Heritage boats to descend on Offaly town for celebration of the Grand Canal

Waterways Ireland, in collaboration with the Heritage Boat Association (HBA) and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), will host a special event during National Heritage Week to celebrate our shared inland waterways heritage.

This event will take place on Sunday, August 25, from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm at the Offaly History Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore.

The highlight of the indoor event will be a talk and presentation by Waterways Ireland, unveiling the Story Map “A Boatman’s Journey.” Supported by Heritage Council Stewardship Funding, this Story Map is a digital innovation that brings the heritage of the Grand Canal to life. It combines various media types- including photos, maps, drawings, videos, oral history recordings, interviews, animations, and text- to offer a rich, immersive narrative connected through the map.

“A Boatman’s Journey” invites viewers to explore the Grand Canal’s rich heritage through the eyes of a boatman. The Grand Canal has connected communities, facilitated trade routes, created networks, and shaped the cultural landscape of the area since its conception in the 18th century.

A standout feature of “A Boatman’s Journey” is a 3D animation of Barge 31M. This stunning digital recreation allows viewers to virtually step on board, explore the barge's interior, examine its Bolinder engine, and observe a boatman navigating it through the waterways.

Complementing the Story Map presentation, the HBA and IWAI will showcase a selection of heritage boats and Bolinder engines. These outdoor displays offer a unique opportunity to see the craftsmanship and engineering that powered Ireland's waterways in action. Visitors will have the chance to explore these historical vessels and engines up close, gaining insight into the daily lives and experiences of the boatmen who once navigated the Grand Canal. 

This event is a perfect opportunity for everyone to celebrate and explore Ireland's rich waterways heritage. The combination of the Story Map presentation and the display of heritage boats promises to provide a fascinating and educational experience for all.

"Waterways Ireland is excited to partner with the HBA and IWAI for this event, showcasing the Grand Canal's incredible heritage," said Martina McCarthy, Heritage Officer with Waterways Ireland. "The Story Map 'A Boatman’s Journey' is a testament to the canal's historical significance, and we are eager to share it with the public. Admission is Free and we invite everyone to join us in Tullamore for this celebration."