I got a short spin in yesterday through Stradbally, over the Windy Gap and back home through Vicarstown in Laois.
You can hire Barges to travel along the Canal at Vicarstown and there's also a local spot hiring bicycles, no idea who runs it but it's a great idea.
There's lots of safe cycling along the Tow Paths which run alongside the Canal and it's a very picturesque area with Fisherstown quite close as well.
If you're ever in the area check it out.