After a long consultation process, the route selection process as completed and the proposed Red Route 5 has been selected as the preferred route to complete the Dublin – Galway Greenway.

The preferred route will connect Athlone to Galway city and go through the towns of Ballinasloe, Portumna, Gort, Kinvara, Clarinbridge, Oranmore  before going into Galway city. 

The Red Route was chosen for the following reasons. 

• The route includes 55km from Shannonbridge to Portumna which is also part of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan. The Shannon Tourism Masterplan outlines a greenway connect Limerick to Lanesbourough. Both routes using combines brings together more options for visitors. 
• This route would enhance the EuroVelo Route 1 (Atlantic Coast Route) in Ireland and make the section between Kinvara and Galway which is currently an ‘on road’ route into a segregated cycle track.
• It provides many day cycling trips form Galway, allowing locals and tourists to cycle from Galway to Rinvile Park, Clarinbridge, Kinvara and Coole Park.
• Route Corridor 5 offers outstanding scenery and variety for cyclists along its route. Cyclist will experience views of Galway Bay, The Burren, local forests, the River Shannon, Lough Derg, and peatland landscapes. 
• Much of the land is state owned by Coillte, Bord na Mona and ESB.