Ferns Lock (17th Lock)

Ferns Lock, the 17th, lies in open country about 4 km beyond Kilcock. It has two chambers and is one of the deepest locks on the canal, so take it steadily and keep lines tended as the water drops or rises. In July 2026, after the 14th level of the canal was drained by accident during a long dry spell, Waterways Ireland secured this lock so that only its own water patrollers and lock-keepers can work it: phone ahead and agree a time. The lock is also the threshold of the longest lock-free pound on the Royal, about 32 km past Enfield, Moyvalley and the Boyne Aqueduct to the foot of the Killucan flight at Thomastown, so it is a good place to plan your water, fuel and supplies.