Grand Canal Ireland October 8, 2009.wmv

Join me for a trip on Ireland's Grand Canal which links Dublin to the River Shannon at Shannon Harbour. The canal is 131km long and has 43 locks, 5 of which are doubles. Work commenced on the canal in 1756 and by 1804 full navagiation from Dublin to The Shannon was achieved and many small branch lines continued to be constructed for many years afterwards. The canal was used until 1960 for trade and from 1961 the government began closing many small branch canals. Today the canal remains open and navigable thought some problems with weeds and water occasionally challenges users. Also boats with high airdrafts cannot use the canal due to bridge height problems.

I brought Karolyn B my 16 year old Birchwood 31 on the Canal for the first time in October 2009 for the purpose of using the canal to attend Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann - trad Irish music festival. We were very impressed with the canal and the excellent state of preservation of the 250 year old infrastructure. Its a great place and very relaxing. We will be back very frequently in the future.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• canal
• boats
• Grand Canal
• inland waterways
• barges
• ireland
• tullamore
• shannon
• cruising
• birchwood
• offaly
• canals
• holidays
• water
• adventure
• relaxation
• athlone
• boating
• swans
• birdwatching
• fishing

[clangerclancy]

The Cameraman was brilliant except for the odd shot directly into the sun.

[clangerclancy]

Thanks Raivo, I hope to have you and Kristine on the boat this Spring when all the snow and cold is over.

[raivokrumins]

Great video and comentary. looking forward to explore this part of Irish waterways. Good luck in 2010!

[clangerclancy]

Hi Medianamal, thanks for your response. If you like canals and plan to hire a boat my advice is to start your holiday in Carrick on Shannon and spend some time exploring Shannon-Erne canal. This is a beautifully preserved canal with many small villages and automated locks. Try to get a one way hire so you do not have to re-trace your journey. If you want to visit Grand Canal you will need to hire your boat privately as the big companies do not allow their boats into the 'Grand'. Happy holiday.

[medianamal]

Thanks for this fun video. My friends and I are hoping to cruise the River Shannon in 2010 and you're an excellent host in this informational and fun look at canal cruising in Ireland~ Cheers from the American lady cruisers!

[bratuhhin]

Great video!!