The Grand Canal Way is a 114Km, long-distance walking trail. It is divided here into 9 sections each representing a half days walking. The trail starts at the Lucan Road Bridge and ends at Shannon Harbour (36th lock).
Section 1: Lucan Road Bridge to Sallins
Grade: Easy
Distance: 17km
Ascent Minimal
Time Estimate 5 Hours
Walking Route Terrain
On tow path consisting of about 3 km road, 3.5 km track, 10.5 km grassy path. Walking to Lucan Bridge out of Sallins take care to enter passage at water's edge. Under Aylmer's Bridge watch for ends of cut screws possibly sticking up in path.
Standard of Marking
Good
Surrounding Landscape
After passing Lucan Road bridge the towpath continues on the north side of the canal, here thick with Canadian pondweed. Beyond the buildings clustered around the bridge the towpath reduces to a narrow grassy track bordered with banks of meadowsweet, bird's-foot trefoil and speedwell overhung with hawthorns and willows. On the far side of the canal at the ivy-clad Aylmers bridge one finds stands of great beeches & other parkland trees.
Heritage
The main street of Clondalkin passes through the site of a 7th Century monastic settlement, the only survivor of which is a grand round tower. Newcastle was a garrison town for the Norman "Pale" and has an interesting early church tower, old glebe house and castle. Lyons House was formerly the home of the Cloncurrys. Aylmer's and Henry Bridges record the names of local landlords who possibly financed the building or assisted the company in the purchase of land for the canal. Arthur Guinness, founder of Guinness's brewery in 1759, is buried at the ruined church and round tower in Oughterard.
Parking
At Start: Limited space - do not to get locked in behind barrier at end of road beside Engineering firm
At End: On street in Sallins
Public Transport
At Start: Bus to Shopping Centre in Lucan (about 2km off Way) and also to Milltown (about 1.5 km off Way) - Dublin Bus.
At End: Limited bus to Dublin and Newbridge (Monday to Friday only). Check with Bus Eireann. Train from Sallins