The Royal Canal (Irish: An Chanáil Ríoga) is a historic canal in Ireland, linking Dublin in the east with the River Shannon at Cloondara in County Longford in the west. Spanning approximately 145 kilometers with 46 locks, it stretches from Spencer Dock in Dublin to the Shannon. Construction began in 1790 but faced financial and technical challenges, delaying completion until 1817. Originally built for transporting goods and passengers, it competed with the Grand Canal but declined in importance with the rise of railways in the 19th century. After decades of neglect, the canal was restored from the 1970s onward by volunteers and Waterways Ireland, and today it is a popular destination for houseboat holidays, leisure boating, and walking or cycling along the Royal Canal Way.
The Royal Canal offers several mooring options for boats. Key marinas and mooring locations include:
Spencer Dock (Dublin): The eastern starting point in the revitalized Docklands, providing modern berths with electricity, water, and access to urban amenities.

Maynooth Harbour (County Kildare): A small marina with mooring facilities, water, and limited sanitary services, ideal for exploring the university town.

Mullingar Harbour (County Westmeath): A well-equipped mooring site with electricity, water, and proximity to the town, popular among boaters and cyclists.

Richmond Harbour (Cloondara, County Longford): The western terminus at the Shannon, featuring a marina with berths for larger boats, electricity, water, and sanitary facilities.
Public moorings are generally free, while private marinas may charge fees (around €10–20 per night). Boats can typically moor anywhere along the banks where it is safe, provided there are no restrictions.