Victoria Lock (River Shannon) facts for kids
Victoria Lock, also known as Meelick Lock, is a special gate system on the River Shannon in Ireland. It's the very first lock you reach when traveling upstream from Lough Derg. This important lock helps boats move safely along the river.
Victoria Lock is located between Meelick, County Galway and Clonahenoge, County Offaly. It's also where the Little Brosna River joins the Shannon. This spot is unique because it's very close to where three of Ireland's provinces – Munster, Leinster, and Connacht – all meet.
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What is Victoria Lock?
A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps boats travel between different water levels on a river or canal. Victoria Lock is 142 feet long and 40 feet wide. This size allows many different kinds of boats to pass through it.
Building Victoria Lock
Victoria Lock was built in the 1840s by Thomas Rhodes. He followed directions from the Shannon Commissioners. They were working on a big project to improve the entire River Shannon for travel. This project was called the Shannon Navigation.
How Boats Use the Lock Today
Even today, Victoria Lock is very busy. Many different kinds of boats use it. This includes private boats and rental boats that tourists use to explore the River Shannon and its connecting canals. Another lock, called Hamilton Lock, is nearby, but it is no longer used.
Protecting This Special Place
Victoria Lock is an important part of Ireland's history and engineering. Because of its special design and how it was built, it is officially protected.
Offaly County Council lists both the lock and the house where the lock keeper lives as protected buildings. They are seen as important parts of the area's history. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage also says the lock is very special. They note its interesting design, its clever engineering, and its large size. The lock keeper's house is also recognized for its architectural and technical importance.
