Cahir to Cashel Greenway
Scheme Introduction
Tipperary County Council in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) propose to develop a greenway route between the towns of Cahir and Cashel. The greenway project is intended to create a sustainable transport link between the significant tourist attractions of Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel.
The proposed Cahir to Cashel Greenway project also has the potential to connect to the Suir Blueway between Clonmel and Carrick On Suir via a planned future greenway linking Cahir to Clonmel.
Cashel is the most significant tourism destination in Tipperary and the Rock of Cashel is the most visited attraction. Cahir is a historic town and its visitor numbers have increased significantly over the past decade, known for its iconic Cahir Castle (3rd most visited attraction of the county) and Swiss Cottage. These attractions can be used to unlock additional benefits for the county through integrated offerings in the town and surrounding area as well as recreational facilities. The proposed greenway has the potential to increase safety and accessibility to locals, tourists and vulnerable road users.
Project Details
The proposed Cahir to Cashel Greenway scheme will commence at Cahir Castle carpark in Cahir and will generally travel in a northerly direction, potentially providing connection to New Inn, and to Rockwell College, before terminating in Cashel where it will connect to the carpark to the east of the Rock of Cashel. The Greenway is expected to be approximately 18-30km in length.
The Cahir to Cashel Greenway also has the potential to connect to the Suir Blueway, the 21km trail that runs along the banks of the River Suir from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir, following a historic towpath route. TCC propose to extend the Suir Blueway westwards from Clonmel towards Cahir under separate projects.
The greenway will form part of an overall vision and strategy for the development of an integrated greenway and blueway network in Co. Tipperary which will enhance visitor experience and contribute to the economic development of local communities and the wider region.
The Greenway is intended to provide a recreational amenity and a sustainable commuter corridor and tourist route. Provision of universal access points, trail heads, amenities and public toilets will be developed as part of the Cahir to Cashel Greenway project at a number of strategic locations.
Potential Scheme Benefits and Opportunities
(based on 2022 CSO Small Area Population Statistics):
General Population – The greenway scheme will bring a positive benefit for those who are able to use the scheme for leisure or commuting. Users will also benefit from exercise, improved exposure to nature and reduced climate impacts by the broader community having increased access to climate-friendly travel options. The scheme also has the potential to bring economic opportunities for local services such as restaurants, cafes, etc due to increased footfall in the locality. The proposed greenway could become a catalyst for modal shift in particular for trips to/from school, if the preferred route corridor linked residential areas with schools within the study area.
Commuting – A combined 65.5% of the local population are at work or are students who may be positively disposed to shifting to sustainable modes of transport for their daily commutes to/from work and education, if the proposed facility provided suitable connection between residential areas and employment and education centres. 45% of the local population are employed in commerce and trade, public administration and professional services, which are jobs that may present an opportunity to increase levels of commuting by active modes, depending on the distances travelled.
Social – Provision of active mode projects such as the Cahir to Cashel Greenway, may be of particular benefit to households who do not have access to a car from a social inclusion perspective (11% of the Study Area). Transport improvements such as the greenway, can provide improved access to social services and areas of employment as well as having the potential to improve the wellbeing and economic welfare of individuals, in particular members of households where there is no car ownership and parents and carers with children, particularly those using strollers and buggies.
Children – Nearly 3,000 households with children within the areas intersecting the greenway Study Area would particularly benefit from the provision of the greenway within close proximity to their home. The proposed greenway will provide a recreational facility that will be safe, segregated from vehicular modes, accessible for users of all ages and abilities, and encourage greater levels of physical activity. There is currently no dedicated cycling and walking infrastructure between Cahir and Cashel towns.
Tourism – The proposed greenway will enhance the tourism offering of the region in linking in the significant tourist attractions of the Rock of Cashel and the Cahir Castle while also serving tourist visitors to the Suir Blueway.
Air Quality & Climate – Upon completion, the Cahir to Cashel Greenway is expected to have a positive impact on air quality in the region. By providing an attractive active mode alternative, the greenway will reduce reliance on private vehicles and encourage modal shift, thereby decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants associated with vehicular traffic.
Tipperary County Council have appointed Fehily Timoney and Company to progress the project through Phases 1 to 4 of the TII Project Management Guidelines. The Project is currently at Phase 2 Option Selection.
Update No. 2 (Public Consultation No. 2 – February 2026) Click to take part
