Facilities

Tullamore, being on the main Dublin to Galway train line, is well serviced by public transport. Runners can take the train from Galway or from Dublin to get to Tullamore in time for parkrun. Buses also serve the town locally. There is a large car park close to the start line also, with a five minute walk to the start line. The parkrun is also centrally located for residents of the town. There are no changing or toilet facilities at the location.

Course

This parkrun is made up of a simple out and back course along the banks of the Grand Canal. It is therefore mostly flat and fast, and a good place to attempt a PB. The route is almost entirely paved and the path is wide, allowing plenty of space for runners. Beware, however, that the path is shared with vehicular traffic. The route is fairly sheltered and running alongside the still waters of the canal is a calming experience.

Coffee

Coffee is had by the parkrun group in a cafe/interiors shop in Tullamore town with all sorts of interesting products for sale.

X Factor

Canals were built in a time before good roads and the internal combustion engine. Canals were once the modern highways of the country and it is interesting to imagine the traffic that once passed along these routes.