There are no royalties in Ireland (unless they come to visit), but there is something even better than a crowned head: the Royal Canal. I live very close to the canal, so quite often I cycle along it — and that is a very nice bike ride, or possibly a walk if you prefer walking. This is the beginning of Wikipedia article on Royal canal:
The Royal Canal (Irish: An Chanáil Ríoga) is a canal originally built for freight and passenger transportation from Dublin to Longford in Ireland. It is one of two canals from Dublin to the River Shannon and was built in direct competition to the Grand Canal. The canal fell into disrepair in the late 20th century, but much of it has since been restored for navigation. The length of the canal to the River Shannon was reopened on 1 October 2010, but a final spur branch, to Longford Town, remains closed.
For those of you who want to know more details, here’s the complete article on Wikipedia, and another one on Waterways Ireland web site:
Waterways Ireland | Greenways | Royal Canal
Some photos of the canal, footpaths and bridges. You will also find a view from the canal to the tallest round tower in Ireland — the O’Connell Tower on Glasnevin cemetery. The last photo in this gallery shows one of the railway stops along the canal, as the railway is just next to it.
A canal without water birds!? I don’t think so. Take a look at some swans and herons who gladly posed for the photographs — and take a look at a heron who refused to pose (the last photo from the set).
Last but not least: boats and barges. There are quite a few of them in the canal — you can even rent a boat, along with its captain, who will take you on a tour for a few hours. People book boat tours for leisure, or for birthday celebrations, for instance.
