Length & Locks:
Main Line: 146km with 46 locks
Longford Branch: 8km with no locks

 

Opening Hours of Locks:
Daylight Hours

 

Navigational Criteria:
Length 21m
Beam 3.8m
Draft 1m
Airdraft 3m
Lowest Bridge Liffey Junction Railway Bridge

 

Permits:
Permits are required to enter and moor on the Royal Canal. They must be purchased in advance of travel. At the time of publication these cost

Lock Passage €0.60 per lock
Mooring €12.70 per month
Annual Permit €126.00

Permits can be purchased from:

Waterways Ireland, Floor 2 Block C, Ashtowngate, Navan Road, Dublin 15. Tel: +353 1 868 0148

 

Speed Limit:
6km/h

 

Ensure your wash and wake does not cause nuisance to other waterway users, especially in confined waters or channels. Reduce speed where necessary 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.

 

Locks:
All the locks on the Royal Canal are operated manually - the waterway controllers should be contacted at the telephone numbers below. Please ensure the safety of all your passengers when the boat is in the lock.

Locks Contact:
Locks 1 - 17 Des Phillips Tel no +353 87 248 5754
Locks 17 - 38 Liam Croash Tel no +353 87 618 2104

Slipways:
Slipways are provided at a number of locations to facilitate access to the Royal Canal. Please contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office or consult the Guide to the Royal Canal for up to date information.

 

Fuel Points:
Fuel is available from garages adjacent to the canal

 

Note:
Maintenance works on the system are, whenever possible, carried out during the winter. It is therefore advisable during the winter months to contact Waterways Ireland before making your journey to confirm that the section of waterway that you wish to navigate is open.

 

Mooring Time Limits:
No boat shall be moored at the same place on the canals or within 500 metres of the same place, for more than 5 days without the appropriate permit.

 

Waterways Ireland Contacts:
Operations Eastern Region, Floor 2 Block C, Ashtowngate, Navan Rd, Dublin.

Tel no +353 1 8823301 Fax no +353 1 8383647 info@waterwaysireland.org