Digby Lock Cruise - Explore Ireland's Historic Grand Canal.
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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 its landscape and linking its towns and villages.
Our barge is a lovingly restored traditional canal barge that is licensed to carry 12 passengers. It has a spacious comfortable interior with a wood-burning stove, on-board bar service, and outdoor seating areas.
Feel free to bring some snacks.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
travelers will spend 2.5 hours in the cruise
Theres a step from the harbour wall onto the back deck, and 3 steps down into the main cabin.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 the navvies who built the canal, of the heavy horses that ruled the towpaths – and discover the Leonardo da Vinci connection!
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
refreshment in the bar - 3-4 EUR
Options
Digby Lock Cruise - Explore Ireland's Historic Grand Canal.
Reviews
71 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Living it Barge in Sallins
LightPacker664681,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous boat trip, definitely recommend. History, nature, chill out, Great for kids, and has a fully stock bar! Chris gives a top notch tour, excellent barge captain, thanks for a great afternoon.
Relaxing Morning
patrickdM9063AB,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip with a very knowledgeable and relaxed skipper. Will certainly book an evening trip again and avail on the on board bar.
Digby Lock Canal Cruise is fantastic!
Gregory C,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a great experience. The father and son crew are so kind and explained the history of the canal and lock and what we were seeing in the countryside. If you are staying in Dublin it is a short train ride to Sallins and Naas and there are several pubs/restaurants in the area. We went to Locke 13. I highly recommend that place as well.
One of the highlights of our trip!
Deborah K,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This barge ride was one of the highlights of our trip and definitely worth the train ride from Dublin. It was raining when we boarded but the sun shone brightly as we approached the lock. So beautiful. The staff was lovely and so knowledgeable. Gave us so much history and information. I can’t say enough good things! Thanks so much for such a wonderful few hours!
Family outing
Venture425458,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic Highly recommend it!
Would love to go again
T4334UWmariaw,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We decided to do something different for our Xmas Team Party and book a barge trip. Even the weather couldn't dampen our experience which was wonderful! Thanks to skipper Chris and Monica for a wonderful experience!
Spooky Halloween Barge Trip
Traveller2614,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip.Our Cpt was very knowledgeable of the area,canals and surrounding wild life.The barge was lovely a cosy,with a full bar service on board. Will definitely return.
Loved it
niamhd214,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is was a really lovely experience, we were made to feel so welcome on the boat and were well informed about our surroundings. The self serve bar was so good, the draught beer was exceptional. Really recommend doing this trip! Didn’t want it to end.
One hour Barge Trip
Q2625GIjenniferg,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.002 adults and 2 children (3 year old and 10 month old) spent a wonderful hour on this barge trip yesterday. Skipper was very welcoming and informative - we learnt a lot about the history and current state of our fascinating canal system. Highly recommend this trip.
A fascinating and beautiful tour you need in your life!
989sineadd,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the most interesting and most enjoyable trip I have ever done in Ireland. Can’t recommend the skipper and the crew enough. The trip, the canalboat, Sallins, the aqueduct, that part of the canal, the cottages and canal boats you pass, the people, dogs and hens that greet you, everything was such a beautiful experience. Everyone needs to enjoy this two and a half hours of bliss, cruising underneath tree tunnels, seeing phenomenal birds and insects, listening to the stories of the very well informed crew, drinking a cup of tea beside the fire, it was heaven. I travelled with my sisters, brother in law and niece and they all loved it. Great cafes in Sallins to enjoy after the trip too. Thank you so much for the best memories.
From €40.00
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