Royal Canal, Historic waterway in Dublin, Ireland
The Royal Canal is a waterway connecting North Strand Road in Dublin to the Shannon River, featuring multiple locks and stone bridges throughout its length. The route passes through various northern districts and offers changing views of buildings and landscapes along the way.
Construction started in 1790 and took around 27 years to complete, with the project eventually leading to the canal company's financial collapse. The completion marked the end of an era in Irish canal development.
The waterway runs past Croke Park and features a statue of poet Brendan Behan, whose writings frequently referenced this canal. These elements show how the route shaped local cultural life and literary traditions in Dublin.
Access to the waterway is available at multiple points, including Newcomen Bridge near Connolly Station in the city center. A continuous walking path runs the entire length, connecting different points across the northern districts.
At Broom Bridge, mathematician William Rowan Hamilton carved his quaternion formula into the stone in 1843, marking a major breakthrough in mathematics. This remarkably significant inscription remains visible on the bridge today.
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