The Royal Canal
A photograph of Ballynacargy Habour, Co. Westmeath showing habour bridge, house and route of canal.
© Sean Magee and Westmeath County LibraryThe Royal Canal
© Sean Magee and Westmeath County Library
© Sean Magee and Westmeath County Library
The Royal Canal
A photograph of Ballynacargy Habour, Co. Westmeath showing habour bridge, house and route of canal.
© Sean Magee and Westmeath County LibraryThe Royal Canal, which linked Dublin to the Shannon, was fully completed in 1817. By 1794 it passed through Leixlip at the insistence of the Duke of Leinster who lived at Carton Estate. This meant the canal had to cross the Rye water valley, 85 feet below the level of the canal.
In order to do this the Rye Aqueduct had to be built over the Rye Water. The aqueduct cost a lot of money to build.
In 1793 workmen reached the turnpike road at Louisa Bridge. While at work they discovered Leixlip Spa. The water at Leixlip Spa was said to have great powers to cure people who were ill.
In 1793 workmen reached the turnpike road at Louisa Bridge. While at work they discovered Leixlip Spa. The water at Leixlip Spa was said to have great powers to cure people who were ill.
Here is a map showing some of the canals in Ireland.
Look at this map carefully and answer the questions.