Dublin's Royal Canal Greenway has been awarded the title of European Cycle Route of the Year.
The prestigious award was handed out by leading Dutch walking and cycling Fair Fiets en Wandelbeurs at a season opening event held in the Netherlands
The greenway competed with beloved routes in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
The Fiets en Wandelbeurs European Cycle Route of the Year Award is judged by leading, activity, tourism and journalist experts from across the Netherlands and is normally attended by over 40,000 cycling enthusiasts.
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Chief Executive of Waterways Ireland John McDonagh celebrated the news, revealing: "I am delighted by this international recognition of the exceptional waterway heritage and Irish countryside experience offered by the Royal Canal Greenway.
"We look forward to welcoming many Dutch and other European tourists to the Royal Canal Greenway in future."
The Royal Canal Greenway begins at Maynooth and is mostly comprised of a mostly flat, off-road track and follows a former towpath for horse‐drawn barges, featuring 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.
It follows the 225-year-old canal through friendly Enfield and lively Mullingar to charming Cloondara in Longford, with cafes, picnic spots and attractions along the way.
Longford County Council's Peggy Nolan said: "It is evident that the greenway is fast becoming a destination of choice for those looking for an active holiday. Set within the beautiful countryside and going through some of our most friendly towns and villages, the greenway is a fantastic amenity for tourists and locals alike."
Other notable awards the greenway has received includes Best Tourism Initiative at the 2021 All-Ireland Community & Council Awards.
It was also labelled "highly commended" in the Excellence category at the European Greenway Awards.
The attraction recently celebrated its first birthday, revealing that over 600,000 visits had taken place since its launch in March 2021, deriving €17.2m for the local economy.
It was developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with the four Local Authorities of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford.
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