R446 road (Ireland)

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R446 road
Bóthar R446
IMG R446road5715w.jpg
The R446 at Gneevebawn Hill, between Tyrrellspass and Rochfortbridge
Location
CountryIreland
Highway system
Sign at the start of the Tyrrellspass to Kinegad section of the R446 (April 2007)

The R446 road is a regional road in Ireland. The road connects Kinnegad in County Westmeath to Galway City. Prior to the construction of the M6 motorway the R446 formed the main N6 road connecting Dublin and Galway (via the N4 at Kinnegad). Following the opening of the M6; the old N6 road was downgraded to regional road status and was designated as the R446. The road is an alternative route between Galway and Dublin and runs in parallel to the M6.

From Kinnegad the road travels in a westwards direction passing through the midland counties of Westmeath & Offaly. It crosses the River Shannon at Athlone and continues into counties Roscommon and Galway. The road passes through the following towns and villages en route to Galway City from Kinnegad; Milltownpass, Rochfortbridge, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Horseleap, Moate, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Craughwell & Oranmore (bypassed). The road ends at the Coolagh Roundabout with the junction of the N6 east of Galway City.