N6 road - Definition and Overview

The N6 road is a National Primary Route in the Republic of Ireland, connecting Dublin to Galway across the midlands of Ireland. The route diverges from the N4 road from Dublin to Sligo near Kinnegad. From there the road passes through Rochfordbridge, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan and Moate. The route follows a bypass around the central Irish town of Athlone, crossing the River Shannon, before passing through Ballinasloe and Loughrea. A section of dual carriageway brings the route into Galway, providing a link also for the N18 road from Limerick, which joins it near Oranmore.

The planned upgrade of a section of the route outside Galway to motorway standard is a matter of some controversy. The environmental agency An Taisce has claimed that the National Roads Authority's planned M6 route would be "particularly destructive" in passing a historic battle site at Aughrim.