It is from this accoutrement that the canal harbour on the Barrowline was given the name of Bell Harbour.
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| Bell Harbour |
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| The lift bridge, I was hoping to see the bridge lifted there were no boats moving that day. |
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| In the second basin are a broadbeam boat and a narrowboat. Traditionally the Irish canals are much wider than than those found in the UK and to see a narrowboat moored in the basin suggests that this boat was imported from the UK. |
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| The first basin up from the lift bridge has two modern plastic cruisers moored within. |
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| A modern estate of luxury flats were built on the gardens that surrounded this old house.
The Barrowline links the Grand Canal to River Barrow, which is one of Irelands three sister rivers, the Nore and the Suir that rise within a few miles of each other and then meander through the countryside to join up and flow out at Waterford City.
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Having lived on the Thames for 3 years on a Dutch barge, we decided to go on a narrow boat holiday last year in S Wales and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were thinking of going a tad further afield over the next couple of years and Ireland seems a decent choice. Is the canal network there quite extensive?
ReplyDeleteWell it is possible to travel by boat from say Waterford or Limerick to Dublin or further via the River Shannon to Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh. If you are hiring a boat then a lot depends upon what restrictions the company places upon the hirer. I do know that hire boats are not allowed past Killaloe on the river Shannon to Limerick. Having said that there is a lot of water between Killaloe and Lough Erne to play on :)
DeleteThanks for the info. I loved my last holiday in Ireland, but that was well over 10 years ago and by car (the country roads were a bit ropy then - potholes all over the show between towns).
DeleteNot a lot of difference Bill. The front seat passenger is a pot hole spotter :)
DeleteIt seems that we are unable to afford to maintain our roads and yet we can find many millions to build new motorways which makes no sense at all.
That's a pretty place indeed!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed Simon and thank you.
DeleteHi Mel - The St Evin monks and their settlement and then I've also never heard of Offaly ... interesting history about the canals and their development. The new houses look brand new .. but I guess over time will blend with the old one, or vice versa. It looks a lovely development ... but a canal boat holiday would be good ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments Hilary. I have experienced a few boating holidays in Ireland and the best thing about them to my mind is leaving them and boating on the River and particularly Lough Derg with lots of small harbours on it's banks - real watering holes you know :)
DeleteThe lift-bridge could easily be a view in The Fens.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of similarities to be found here in Ireland Rachel :)
DeleteThank you for leaving a comment.
What a beautiful place, particularly like the reflections in the water, one to visit!
ReplyDeleteYes, Bell Harbour has a meditative quality and is very a peaceful place to visit.
DeleteThank you for your comment.
Hi I lived at bell harbour or harbour view when I was born till 12years old was a fantastic place to live
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. Is there an extensive canal network in Ireland? Xxx
ReplyDeleteYes pretty good access to most of the country, think perhaps you might click on the link at bottom of blog and see for yourself :) eh ?
DeleteMany thanks for your comments and A Happy May Day to You