26th Lock

Canal lock gate, erected c.1809, comprising restored pair of timber and steel lock gates with timber balance arms. Set within lock chamber built of ashlar limestone. Located adjacent to associated lock keeper's cottage (15401831), canal bridge (15401819) and Coolnahay Harbour.

An attractive and well-built canal lock that forms part of an important group of structures associated with the Royal Canal in Westmeath. The quality of the ashlar limestone construction of the lock walls and associated machinery is indicative of the grandiose ambitions of the Royal Canal Company during the early part of the nineteenth century. This lock, along with the lock keeper's house (15401831) and canal, have been designed and constructed with a high level of expertise indicating the importance of their role in the past and remains an important element of the architectural and industrial heritage of Westmeath.