Old Canal

Disused canal, c.10km long, built 1756-9 and left unfinished. Formerly watered by River Blackwater at west end and stretching eastwards to Mallow. Earth-cut construction. Some parts filled in and others being overgrown muddy channel with standing water in places. Locks formerly present at Pallas to west and mid-way at Longueville. Latter of rare continental type and has ashlar limestone side walls with slot for lock gate at east end. Plaque with history of canal at roadside.

This canal, now disused forms a formidable achievement of engineering in North Cork. It was designed by William Ockinden to connect the Duhallow coalmines at Dromagh, eleven kilometres to the west, to the sea at youghal by way of the River Blackwater. The lock at Longueville is particularly significant as it is of Continental type, very rare in Ireland and is longer and wider than any of the locks on the main canal systems in Ireland. The canal had been opened for traffic in 1761 and closed in 1786.