The Corbally Canal, also known as the Herbertstown Branch of the Grand Canal, extends from Naas Harbour to Corbally Harbour in the countryside north and east of Kilcullen, Athgarvan and Newbridge.  It is the Feeder for the Naas Canal.  Water is fed from the Rathmore Spring into Corbally Harbour, a KCC Protected Structure, then through a large pipe under the Newbridge Road (R445), past Naas Harbour and the locks on the Naas Canal, to the Main Line of the Grand Canal at Soldier’s Island, west of Sallins.  Unfortunately, the R445 in its current form, makes it impassable for walkers, cyclists and boaters.

The Transport Tribunal in Feb 1953, released CIE of its obligation to keep the Corbally Canal open.  The road authority in 1954 when building what was then the main road to Limerick, was allowed build the road across the canal effectively creating a barricade with a culvert underneath.  This prevented people and boats making their way along the canal past this point, but did allow the water to get through.  

Today, it seems amazing that this was permitted, but it was at a time when canals transported goods and the potential for leisure activities and tourism on rural Canals was not envisioned.  The IWAI, a volunteer group founded in 1954, focused all their energy in the initial years, on ensuring the proposed new bridges on the Shannon would not block the navigation.  It was not until the 1960s that the idea of canals as a recreational facility came into vogue and by then it was too late for the Corbally Canal.  Until recent years, there did not seem much hope of changing this disastrous decision.  However, now with the M7, M9, M8, and the recent Sallins Bypass, the road blocking the canal is now designated as (R)egional.  Today, the IWAI, Kildare County Council and local organisations, are actively campaigning for the reopening of this canal to Corbally Harbour, as a safe amenity for people of all ages, both locals and tourists.   

Waterways Ireland continue to maintain the canal by removing weed and silt every year, to allow the water to flow and to ensure it does not overflow onto adjoining lands. 

In recent years, with the emphasis on health, safety and outdoor recreation, there has been considerable interest expressed in creating an off-road facility for everyone.  This canal can be a new tourist destination for locals and visitors, an extension of the Grand Greenway for all ages and abilities, a place for children and adults to enjoy canoeing and kayaking, a destination for barges and boats, and for those with an interest in our industrial and natural heritage. 

The story of the Corbally Canal goes back to 1811 and before, when the canal was first planned and built as a transport conduit for local businesses, including the Tuthill & Reeves Mill located two miles away in Athgarvan near Newbridge.  Its industrial history revolved around the shipping of goods to Athgarvan, Kilcullen and Newbridge.  Malt, flour and other raw materials were transported by cart along the Harbour Road to Corbally, where they were loaded onto barges in the Harbour, then carried along the Grand Canal to businesses in Dublin.

Published on August 29 1891 in the Kildare Observer

2022 Update

Over the past eighteen months, the IWAI Corbally Group, consisting of local volunteers and members of IWAI Kildare, have continued to raise the profile of the Corbally Canal and Harbour, with in-depth research by Claire Meehan and others, into its connections with Athgarvan, Kilcullen, Naas, Newbridge and Sallins have been explored.

The output from this research into the history and infrastructure of the canal is a Video filmed by David Knox and narrated by local historian, Liam Kenny, with an accompanying Brochure produced by Eamon Sinnott.  Kildare County Council has backed this initiative by providing a grant for the printing of the document.  This publication visualises the known history and the future of the canal as a tourism and recreational amenity, for both local people and visitors.  The launch of the brochure took place during Heritage Week 2022 and at the Naas Canal Festival 2022 in October.

There is a range of photographs in our Waterways’ Gallery section showing trips down the Corbally Canal in recent years, giving an indication of the potential of this amenity. More information: Naas Canal and Corbally Trip

2023 Update

In November 2023, it was announced that €45,000 has been allocated for a Feasibility Study ‘to assess the development potential for enhancing the Corbally Canal between Naas and Corbally Basin as a Greenway’.  This initiative is part of the Corbally Canal and River Liffey Corridor Enhancement Scheme. 

As part of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), Minister Humphreys announced the allocation of around €2.3 million to develop 50 new outdoor recreation projects throughout the country.

  • Funding will support preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage
  • Investment will ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years

Another Step Closer –  thanks are due to all involved so far, in the research and promotion of the Corbally Canal as a future heritage, tourist and recreation waterway, available to local and visiting boaters, canoeists, cyclists, kayakers and walkers of all abilities and ages

2024 Update

During the early part of 2024, the Harbour was drained, the silt island removed and the surrounding canal dredged.  Kilcullen Diary published these photographs by Herbert Sheehan of Corbally Harbour during the work and after it was refilled.  

Corbally Harbour 2024 © Herbert Sheehan

KILDARE – COUNTY GEOLOGICAL SITE REPORT – 2005
NAME OF SITE Rathcore Spring
Other names used for site
TOWNLAND(S) Herbertstown
NEAREST TOWN Newbridge (An Droichead Nua)
SIX INCH MAP NUMBER 23
NATIONAL GRID REFERENCE 284360 213750 = E 844 138
1:50,000 O.S. SHEET NUMBER 55 1/2 inch Sheet No. 16
Outline Site Description
A spring that feeds the part of the Grand Canal known as the Naas and Corbally Branch.
Geological System/Age and Primary Rock Type
N/A
Main Geological or Geomorphological Interest
This spring is situated approximately 3.5km east of Newbridge town at the terminus of the Naas and Corbally Branch of the Grand Canal. The source of the spring cannot be seen due to high levels of vegetation but the constant flow of water from this spring can be heard from the banks of the canal.
Site Importance
A significant spring site worthy of CGS status in the context of Kildare.
Management/promotion issues
This land is owned by CIE. Access is through two large locked gates. This is an aesthetically pleasing site with ruined harbour buildings along the east bank of the canal. The area around the canal and spring appears to be reasonably managed with no dumping observed. This site is also the beginning of a canal walkway, which extends as far as Naas town to the northeast.