The Grand Canal is one of Ireland's greatest engineering achievements. In the 18th century it was essential for industry; today it is just as important for leisure.
Constructed in bogland along a good proportion of its length, the canal was a challenging construction and today is a unique example of its kind in the world. The first boat travelled the entire length of the canal in 1804 from Shannon Harbour
in Offaly to Dublin. Nowadays both privately owned and hire boats move freely along its length, gliding serenely under bridges, through locks and past glorious old buildings, open bogland and rural landscapes.
From Dublin city centre to the wide open spaces in the midlands of Ireland the Grand Canal remains a peaceful stretch of water, easily accessible, and enjoyed by walkers, boaters and anglers alike.
The Main Line stretches for 131km from Dublin in the east to Shannon Harbour in the west with 43 locks. The Barrow Line runs south from the summit level at Lowtown, Co Kildare, to join the River Barrow in Athy, a distance of 45km with 9 locks. The Naas branch is navigable to Naas harbour, a distance of 4km with 5 locks.