The Canal carried both passangers  
and goods such as turf, coal,and 
grain in and out of Dublin.  

The two most important goods were  
grain and clear water which was used  
by Guinness's Brewery to make its 
famous porter.  

The last cargo boat to travel in 1960 was laden with kegs of Guinness.

The canal's crystal clearwaters are still used by the brewery to this 

very day !!

Today the Grand Canal forms a 130 km. linear park through Ireland. There are a total of 36 Locks and stone bridges. It provides ideal cruising for the novice or those who just want to take is easy. Many parts are a distance away from roads and towns and there is a real sence of isolation. It is a nature lover's paradise with bogs, fens, wildflowers, herdgerows etc... and excellent coarse fishing too.