43rd Lock

Canal lock associated with Royal Canal, built c. 1815, consisting of pair of timber and steel breast gates with timber footboards and balance beams. Set within ashlar limestone lock chamber with ashlar limestone capstones with bevelled edges. Associated lock keeper's house (13311011) to the west. Located to the east of Killashee.

This well-built canal lock that forms part of an interesting group of structures associated with the Royal Canal to the east of Killashee. The quality of the construction is indicative of the grandiose ambitions of the Directors General of Inland Navigation (who took over responsibility for the Royal Canal following the dissolution of the Royal Canal Company in 1813) during the early part of the nineteenth century. This lock has been designed and constructed with a high level of expertise indicating the importance of its role in the past and remains an important element of the architectural and industrial heritage of County Longford. It forms part of a group of related structures along with Aghnaskea Bridge (13311010) and the associated lock keeper’s house (13311011) and is a worthy addition to the built heritage of the Killashee area.