Photo: William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo credit
Photo: William Murphy from Dublin, Ireland, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Portobello and the Grand Canal locks
Your local guide
Éabha Doyle
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Highlights
- A working canal lock explained
- Swans and moorhens on the towpath
- A cargo route now a wildlife corridor
- Water level changes, seen live
- A calm early morning by the canal
About this tour
This early session looks closely at one of the Grand Canal's working lock systems and the wildlife that uses the water around it in a busy residential part of the city. You see the lock gates in operation and the birdlife that has adapted to the canal's edges. It stays along the water throughout, timed for a calm early morning.
After a short sound check at the lock, I explain how the mechanism works before walking the towpath stop by stop to look at the wildlife. I take questions live as they come and send a short note afterwards on the canal's original cargo trade for anyone who wants to read further.
It suits anyone interested in engineering and urban wildlife, and early risers who want a calm start before a busier day.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Dublin before heading out.
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Portobello lock 15 min
The camera takes in the lock gates and the change in water level they manage, and I explain how the canal's lock system once let barges carry goods into the city centre.
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The towpath's morning wildlife 15 min
You see swans and moorhens working the calmer stretches of water, and I point out how the towpath supports wildlife despite running through a dense residential area.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Dublin: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Soda bread and Temple Bar, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Dublin time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 8 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Dublin, showing you Portobello lock and The towpath's morning wildlife live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk the canal live with my phone.
Times shown in Dublin time (GMT)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Mon 2 Nov · 8 seats left From 19,00 €
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