Bell Harbour Monasterevin, Co. Kildare

St. Evin brought a number of monks with him from his native Munster. This gained the settlement the name Rosglos-na-Moinneach (the green wood of the Munstermen). Saint Evin was politically astute; today he would be called a spin-doctor. He secured special status for the Monasterevin area placing it outside the common law, making it a sanctuary. His famous bell was used for swearing oaths and was much in demand by tribes of the region for guaranteeing peace treaties.
It is from this accoutrement that the canal harbour on the Barrowline was given the name of Bell Harbour.

Bell Harbour

The lift bridge, I was hoping to see the bridge lifted
there were no boats moving that day.

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.

The first basin up from the lift bridge has two modern plastic cruisers moored within.

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.

For further information about Irelands canals please view http://www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Home.aspx