Royal Canal

The Royal Canal was built for freight and passenger transportation from Dublin to Longford, and is one of two canals from Dublin to the River Shannon.

The project was beset by financial problems and it took nearly 30 years to develop the new inland waterway at a total cost of £1,421,954, seven times more than the original estimate. Several times during its construction additional funding was sought. It was never a financial success, perhaps due to the proximity of the Grand Canal, and was eventually bought out by a railway company.

The canal fell into disrepair in the late 20th century, but much of it has since been restored for navigation. The length of the canal to the River Shannon was reopened on 1 October 2010, but a final spur branch, to Longford town, remains closed.

1796 – Foster Aqueduct, Constitution Hill, Dublin

In 1789 Dublin Corporation commissioned the Royal Canal and a harbour built on Constitution Hill,

1807 – Royal Canal Hotel, Moyvalley, Co. Kildare

Architect: John Brownrigg

In 1807 a Royal Canal Hotel was opened at Moyvalley,

1817 – Whitworth Aqueduct, Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford

Architect: John Killaly

Aqueduct built between 1814 to 1817 to carry the Royal Canal over the River Inny.

1850 – Broadstone Railway Station, Constitution Hill, Dublin

Architect: John Skipton Mulvany

Broadstone harbour’s location was chosen for its proximity to the markets and the law courts.

1891 – Blessington Basin, Blessington Street, Dublin

Architect: Spencer Harty

Water supply to the city was proving a difficulty to the City Corporation in the later half of the eighteenth century.

1912 – Scherzer Bridges, North Wall Quay, Dublin

Built to allow water based traffic to access the Royal Canal and Spencer Docks,

2010 – Spencer Dock Bridge, Dublin

Architect: Amanda Levete Architects

The 40 metre span bridge with its fluid lines and undulating concrete surface will take trams,

Design for Royal Canal Linear Park Unveiled

The Royal Canal Linear Park, which has been designed by Paris-based architectural practice,