In 1810 the Basin at Blessington Street was constructed to act as a reservoir to facilitate storage and distribution of water to Dublin city from the Royal Canal. The walls of the Basin are built of Calp limestone and the bed is lined with blue marl clay to retain water. The Gothic style gate lodge was built in 1811 as a residence for the basin-keeper.
The water in the Basin came from Lough Owel, north of Mullingar in County Westmeath, via the Royal Canal. Water from the canal was carried two miles from the eight lock, at Reilly's Bridge through iron pipe work and into the Basin. The water percolated through a gravel and stone filter before being pumped into the city's water supply.
From the 1860's until the 1970's the water was used almost exclusively to supply the Jameson Whiskey distillery in Bow Lane and the Power's Whiskey distillery in John's Lane. The water was used in various parts of the process including malting, where barley is allowed to sprout for a few days before drying, to increase the amount of alcohol produced during the brewing process.
The Basin was refurbished in 1993/94 when extensive planting of trees and shrubs, construction of railings, seating bays and restoration of stone walls took place.
The Basin is a wonderful oasis hidden behind high stone walls in the middle of a residential area. It's an ideal place to relax and to escape from city life although the city is literally only on the other side of the wall.
The water in the Basin came from Lough Owel, north of Mullingar in County Westmeath, via the Royal Canal. Water from the canal was carried two miles from the eight lock, at Reilly's Bridge through iron pipe work and into the Basin. The water percolated through a gravel and stone filter before being pumped into the city's water supply.
From the 1860's until the 1970's the water was used almost exclusively to supply the Jameson Whiskey distillery in Bow Lane and the Power's Whiskey distillery in John's Lane. The water was used in various parts of the process including malting, where barley is allowed to sprout for a few days before drying, to increase the amount of alcohol produced during the brewing process.
The Basin was refurbished in 1993/94 when extensive planting of trees and shrubs, construction of railings, seating bays and restoration of stone walls took place.
The Basin is a wonderful oasis hidden behind high stone walls in the middle of a residential area. It's an ideal place to relax and to escape from city life although the city is literally only on the other side of the wall.
1 comment:
I know Blessington Street but I didn't know about this. Thank you for this wonderful post, Blogaire.
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