Royal Canal

Royal Canal An Chanáil Ríoga
Royal Canal from D'Arcy's bridge, County Westmeath
Specifications
Length	145 km (90 miles)
Maximum boat beam	13 ft 3 in (4.04 m) (originally 13 ft 3 in or 4.04 m) (narrowest lock No.17)
Locks	46
Status	Open
Navigation authority	Waterways Ireland
History
Construction began	1790
Date completed	1817
Date closed	1961
Date restored	2010
Geography
Start point	Spencer Dock, Dublin (originally Broadstone) (Broadstone filled in)
End point	Cloondara (Cloondara connects to the River Shannon (at Termonbarry) via the River Camlin)
Branch(es)	Longford Town
Connects to	River Shannon

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.