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The Jamestown Canal
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The canal also known as "The Jamestown Cut" was constructed in 1775. The old Quay in Drumsna was also built at this time. The Canal is one and three quarter miles long. At first, it was very narrow with two "S" bends. The location of old lock was further up the canal than the present Albert Lock and the two loops were enlarged and straightened . A report, in 1794 by John Bronwrigg suggested more repairs and widening and deepening of the canal bed . It was not until the 1840's, that the canal as we know it today was made navagible, and major works were carried out between 1841-1848. More than half of the canals length is through rocks and the remainder through peat and soft clay. The rock was removed by blasting with gun powder. Difficulties were found down stream from Corlara Bridge where the canal is cut through peat and soft clay . Rock had to be placed on the canal bed. |
A new lock called Albert Lock named after the husband of Queen Victoria was built as well as the Bridges at Corlara and Ardanaffrin. The timber for the lock gates was imported from South America and is called " Green Hart ". The present lock keeper is Michael Bourke who is the fourth generation of the Bourke family to hold this position. The cost of the canal in the commissioners report was £29,227. The number of people employed was approximately 313. Many walked miles for a few pence a day which just kept them alive in the famine times. Many slept in old tents. The canal was a very important mode of transport at that time. Almost every type of goods was carried from Limerick to Carrick. Some items recorded in Athlone were stone, timber, iron, lime barrels, gun powder, porter, manure, grain, meal, potatoes, coal, limestone, slates and turf.