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The Grand Canal was built circa 1756 to 1803
and links Dublin, the Capital City to the Shannon, Ireland's longest River.
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The Canal carried both passengers 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. |
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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.
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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.
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Lock no 23
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Lock no 23 at
Spencer's Bridge, built in 1784 and paid for by the local landlord Lord Spencer, a distant
relative of Lady Diana Spencer.
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