People urged to enjoy wellbeing benefits of greenway during winter months

Waterways Ireland, in partnership with four local authorities, are encouraging people to go green and blue and enjoy connecting with the outdoor spaces of the Royal Canal Greenway, in a bid to reduce stress and boost wellbeing in the winter months.

Their new ‘Make a Connection’ campaign comes in response to studies that show how spending time in nature may be one of the best, most accessible (and cost-effective) ways to boost mental health and reduce stress, quickly.

Some studies have also found that being around water has similar positive benefits, so the blend of blue and green space, such as that the Royal Canal Greenway offers, could help ease anxiety and relieves stress, according to a team at King’s College London.

The Make a Connection campaign from Waterways Ireland operates in partnership with Westmeath County Council, Kildare County Council, Longford County Council and Meath County Council.

The new research also shows that walking along a canal or riverbank can boost mental health. A study of nearly 300 people revealed that walks along bodies of water led to significant improvements in wellbeing and mood. Out of the 299 participants, 87 were living with mental illness.

Further research shows that spending at least 120 minutes a week outside and in nature can promote better health and overall wellbeing, and the activity does not matter – whether you are physically active or just relaxing, the act of being outside is what matters.

A Waterways Ireland spokesperson said: “Since launching, the Royal Canal Greenway has played an important role in providing a place for people to re-energise and de-stress. We know from research that there is a positive association between encountering green spaces, wildlife, nature, bodies of water such as canals and rivers, and mental wellbeing.

“The 130km canal route has an abundance of trees, plants and wildlife, which means its capacity to improve mental wellbeing is likely to be due to the multiple benefits associated with both green and blue spaces, and indeed the social, community connection with other people.

“We are encouraging as many people to visit the Royal Canal Greenway as possible this winter in a bid to access this free amazing space, which can play such a vital role in our wellbeing.”

Discover winter’s natural beauty

The Royal Canal Greenway runs from Maynooth, through Enfield and Mullingar to Cloondara in Longford. A mostly flat trail, it is steeped in history and was once the domain of placid barge horses – today it the realm of walkers, runners and cyclists of all ages and stages.

The greenway passes many cafes and coffee boxes often with outside seating, as well as picnic spots, playgrounds and attractions, so visitors can support local businesses while socialising with friends and family.

While the winter months can make it more difficult to get outside, there is still a wide variety of outdoor activities that can get you moving on the Royal Canal Greenway, for all ages.

There is also a number of fitness events scheduled to take place on or near the Royal Canal Greenway in the coming weeks and in the new year, including weekly parkruns, in Kilcock and in Mullingar, and the annual Mullingar Half Marathon is on March 17, 2023 (a Friday).

The Royal Canal Greenway is also home to many hotels, guest houses and B&Bs. As the trail passes through four counties, from Ireland’s Ancient East to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, there are plenty of places to stay at and relax, and many are offering winter discounts.