The Royal Canal Way to Castleknock station

Hike: The Royal Canal Way to Castleknock station. This urban trail leads through the very heart of Dublin city, and is the first stage of a 144km, six-day waymarked way. Originally designed to transport goods between Dublin port and the River Shannon, the Royal Canal took 27 years to complete from 1790. Join the wide, paved towpath at the canal’s first lock; you start along the southern bank, though you’ll switch sides several times during your journey. Navigation is spectacularly straightforward; simply follow the signed, waterside path. Along the way you pass 12 locks, numerous bridges, and several unmistakable Dublin landmarks including the bulbous steel stadium of Croke Park. The grand finale is crossing the M50 on a spectacular aqueduct constructed in 1999 – the first aqueduct built in Ireland for almost 200 years.

Start at: Newcomen Bridge, North Strand Road, Dublin.

Finish at: Castleknock train station.

Get there: The easiest access is by train – Newcomen Bridge lies just 500m north of Connolly Station.

Level: Easy – signed, flat footpaths suitable for buggies.

Length / Time: 10km / 2-2½ hours.

Pack: A detailed description of the urban sights passed along the route from tripsavvy.com/the-royal-canal-way-in-dublin-1542418

Refuel at: The Twelfth Lock (the12thlock.ie), just before Castleknock Station, where all-day snacks and bistro meals are served in a canal-side terrace.