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
75 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bliss great staff great experience
robbiemP2098JN,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic highly recemend fantist family day out
Digby Lock Cruise 6th May
GlobeTrotting463,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arrived at requested time of 9.50am and were greeted by Chris, our skipper for the day and were boarded onto the beautiful narrow boat we would be sailing on. The barge is well equipped with a toilet, indoor and outdoor seating, a bar with bottles and a tap with lager on draft as well as complimentary tea and coffee. The journey is extremely smooth and we were entertained by a hugely knowledgeable Chris who told us so many interesting things about the canal and creatures and vegetation living in it. Experiencing the Lock being opened to allow the boat rise onto the next part of the canal as we continued our journey was brilliant and a fabulous piece of engineering. There are so many other things we enjoyed so would highly recommend it. We had food afterwards in Lock 13 bar and restaurant which was really nice too.
Birthday treat
B4265BMpatriciaf,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing trip the weather was beautiful all kinds of wildlife to hear and see as you cruise along the canal we had a little stop off along the way to see and hear some of the history from our skipper who was very entertaining and knowledgeable he also took the time to take some photos of everyone on board when we arrived back we had lunch in lock 13 which was also part of the trip great food also we would deffo do this trip again with family and friends would highly recommend thanks to all involved in making this trip so enjoyable. kindest regards Trish and Tony
Digby Lock Cruise
EilsEils,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The barge cruise from Sallins is a very worthwhile experience when visiting Kildare. Chris was a friendly and informed host. His knowledge of the history of the Grand Canal along with the flora and wildlife in the area was impressive. Definitely worth a trip!
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!
From €40.00
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