planner before travelling.

Practical Details

Main Dublin route
Royal Canal, from the River Liffey / North Wall area through Dublin’s northside and west towards Ashtown and beyond

Cost
Free

Facilities may include
Canal-side walking route
Cycling route
Buggy-friendly sections
Bridges and seating areas
Waterside views
Access to neighbourhoods along the route
Playground near Ashtown

Family Note

The Royal Canal Walk is a lovely free route, but it runs beside open water.

Keep children close near the canal edge, bridges, locks, road crossings and shared cycling sections. If children are cycling or scooting, remind them to slow down near pedestrians, bridges and narrow parts of the path.