Lecarrow Canal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lecarrow CanalCanáil na Leithcheathrún |
|
|---|---|
Lecarrow harbour
|
|
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1.5 km (0.93 miles) |
| Locks | 0 |
| Maximum height above sea level | 73 m (240 ft) |
| Status | Open |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Lecarrow |
| End point | Lough Ree |
The Lecarrow Canal (Irish: Canáil na Leithcheathrún) is a short, man-made waterway in County Roscommon, Ireland. It's about 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile) long. This canal connects the small village of Lecarrow to the large Lough Ree, which is part of the River Shannon. It was built a long time ago to help move important materials.
Exploring the Lecarrow Canal
The Lecarrow Canal is a special waterway in Ireland. It is 1.5 kilometers long and helps boats travel between the village of Lecarrow and the big lake called Lough Ree. This lake is part of the famous River Shannon, which is Ireland's longest river.
Why Was the Canal Built?
The Lecarrow Canal was built in the 1840s. Its main purpose was to transport limestone. This limestone came from a quarry near Lecarrow. It was then carried by boats all the way to Athlone. The limestone was needed for big building projects managed by the Shannon Commissioners.
A History of Use
After being used for about 17 years, the canal stopped being used for a while. But people realized how important it was. In 1889, the canal was cleaned up and made ready for use again. Later, in the 1960s, the Office of Public Works helped by dredging the canal. Dredging means cleaning out the bottom of the waterway to make it deeper and easier for boats to pass.
Today, the Lecarrow Canal is still open and used by boats. It's a great example of how old waterways can still be useful for travel and recreation.
