Your complete guide to the Blessington Greenway walk and cycle
The Blessington Greenway is a 6.5km off-road walking and cycling trail in County Wicklow, Ireland. It runs along the shore of the Poulaphouca Reservoir, connecting the historic Russborough House to the town of Blessington. The path is mostly flat with a hard-packed gravel surface, making it ideal for families.
What is the Blessington Greenway?
Short answer: It's a scenic 6.5km multi-use trail along the Poulaphouca Reservoir, popular for walking and family cycling.
The Blessington Greenway offers a peaceful route through woodland and along the shoreline of the massive Poulaphouca Reservoir, also known as Blessington Lakes. This man-made lake was created in 1940 by damming the River Liffey to generate electricity. This project submerged the village of Ballinahown, whose ruins sometimes reappear when water levels are very low. As you walk or cycle, you get great views across the water to the Wicklow Mountains in the distance. The trail is a shared space for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, designed to be accessible for many fitness levels.
Where does the greenway start and end?
Short answer: You can start at Russborough House on one end or from Blessington town, near the Avon resort, on the other.
Choosing your starting point depends on convenience and what you want to see. Both ends have their own benefits and facilities.
Starting from Russborough House
This is the most popular starting point. Russborough House, a magnificent Palladian mansion, provides a historic backdrop. There is a large car park here, though a small fee (usually around 3 euro) is often required to exit. This entrance gives you access to toilets, a cafe, and the house's own grounds, gardens, and playground, making it a great option for a full day out with the family.
Starting from Blessington town
The other end of the trail is in Blessington. You can park in the town or near the Avon resort, which has its own car park and facilities. Starting from here means you walk towards Russborough House. This end is convenient if you're staying in Blessington or want to combine your walk with a visit to the town's pubs or shops afterwards.
How long does it take to walk or cycle?
Short answer: Walking one way takes about 90 minutes, while cycling takes around 30 minutes. Most people do a return trip.
The 6.5km one-way trip is a pleasant journey. A walker with an average pace should expect to complete it in about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you're cycling at a leisurely pace, you'll likely reach the other end in 30 to 40 minutes. Since the greenway is not a full loop, you'll need to double these times for a return trip. A full walk there and back is about 13km and will take you around 3 to 3.5 hours, not including stops.
Is the Blessington Greenway a full loop?
Short answer: No, the designated off-road greenway is not a loop. It's a 6.5km linear path that you must travel back along to return to your start.
This is a common point of confusion for visitors. While you can technically make a loop by using public roads, it is not recommended for most people. The trail is best enjoyed as an out-and-back journey.
The off-road trail: what to expect
The official greenway path is well-maintained with a compacted stone and gravel surface. It's wide enough for people to pass each other comfortably. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, making it suitable for pushchairs, kids' bikes, and most casual cyclists. A dedicated road bike with very thin tires might find the surface a bit rough, but hybrid, gravel, or mountain bikes are perfect.
The on-road section: a word of caution
To complete a full loop around the lake, you would have to travel along the N81. This is a busy national road with a 100km/h speed limit in places and no dedicated cycle lane. It is not safe for families, children, or nervous cyclists. Here's a good rule of thumb: if you have young kids or just want to stay off the road, treat the greenway as a return trip from Russborough House to the Avon, not a full loop.
Parking and facilities guide
Short answer: Ample parking is available at Russborough House (small fee) and in Blessington near the Avon resort (often free).
At the Russborough House end, you'll find a large car park with a barrier system. You typically pay a few euro upon exiting. This location offers toilets, a cafe, a gift shop, and a children's playground. At the Blessington end, parking is available at the Avon or in public car parks in the town itself. The Avon also has food, drinks, and toilet facilities available for customers.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Mostly flat and very accessible for families | The on-road section to make a loop is not safe |
| Beautiful views of the Poulaphouca Reservoir | Gravel surface can be bumpy for some bikes |
| Good facilities like cafes and toilets at both ends | Can get very busy on sunny weekends |
| Free to access (excluding optional parking fee) | Limited shelter if the weather turns bad |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking it's a loop: The biggest mistake is assuming the greenway is a circular route. You'll end up on a dangerous main road. Plan for an out-and-back journey on the 6.5km path.
- Using a road bike: While possible, the gravel surface isn't ideal for bikes with very thin, high-pressure tires. A hybrid or mountain bike will give you a much more comfortable ride.
- Forgetting parking money: The car park at Russborough House usually requires a small fee to exit. It's best to have a few euro coins or a card ready just in case.
- Not checking the weather: Much of the trail is exposed. On a sunny day, you'll need sunscreen, and on a wet day, you'll need good rain gear as there's little shelter along the way.
Alternatives to the Blessington Greenway
Short answer: Other great Wicklow trails include the Vartry Reservoir Trails, Glendalough's walking routes, and the Grand Canal Way.
If the Blessington Greenway doesn't seem right for you, County Wicklow has other options.
- Vartry Reservoir Trails: Located near Roundwood, these trails offer a more rustic, woodland walk around a different set of reservoirs. They are generally quieter than the Blessington Greenway.
- Glendalough walks: For those seeking more of a hike, Glendalough has numerous marked trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain climbs, all set within a historic monastic site.
- Grand Canal Way: If you want a long, flat, and continuous path, the towpath along the Grand Canal provides dozens of kilometers of easy walking and cycling, starting closer to Dublin.
Quick recap
- The Blessington Greenway is a 6.5km scenic path from Russborough House to Blessington.
- It is an out-and-back trail, not a loop. The full return journey is 13km.
- The surface is hard-packed gravel, suitable for walkers, runners, and most cyclists.
- The alternative on-road "loop" involves the busy N81 and is not recommended for families.
- Parking and facilities are available at both ends of the trail.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk the Blessington Greenway?
It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to walk the 6.5km trail one way. A return trip will take between 3 and 4 hours at a steady pace.
Where do you park for Blessington Greenway?
The two main parking areas are at Russborough House, which may have a small exit fee, and in Blessington town or at the Avon resort on the opposite end of the trail.
Is the Blessington Greenway a loop?
No, it is not. The official greenway is a 6.5km linear path. You must return the same way you came. Completing a full lake loop requires using a busy main road that is unsuitable for leisure cycling or walking.
Can you cycle the Blessington Greenway?
Yes, the greenway is very popular for cycling. Its flat profile and wide path make it ideal for family bike rides. A hybrid, gravel, or mountain bike is recommended over a thin-tired road bike.