Hiking on the Grand Canal? Any suggestions?

Question

Going to be hiking/bussing and catching spins round Ireland in the summer, and have just found out about the Grand canal.

Are there any parts of it that MUST be seen? How about places to avoid? We are going to be camping, so how about plcaes to pitch our tent?

kitoffbeardon69 - have u never heard of a tow path?

Answer 1

Hello Fred,
A good time could be had stomping around on the Canal banks, but I can't help but warn you that you may be in a small bit of danger here doing that, you never know what or who is lurking about and if they may rob or even harm you there on those canals, and you could end up without any of your camping gear,etc..
Better you stay on your buses, and camp at regulated Camp-sites, you can always spend a day or two on the canal boats, where they do Boat-Trips, but, make sure you have an address for night-times. Bord Failte' will assist you in your planning a safe holiday under canvas and with Life on the Canal Waves, OK it may cost you a bit of cash, but you come out at the other end of your Holiday and Voyaging with some wonderful memories, of a lovely holiday, in my beautiful Country....
Get yourself to the Shannon at Athlone, and see what they have to offer there, it's Fabulous, and there are pull-ins North of Athlone, My Daughter lives at one of them at a little place called Ballymurry. Have fun, but do remember to stay safe, I would love to answer any and all your questions on Irish holidays west of the River Shannon.....Tony M

Answer 2

hiking on the grand canal???? odd I thought that canals were watery byways of a byegone age.... unless your going with jesus.. i wish you the very best..maybe pack a rubber ring or water wings