Where the Royal Canal meets the River Shannon, Cloondara lies at a distinctive meeting point of two waterways. The Shannon is Ireland’s longest river, and Richmond Harbour forms the heart of the village. This offers two perspectives for planning a trip: the history of a waterway and its structures, and the routes you can explore from the village.

Richmond Harbour: lock, stone blocks and trade

The Royal Canal reached Cloondara on 26 May 1817. Richmond Harbour is a harbour built from dressed stone blocks and is home to the canal’s final lock. Many buildings around the harbour were built for trade on the Royal Canal—another part of Cloondara’s canal history. Richmond Harbour is also home port to numerous barges; the presence of the boats may vary.

The harbour is named after the Duke of Richmond, who was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when this end of the waterway was completed. Richmond Bridge also connects architectural history with routes along the canal: in Cloondara, the Royal Canal Greenway passes beneath the bridge’s horseshoe-shaped arch. In this small area, the village, lock, bridge and history of the canal come together.

Greenway, cycling route and Shannon Blueway

Cloondara is a possible starting point for a trip along the Royal Canal Greenway. The section from Cloondara to Keenagh is listed as taking three hours on foot or 45 minutes by bike. Published times are guidelines and depend on conditions and your pace. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Cycling Route A1 runs from Cloondara to Keenagh, is listed as 32 km long and follows the Royal Canal for most of its route. You can also explore the Shannon Blueway from Cloondara. Access and conditions may vary seasonally. Alongside the history of Richmond Harbour, these routes offer different options for planning your trip; the specific walking and cycling times can help you choose a suitable focus.

National Famine Way in County Longford

The National Famine Way is a 165 km historic cultural trail suitable for walkers, cyclists and families. Around 33.7 km of its route lies in County Longford, including Cloondara. In County Longford, the trail follows the Royal Canal Greenway. This regional context connects the village to a route that extends well beyond Cloondara.

The signposted walking and cycling route follows the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 people who were forced to leave Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847. The story of the National Famine Way adds a different focus from the canal structures around Richmond Harbour: it tells of a historic journey, while Cloondara’s lock, bridge and trading buildings illustrate the development of the Royal Canal. Together, these themes provide a clear framework for planning a stay that combines local history with routes in County Longford.

Discover more destinations: Granard, Longford, Lanesborough, Killashee, Mosstown, Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon, Moyne.

For the broader travel overview: County Longford.