| Royal Canal An Chanáil Ríoga | |
|---|---|
 Royal Canal from D'Arcy's bridge, County Westmeath | |
 | |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 145 km (90 miles) |
| Maximum boat beam | 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m) (originally 13 ft 3 in or 4.04 m) (narrowest lock No.17) |
| Locks | 46 |
| Status | Open |
| Navigation authority | Waterways Ireland |
| History | |
| Construction began | 1790 |
| Date completed | 1817 |
| Date closed | 1961 |
| Date restored | 2010 |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Spencer Dock, Dublin (originally Broadstone) (Broadstone filled in) |
| End point | Cloondara (Cloondara connects to the River Shannon (at Termonbarry) via the River Camlin) |
| Branch(es) | Longford Town |
| Connects to | River Shannon |
 | |
The Royal Canal (Irish: An Chanáil Ríoga) is a canal originally built for freight and passenger transportation from Dublin to Longford in Ireland. It is one of two canals from Dublin to the River Shannon and was built in direct competition to the Grand Canal. The canal fell into disrepair in the late 20th century, but much of it has since been restored for navigation. The length of the canal to the River Shannon was reopened on 1 October 2010, but a final spur branch, to Longford Town, remains closed.