The Grand Canal

Walk, cycle or spot wildlife along the scenic historic towpaths of the Grand Canal.

Good to know

Where
Waterways Ireland, Offaly (Outdoors)Directions
Opening times
See full hours

Opening hours

Status
ScheduleOpen at any hour, with no gate, ticket desk or closing time.

Plan your visit

Weather · Sat, 17 Oct

Sunny

1–11°C · 0 mm daytime rain

Fair outlook
Forecast data: © Met Éireann

County forecast · Met Éireann Custom Open Data Licence (CC BY 4.0) · Weather labels and planning tone adapted. Hourly rain and temperature values come from the point forecast; condition symbols are simplified for display. Met Éireann does not accept any liability whatsoever for any error or omission in the data, their availability, or for any loss or damage arising from their use.

Family practicalities

Suits all agesTime: 2-3 hoursOutdoors
  • Pram-friendly (likely)
  • Step-free access (likely)

Getting there

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What to expect

Anglers along the Grand Canal will enjoy the open spaces and easy access to excellent coarse fishing. Specially designed fishing stands offering access to anglers with disabilities have been installed at a number of locations along the Canal. Significant stretches of water have been carefully restocked to create some of the best fisheries in Europe.

Bream average 2lbs with some to 4lbs or more. Perch are generally very small averaging from 0.25 to 0.5lbs. Pike of moderate size are quite plentiful averaging 2lbs to 6lbs with some larger fish present. Over recent years roach have moved into many parts of the Canal and are now widely distributed.

250 years of history are waiting to be discovered along the banks of the Grand Canal. Much of it can be seen from the water or on foot, from the towpaths. The canal enters the heart of Dublin through Inchicore, where flocks of Mute Swans gather every autumn, delighting tourists and locals alike. The city canal stretches offer close access to the museum and galleries, theatres, shopping and nightlife. Travelling by boat offers you the option to then change your scenery as outside Dublin the canal passes through more rural countryside, with village life providing a different type of entertainment.

More information

Time to allow
2-3 hours
Listed by
Fáilte Ireland Attractions

Categories

  • Activity
  • Experience
  • Fishing
  • Angling

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