The Grand Canal is the impressive southernmost waterway of Dublin’s two encompassing city canals. It serves as the connection point of the River Shannon beginning at the Grand Canal Dock and ending at Shannon Harbour. The Grand Canal is an important historical landmark as well as a popular tourist attraction.
The epic 130 kilometres waterway is equipped with an abundance of waterfront opportunities as well as The Grand Canal Way, a hiking trail that runs the entire length of the feature. The Waterways Ireland Visitor Centre is an educational resource for tourists that provides history and information on canal locks. Additional canal front opportunities include barge cruises, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, guided bicycling tours on surrounding footpaths,“Viking Splash Tours”, and boating.
Public transport around the Grand Canal area in Dublin is serviced by the DART, Luas, and Metro railways as well as public buses. Stations run from the Grand Canal Dock down to the Shannon Harbour. Boats and barges are typically recreational but can provide access down the waterway as well. Many people hike down The Grand Canal Way.
The notion of connecting the city of Dublin and the Shannon River was conceived in the early 1700s, and during that time The Grand Canal was the most massive canal project ever attempted. Boat access via the Grand Canal began in 1804 and opened up a world of opportunity within the realm of commerce and transportation in Ireland.