Grand Canal (Irland)
132.6 km | 82.39 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kanal
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The Grand Canal (Irish: An Chanáil Mhór) is a historic canal system in Ireland, connecting Dublin in the east with the River Shannon in the west. Spanning approximately 131 kilometers with 43 locks, it stretches from Grand Canal Dock in Dublin to Shannon Harbour in County Offaly. Construction began in 1756, and in 1804, the first cargo boat traveled its full length. Originally a vital trade route, the canal’s importance declined with the rise of railways from 1852. The last commercial vessel passed through in 1960, but since the 1970s, it has been restored by local initiatives and Waterways Ireland, making it a popular destination for leisure boats, houseboat holidays, and walking or cycling along the Grand Canal Way.
The canal offers numerous mooring options. Key marinas and mooring locations include:
Grand Canal Dock (Dublin): The eastern starting point in the city center, offering modern berths with electricity, water, and access to urban amenities.
Sallins (County Kildare): A small marina with mooring facilities, ideal for local excursions, providing water and limited sanitary services.
Tullamore Harbour (County Offaly): A well-equipped mooring site with electricity, water, and proximity to the town, famous for the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery.
Shannon Harbour (County Offaly): The western terminus with a marina offering berths for larger boats, plus electricity, water, and sanitary facilities.
Public moorings are typically free, while private marinas may charge fees (around €15 per night). In principle, boats can moor anywhere along the banks where it is safe to do so.
The canal offers numerous mooring options. Key marinas and mooring locations include:
Grand Canal Dock (Dublin): The eastern starting point in the city center, offering modern berths with electricity, water, and access to urban amenities.
Sallins (County Kildare): A small marina with mooring facilities, ideal for local excursions, providing water and limited sanitary services.
Tullamore Harbour (County Offaly): A well-equipped mooring site with electricity, water, and proximity to the town, famous for the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery.
Shannon Harbour (County Offaly): The western terminus with a marina offering berths for larger boats, plus electricity, water, and sanitary facilities.
Public moorings are typically free, while private marinas may charge fees (around €15 per night). In principle, boats can moor anywhere along the banks where it is safe to do so.
