Car-Free Midlands Breaks
Travel in Offaly and Westmeath has been made more sustainable with cruising on the River Shannon now eco-friendly, as the Shannon hire cruisers have switched to sustainable fuel this summer. The HVO fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 92%, compared with the diesel fuel previously used in the boats, and will contribute to a cleaner environment in one of Ireland’s most beautiful places. Visitors can now hire a boat from multiple points of rental along the river’s length.
“This is an opportunity to experience a car-free holiday in the area,” says Una Doris of Westmeath Tourism. “Start by getting the train to Athlone, easily accessible from the east and west of the country. When there, hiring a cruiser or cycling along the Greenways are great options. When cruising you can relax with on-river pastimes, including fishing, swimming, paddle boarding, nature watching or just chilling out on the deck of your boat.”
The Old Rail Trail is a 43km dedicated trail for cycling and walking and stretches from the River Shannon in Athlone to the Royal Canal in Mullingar, offering a safe and scenic route, while the historic Royal Canal Greenway is a scenic 130km trail.
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