Royal Canal Boating Information

Navigational rules

Navigational rules, known as bye-laws, outline the proper usage of waterways. Waterways Ireland, through its Inspectorate, has responsibility for enforcing those navigational bye-laws. The Royal Canal adheres to specific bye-laws, including:

• Act No. 3/1986 – Canals Act, 1986
• S.I. No. 247 of 1988 – Canals Act, 1986 (BYE-LAWS), 1988
• No. 11/2005 – Maritime Safety Act

Mooring Regulations

On the Royal Canal, mooring is subject to regulations:

• The Combined Mooring and Passage (CMP) permit allows mooring for up to five days per calendar month.
• The Non-Residential Extended Mooring Permit (NR-EMP) allows mooring in a designated spot for up to one year. NR-EMP is for non-residential purposes only and cannot serve as a primary residence. Overnight stays are limited to 90 days annually.

The speed limit on the Royal Canal is 3.2 knots. This limit is in place to ensure the safety of all users and the preservation of the natural environment. 

Speed limits may also be in place on other sections of the waterway and are monitored by the Inspectorate.

Speed must be lowered within 200m of a bridge or jetty, 100m of a lock, in a canal or harbour and when passing within 100m of a moored vessel. 

You are asked to consider the wash of your boat and its effect on others. All engine-powered boats create a wave of water, known as a wash, which flows outwards from the boat as it moves forward. Look behind you frequently to check the effect that your wash is having on other users. 

You are advised to reduce your speed in narrow channels to prevent bank erosion, damage to reed beds and destruction of birds' nests among reed and bank habitats. Slow down where boats are moored, when approaching quays, jetties or locks or where water activities are taking place.

Length and no. of locks 

Main Line - 146km with 46 locks 

Longford Branch - 8km with no locks

Opening hours of locks 

Daylight Hours 

Navigation dimensions 

• Length of locks - 21m 
• Beam of locks - 3.9m 
• Draft - 1m 
• Airdraft - 2.7m (2.1m at Sheriff St, Spencer Dock) 

Draft dimensions are given as a guide only and cannot be guaranteed.

Lock assistance 

Limited assistance may be available with lock passage by contacting the numbers below: 

• Eastern Regional Office +353 (0)1 868 0148
• Sea Lock, Spencer Dock +353 (0)87 258 4713
• Locks 1 – 17 +353 (0)86 821 2398 / (0)87 985 7019
• Locks 17 – 40 +353 (0)87 618 2104
• Locks 41 – 46 +353 (0)87 915 1400

Locks 1-12, and Sea Lock, Spencer Dock

Newcomen Lift Bridge, which is owned and operated by Irish Rail, is only lifted for boat passage on limited pre-arranged dates during the navigation season. If intending to travel in or out of Dublin, east of Lock 12, a minimum of two weeks’ notice prior to a published lift date must be given to the Eastern Regional office, who will then confirm and arrange passage.

The Newcomen Lift Bridge needs a rail possession to be raised. It's only lifted for boats at specific times arranged with Waterways Ireland in advance. For information on opening times and to arrange passage, contact the Eastern Regional Office on 01 868 0148.

The lowest bridge on the Royal Canal is Sherriff St, Spencer Dock. Air draft - 2.1m.

Entrance to the Royal Canal is through the Sea Lock, Spencer Dock from the River Liffey and is subject to tidal restrictions.