Digby Lock Cruise: Grand Canal History

Explore Kildare’s Grand Canal on a 2.5-hour Digby Lock Cruise. Discover history, biodiversity, and scenic views aboard a restored traditional barge.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Leinster Aquaduct - The Aqueduct was built in 1783 and carries the Grand Canal over the river Liffey west of Sallins. There’s a stop at the aqueduct where the skipper will give a short history presentation.
  • Digby Bridge - Over Leinster Aqueduct and on wards, you get to admire the workings of 240-year-old Digby Lock, learn of the hard lives of…
What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • refreshment in the bar - 3-4 EUR
Additional Information

Join us for the 2.5-hour cruise through Digby Lock to experience the workings of an eighteenth-century canal lock. Your Skipper and Guide will give you a unique insight into the life, history, and biodiversity of the Grand Canal as it winds through the county Kildare countryside. Kildare is known as the Canals County with 120 km of still waters crossing…

Location
Bargetrip.ie
Canal View
The Boarding Area is beside the Canal Bridge, outside the Grand Canal Stores Building. If travelling from Dublin by train get the 9.20 am train from Heuston Station. We are a 5 minute walk from Sallins Train Station. If travelling by car you can park in the Church Carpark near the waterfront.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(60 Ratings)
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Ken
Aug 30, 2025
Family trip - A great experience for the extended family. Very friendly and knowledgeable about the canal and its wildlife. Highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer39161221952
Aug 28, 2025
Highly recommended - Fantastic trip, highly recommended. Chris is a knowledgeable and friendly guide. You can even enjoy a pint of a local brew.
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Daydream800157
Aug 26, 2025
Family day out. - Absolutely magic trip on the canal ,so peaceful what a way to travel,Chris was fantastic he is so knowledgeable about the wildlife and vegetation on the canal.Told us all about the different butterflies and moth species. Definitely a must experience.
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B8740qhrobertf
Aug 26, 2025
A nostalgic day to remember for life - The guide on board the barge was an absolute fountain of historical information and brilliantly presented. A must for all tourists of all ages . So good I am organising my friends to take the boat
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848jilliand
Aug 25, 2025
Great day out - Chris the skipper is wonderful at his job. A very relaxing way to spend 2.5 hours. We spotted a kingfisher which was the icing on cake for me Chris took time taking great photos for all onboard We poured ourselves a lovely pint It’s a trip of a lifetime at such a low cost When would you get to go through a lock in Ireland without private hire Lunch in Lock 13 after was fabulous too Will recommend to family and friends 100%
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935declanc
Aug 23, 2025
Time to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. - Lovely gentle trip along the Grand Canal. Very informative and lots to see. Navigating Digby Lock was great. Nice to see the engineering behind it up close The barge was comfortable with options to sit inside or outside. Nice little bar on board. Our guide was brilliant...answered all the questions and obviously loves what he does ..friendly staff on board . All in all a lovely experience. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Newbridgegooner
Aug 19, 2025
Excellent trip on the canal. - We loved the trip. We got to experience the canal and to see the aqueduct but the best bit was going through the lock gates. The skipper explained everything really well throughout the trip and he took photos of each group at the aqueduct. We had a great day.
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Jacquelinecq7684nq
Aug 14, 2025
Cruising down the canal amongst the wildlife! - Very informative gentleman taking the tour, knew all about the bio diversity of the area, very relaxing drifting along the canal. He knew about the wild life the birds & insects, and the people who lived along the canal. It was well worth going.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I4495itpaulk
Aug 23, 2025
Tranquillity - A most enjoyable and relaxing hour, cruising along the canal at walking pace. Makes you appreciate those who built it in the 18th century and those who strive to keep all our canals navigable. Only drawback is the commentary from the skipper. He has been giving the same spiel three or four times a day for, goodness knows, how long. The result is a rapid-fire commentary that is hard to understand. Slow down!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christy444
Aug 20, 2025
Grand Barge - We really enjoyed the tour, particularly the barge captain who gave an excellent commentary on all the points of interest on the trip along the canal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $44
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).