Days Out NI
Greenway & cycle trail Coalisland

Coalisland Canal Greenway

A free, flat towpath along an 18th-century coal canal, out to where it meets the Blackwater.

3 photos
Open accessRide it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
CoalislandGreenway & cycle trail
Get directionsOfficial website
3.9 milesDistance
A gentle half-day for the full out-and-back, less if you do the tarmac section onlyHow long
FreeCost
TarmacSurface
Buggy okBest for

Coalisland Canal Greenway — A free, flat towpath along an 18th-century coal canal, out to where it meets the Blackwater.

  • Distance: About 3.9 miles / 6.3km one way to The Point (the canal itself runs 4.5 miles).
  • Surface: First half tarmac, then unsurfaced dirt track that is uneven beyond the third lock.
  • Gradient: Flat throughout (old canal line).
  • Traffic-free: Mostly off-road towpath, but split into sections by a few road crossings, so not fully traffic-free.
  • Bike hire: None - bring your own bikes, scooters or buggy.
  • Buggy / scooter: Yes on the tarmac first half; the dirt-track section is bumpier and harder going.
Plan your visit

What the route is actually like

From the Cornmill the path runs roughly 3.9 miles (6.3km) one way to The Point, following the old canal line so it stays flat throughout. The first half is a tarmac path that rolls easily for bikes, scooters and buggies. After that it becomes an unsurfaced dirt track, walkable in most weather but uneven in places, especially beyond the third lock near Moor Road. Along the way you pass seven locks, including a staircase lock at Macks Bridge, with the canal on one side and the River Torrent on the other for the stretch to Moor Bridge. It finishes at The Point on Reenaderry Road, where the still canal water meets the open River Blackwater.

Free Flat Dog friendly Part tarmac About 6.3km Seven canal locks
Good to know before you go:

Greenways and canal towpaths host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger events through the year; check listings for dates near you.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.
  • 🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.
  • 💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.
  • 🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free
Start / parking
The Cornmill, Coalisland town centre (car park with disabled spaces); further parking near Moor Road and at the far end
Distance
About 3.9 miles / 6.3km one way to The Point (the canal itself runs 4.5 miles)
Surface
First half tarmac, then unsurfaced dirt track that is uneven beyond the third lock
Gradient
Flat throughout (old canal line)
Traffic-free?
Mostly off-road towpath, but split into sections by a few road crossings, so not fully traffic-free
Bike hire
None - bring your own bikes, scooters or buggy
Buggy / scooter friendly
Yes on the tarmac first half; the dirt-track section is bumpier and harder going
Toilets / food
Public toilets with disabled access in the town centre; cafes and restaurants in Coalisland
How long to allow
A gentle half-day for the full out-and-back, less if you do the tarmac section only
Address
The Cornmill, Coalisland town centre, Co. Tyrone (off the M1 J14, then A45)
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free
How long is the route?
About 3.9 miles / 6.3km one way to The Point (the canal itself runs 4.5 miles)
Is it traffic-free?
Mostly off-road towpath, but split into sections by a few road crossings, so not fully traffic-free
Can I hire a bike?
None - bring your own bikes, scooters or buggy
Is it buggy and scooter friendly?
Yes on the tarmac first half; the dirt-track section is bumpier and harder going
Getting there

Coalisland Canal Greenway starts at The Cornmill, Coalisland town centre (car park with disabled spaces); further parking near Moor Road and at the far end. Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around CoalislandSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle
The story

About this trail

The Coalisland Canal opened in 1789 to move coal mined around Coalisland down to Dublin, running by way of the River Blackwater, Lough Neagh and the Newry Canal. The towpath you walk today follows that working line, complete with seven surviving locks, among them a staircase lock at Macks Bridge.

The path ends at The Point on Reenaderry Road, where the canal meets the River Blackwater near Derrytresk. It's a quiet wildlife corridor now, with kingfishers, dippers, otters and ducks recorded along the water.

Looking further ahead, the canal forms part of plans by Waterways Ireland and Mid Ulster District Council for a longer Coalisland to Moy and Charlemont greenway, part of the wider Ulster Canal route being restored in stages to link Lough Neagh with Upper Lough Erne.