Survey Data
Reg No
15310149
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Dry dock
In Use As
Dry dock
Date
1805 - 1810
Coordinates
243626, 253506
Date Recorded
20/07/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Canal dry dock , built c.1806, serving the Royal Canal. Constructed of dressed limestone blocks, stepping out in eight tiers to the dock bed and curved at ends, with flight of steps built into west side. Modern metal railings around the top. Timber and steel lock gates to the south to allow access to the Royal Canal and sluice gates to the south to drain water. Located adjacent to Mullingar Harbour (153100150).
Appraisal
Recently restored, this dry dock is an interesting element of the extensive canal heritage of Westmeath. The quality of the dressed limestone construction of the dry dock walls and of the associated machinery is indicative of the grandiose ambitions of the Royal Canal Company during the early part of the nineteenth century. This dry dock, along with the sluice and lock keeper's gates have been designed and constructed with a high level of expertise indicating the importance of their role in the past and remains an important element of the architectural and industrial heritage of Westmeath.