North City Flour Mill

ROYAL CANAL DUBLIN

Locks 5 and 6 on the Royal Canal and the Area Between Them:

Locks 5 and 6 are part of the Royal Canal’s fascinating lock system, specifically located in the northern part of Dublin City. The area between them, once a busy industrial hub, is now undergoing transformation into a vibrant public space with an emphasis on greenways and cycling routes.

Key Features Between Locks 5 and 6:

5th Lock: Situated near the North City Flour Mill, this lock marks the transition to the 5th level of the canal.

6th Lock: A unique double-chambered lock accompanied by the restored Lock Keeper’s Cottage, now the clubhouse for the Cabra Kayak Club. Remnants of a railway bridge can still be seen near the cottage.
Industrial Heritage: The area still bears witness to its industrial past with the presence of the North City Flour Mill and remnants of railway infrastructure.

Natural Beauty: The canal itself, along with its towpaths, offers scenic views and opportunities for recreation.
Cycle Routes and Future Plans:

Royal Canal Greenway: The Royal Canal Greenway is a major project aiming to create a continuous off-road cycling and walking route along the entire length of the Royal Canal. This will significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility between Locks 5 and 6, and the surrounding areas.

Local Cycle Routes: Dublin City Council is also working on developing local cycle routes that connect to the Greenway, providing further opportunities for cycling in the area.

Revitalisation Efforts: The transformation of the area between Locks 5 and 6 goes beyond just cycle routes. There are plans for improved public spaces, landscaping, and the preservation of industrial heritage, making it an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.

The remnants of the railway bridge near the 6th Lock on the Royal Canal are a testament to the area’s rich industrial past. This bridge once carried the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) line, which crossed over the canal at this point.

History of the Bridge:

Predating the Canal: The Royal Canal was completed in 1817, while the MGWR line, including this bridge, was constructed later in the 19th century.
Purpose: The bridge served as a vital link in the MGWR network, allowing trains to transport goods and passengers across the canal, connecting Dublin to the west of Ireland.
Demolition: The bridge was likely demolished in the mid-20th century when the MGWR line closed down. The decline of rail transport and the rise of road transport led to the closure of many railway lines across Ireland, and their infrastructure was often dismantled.

Today:

Remnants: The remaining structures of the bridge, such as the abutments or piers, offer a glimpse into the area’s industrial heritage.
Historical Significance: These remnants serve as a reminder of the important role railways played in the development of Dublin and Ireland as a whole.
Integration with the Greenway: The Royal Canal Greenway project aims to incorporate these remnants into the landscape, creating a connection between the area’s past and its future as a recreational and green space.

The North City Flour Mill: A Dublin Landmark Repurposed

The imposing structure of the North City Flour Mill stands as a testament to Dublin’s industrial heritage, its presence looming large near the 5th Lock of the Royal Canal. Originally built circa 1840, the building first served as Mallet’s Iron Mill before its transformation into the North City Flour Mill in the 1860s. This shift in purpose marked a significant contribution to the local economy, providing employment for many in the Phibsborough area.  

The mill’s architecture reflects its functional origins. The detached, eleven-bay, five-storey structure, with its advanced gable-fronted end bay reaching six storeys, exudes a sense of industrial grandeur. Built primarily of squared rubble limestone, the building features brick dressing around the window openings and a well-crafted entrance doorway, adding subtle touches of elegance to its utilitarian design.  

The North City Flour Mill played a vital role in Dublin’s food production for many years, utilising the canal for transportation of grain and flour. Its proximity to the 5th lock, canal bridge, and the remnants of the railway bridge and siding further highlight its integral connection to the area’s industrial network.  

Today, the mill has been repurposed into apartments, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of industrial architecture. Its solid construction and imposing presence have been preserved, ensuring that this landmark continues to contribute to the character of the area, albeit in a new capacity. While the mill’s days of grinding flour are long gone, its legacy lives on, reminding us of Dublin’s industrious past and its ongoing evolution

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