BENCHMARKS continued
Back from the badlands of north Dublin, M.C. and Benchmarker saddled up to scout the open prairies west of the city. Following the Grand Canal Trail heading out west, paydirt was struck at the 5th Lock.
Those not familiar with the history of the Grand Canal might wonder why the numbering of its locks starts with the one at Suir Road/Davitt Road - designated the 1st Lock - rather than the one on the east of the city at Grand Canal Dock where the canal enters Dublin Port. Well the reason is that when originally built the canal terminated at Grand Canal Harbour beside the Guinness Brewery. The section to Dublin Port with all those other locks was constructed later. That original section is now filled-in and on it is that bit of the Luas Line from Suir Road Station to Fatima Station. Benchmarker recalls exploring the area around Fatima in the late 60s and seeing a walkway bridge there linking the two banks of the canal. Aaawww ... Dublin in the rare old times, Jockser!
Below: The 'mark on the 5th Lock of the Grand Canal in Dublin.
Above: The 5th Lock looking towards the city centre. The 'mark is on the lock wall on the opposite side just to the left of the wooden walkway.