Watch Waterways: The Royal Canal

Waterways: The Royal Canal is a documentary series from TravelVideoStore.com that explores the history, culture, and beauty of the Royal Canal in Ireland. The series comprises of four episodes, each episode taking the viewers on a journey along different stretches of the canal, from its origins in Dublin to its endpoint in Cloondara.

The first episode of the series, titled "Dublin to Maynooth", follows host Ruth Delaney as she begins her journey at the Grand Canal Dock in Dublin City Center, where the Royal Canal starts. She explores the city's history and explains how the canal was built to transport goods from rural areas to the city. Ruth travels through different landmarks such as Castleknock, the 12th Lock in Blanchardstown, and Leixlip Castle while meeting with locals who discuss the canal’s impact on their communities. The episode ends as Ruth arrives in Maynooth, a bustling university town in County Kildare, where she visits the stunning Carton House Estate.

The second episode, titled "Maynooth to Mullingar", takes Ruth through the scenic Kildare countryside, dotted with haunts famous for their live music such as The Harbour Bar in Rathangan. Ruth stops in villages such as Enfield, Moyvalley, and Kilcock before reaching Kilbeggan, where she explores the Kilbeggan Distillery, founded in 1757, is one of the oldest active distilleries globally. The episode ends in Mullingar, the largest town in Westmeath, renowned for its culture and arts.

In episode 3, "Mullingar to Ballynacargy", Ruth travels through the peaceful town of Kilbeggan and onto a stretch of the canal famous for its angling for bream and roach. She visits local attractions such as Tullynally Castle on the outskirts of Castlepollard, the Royal Canal Aqueduct over the river Inny, and the lovely marina in Ballynacargy.

The series' final episode, "Ballynacargy to Cloondara", sees Ruth traveling through County Longford up to the final stop of the Royal Canal in Cloondara. Along the way, Ruth visits the Abbeyshrule Canal Village, a picturesque spot with a small harbour and brightly coloured houses. She also visits the historic Richmond Harbour, a 200-year-old harbour on the canal where she examines how the canal was an integral part of transportation for the town. The canal project fails to join the Shannon river, and the episode concludes with the monumental feat of building the canal completed, Ruth reflecting on the significant impact that the canal had on the communities along its shores.

Waterways: The Royal Canal is a visually stunning and informative series. The air journey and water activities have been captured beautifully and are enhanced by Ruth's narration and insight into the canal's history and culture.

Overall, Waterways: The Royal Canal is an excellent documentary series that informs and entertains. Ruth Delaney is a passionate and knowledgeable host, whose love for the Royal Canal shines through in every episode. The series offers an insight into Ireland's rich history and culture, as well as showcasing the stunning beauty of the country's waterways. This series is an absolute must-watch for anyone with an interest in history, Irish culture, and the beauty of nature.