Machinery in Cloniffeen

Cast-iron quay crane, erected c.1840. Located to quayside. Spoked cog wheel to shaft with maker's mark reading 'Courtney and Stephens Dublin', 'H. Lee and Sons Limerick', 'Board of Public Works Shannon Navigation, to lift 1 ton 1-8-03'.

This crane was used to lift goods on and off the barges coming in to Shannonbridge via the canal. The robust design stands testament to the great age of engineering associated with canal building in the early nineteenth century. Cranes and machinery of this nature, built for canal works, represent the great technical advances achieved in Ireland and Britain during this period.