Ardreigh Lock

A short run downstream from the canal junction at Athy, the navigation leaves the main river for a side canal that leads to Ardreigh Lock, the first of the 23 river locks on the way to St Mullins. A large flour mill once stood across the cut on Lord’s Island; just above the lock a small lifting bridge crosses the canal, and Athy’s trip boat comes down this way and through the chamber. Like every lock on the Barrow it is worked by the boat’s own crew with a lock key, and lifejackets are compulsory in the chamber and on the lock walls. If you need help, call the patroller for the Athy locks and for Ardreigh, Levitstown and Maganey on +353 87 951 0777. Below the lock the river becomes the border between Kildare and Laois and runs quiet and wooded towards Levitstown, about 5 km on.